Diesel Fuel cap seal??

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Euphoria2011

Euphoria2011

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May 24, 2011
139
Oday 28 Windmill Harbor Hilton Head, SC
I have a 83 Oday 28 and I want to make sure no water can seep into my fuel tank so I was thinking or maybe replacing the little black srew in cap or add a small o-ring or some sort of seal.

I read that water in the fuel tank was one of the biggest problems.

Any suggestions?
 
Slow Mo^cean

Slow Mo^cean

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Jul 1, 2012
155
Catalina C22 Georgetown
Yes water in the fuel is an issue, but if regularly inspect your fuel/water separator, you shouldn't have an issue. Water will get into your fuel system one way or another, so just perform regular maintenance and you should be OK.
 
Davidasailor26

Davidasailor26

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May 17, 2004
5,695
Beneteau Oceanis 37 Havre de Grace
Also one of the bigger ways that water gets into the tank is just from condensation of whatever air gets into the tank through the vent line. For that reason be sure to leave the tank full over the winter to minimize the air that can condense. Once water gets into diesel it's not just a matter of interfering with combustion (the water separator prevents that), but the water also allows bacteria to grow and form a sludge that blocks filters. A biocide additive and filter maintenance can prevent those problems.
 
Richard19068

Richard19068

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Jun 11, 2004
1,772
Oday 31 Redondo Beach
The screw in cap should have an O ring. If it doesn't that would be a good addition.
 
Euphoria2011

Euphoria2011

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May 24, 2011
139
Oday 28 Windmill Harbor Hilton Head, SC
Agreed, Also I noticed that each time I fuel up, fuel really comes out of the vent on the stern like crazy. Not sure why but I do fuel real slow so fuel does not overflow all over the step area. Wonder if the fuel vent tube is high on the fill line???
 
SailingCal21

SailingCal21

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May 30, 2006
354
Oday 34 Chesapeake Bay
Fuel coming out your vent line is a sign of a too full tank. Try not to do that as its bad for the environment and your pocketbook if someone reports you.

All the above suggestions are good I'd like the emphasize the O-ring too, often they get cracks due to UV exposure. Inspect and change out as needed. Do some searches, there's lots of information concerning fuel tank ills and how to correct.
 
catsailor

catsailor

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Jan 10, 2009
590
PDQ 32 Deale, MD
Slow Mo^cean said:
Yes water in the fuel is an issue, but if regularly inspect your fuel/water separator, you shouldn't have an issue. Water will get into your fuel system one way or another, so just perform regular maintenance and you should be OK.
Click to expand
Perhaps 50% true.

Condensation from the air can be prevented by a vent filter (H2OUT or VETUS) and keeping the tank full. I've done lab and formal field tests on both.

If ANY of the water is salt the corrosion damage can be impressive in a matter of a few months. The best prevention steps are a tight cap, a separator as you mentioned, and an additive with effective corrosion prevention against salt.
 
catsailor

catsailor

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Jan 10, 2009
590
PDQ 32 Deale, MD
Euphoria2011 said:
Agreed, Also I noticed that each time I fuel up, fuel really comes out of the vent on the stern like crazy. Not sure why but I do fuel real slow so fuel does not overflow all over the step area. Wonder if the fuel vent tube is high on the fill line???
Click to expand
a. Examine your system an see how it's plumbed. There should be NO mysteries on a boat.
b. Instal an anti-spitback valve. Mandatory on 2011+ boats.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...&subdeptNum=50406&classNum=50409#.UAF3PJGBqdA
 
SailingCal21

SailingCal21

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May 30, 2006
354
Oday 34 Chesapeake Bay
Fuel Vent Line Surge Protector...learn something new every day. Gonna get some of that and install it along with the H2Out AVD2.
 
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