Stupid Question first time boater

jocholik

Cadet
Joined
Aug 30, 2009
Messages
16
On the fuel tank is a vent cap. Do I leave it open or closed ???? It is hooked up to a 1973 50hp evinrude.....
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Stupid Question first time boater

Open to run the engine (lets air in to replace the used fuel) and closed when transporting or storing (to keep the fuel in the tank).
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Stupid Question first time boater

Next time you are sucking on a bottle of water or soda, put a full lip lock on the bottle and suck. Watch the sides cave in!
Think that would happen if the bottle had a vent and it was open???
 

skiers5

Cadet
Joined
Feb 20, 2010
Messages
27
Re: Stupid Question first time boater

G'day Jocholik, mate it's better to sound stupid than prove it and this is why these forums are here, to assist one another. Every fuel tank needs a vent of some description.
Dean
 

Lion hunter

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 9, 2005
Messages
1,529
Re: Stupid Question first time boater

I keep my vent open all the time on plastic tanks. If it gets hot and the vent is closed it will spew gas all over your boat. Once it cools down at night (here anyway) I have had my tanks collaspe and deform. I only close them if I am carrying them around.
 
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