Having just gone through the annual ritual of filling the fuel tank prior to winter storage, I'm wondering if it's normal on Hunter 31's to have to fill the tank VERY slowly. It typically takes me about fifteen minutes to pump 12 gallons of fuel. If I try to pump it faster the fuel foams up out of the fill tube. I either have to just trickle it in or pump about a gallon andd let it settle for a minute or two before adding any more. It's not a huge problem since I ususally only get fuel once or twice a year, it's just kind of annoying. Am I doing something wrong or does anyone else experience this?
- Status
Probably ok, check your fuel tank vent
My 33 is the same, can only use about 25-50% opening of nozzle when filling - you might check the vent opening - it is on the stern on 33's, sometimes a wasp or spider will make a nest and clog it up, contributing to your problem - although if clogged completely, you probably would have fuel starvation problems.
My 33 is the same, can only use about 25-50% opening of nozzle when filling - you might check the vent opening - it is on the stern on 33's, sometimes a wasp or spider will make a nest and clog it up, contributing to your problem - although if clogged completely, you probably would have fuel starvation problems.
Refueling
Ditto Tom. If you've ever filled a portable fuel tank you'll experience the same foaming problem. I don't know if its caused by a fuel additive or what but my experience is the same as yours. Our marina doesn't have fuel pumps so I usually fill our tank from a five gal. portable which which is equipped with a hand pump.
Ditto Tom. If you've ever filled a portable fuel tank you'll experience the same foaming problem. I don't know if its caused by a fuel additive or what but my experience is the same as yours. Our marina doesn't have fuel pumps so I usually fill our tank from a five gal. portable which which is equipped with a hand pump.
No problem on our 31.
Tom: We do not have this problem on our H'31. We usually take about 7-9 gals. at a time (half a tank). They only real foaming problem is when you are topping off the tank. I would remove the vent and line and be sure that it is clear. Ours has a loop at the vent end to prevent water from entering the tank too. You may have a kink that is not allowing enough air to escape the tank went you are filling.
Tom: We do not have this problem on our H'31. We usually take about 7-9 gals. at a time (half a tank). They only real foaming problem is when you are topping off the tank. I would remove the vent and line and be sure that it is clear. Ours has a loop at the vent end to prevent water from entering the tank too. You may have a kink that is not allowing enough air to escape the tank went you are filling.
Recommend Fuel Stabilizer for Storage
I know your question is about foaming but just in case, if you aren't already doing so, if you're setting up for the winter it would be good to add some fuel stabilizer and biocide to help kill the bugs. Biobor biocide: http://www.hammondscos.com/fuel/whats_news/biobor_knocking.html (also link at bottom) Sta-Bill: http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/treatmnt.htm The biocide isn't a cure-all but it can't hurt.
I know your question is about foaming but just in case, if you aren't already doing so, if you're setting up for the winter it would be good to add some fuel stabilizer and biocide to help kill the bugs. Biobor biocide: http://www.hammondscos.com/fuel/whats_news/biobor_knocking.html (also link at bottom) Sta-Bill: http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/treatmnt.htm The biocide isn't a cure-all but it can't hurt.
Diesel Foams
I used to have a diesal car some years ago and when filling it you always had the foaming problem. So I fill my boat fuel tank very slowly in order to try to keep it from burbing out the vent. I am going to try one of these overflow catchers when I fill up for the winter. The attach over the vent and catch the overflow.
I used to have a diesal car some years ago and when filling it you always had the foaming problem. So I fill my boat fuel tank very slowly in order to try to keep it from burbing out the vent. I am going to try one of these overflow catchers when I fill up for the winter. The attach over the vent and catch the overflow.
Whoa, John Nantz
Good thinking on the fuel additive, but it should be put in before the tank is filled. Come back next summer and try it when the tank is half empty.
Good thinking on the fuel additive, but it should be put in before the tank is filled. Come back next summer and try it when the tank is half empty.
Add Before Filling
That's true, it should be added before filling. However, one should run the engine once in a while or fog the cylinders. If the engine is run periodically one could burn off enough fuel so that there is room for a couple ounces more. The additives amount to very little, and on a H-30 the biocide portion would be, say, for example, about 1/4 ounce. Add the additives to, say, a cup of fuel, and pour in the fuel-mix. Movement of the boat in its slip will be enough to slosh it around so it's not concentrated. When it's cold the bugs won't reproduce as much but then the fuel is stagnant for such a long time. The winter lay-up is probably the most important time when biocide should be added and if it were my boat I'd try everything I could to get some in the tank but to each his own. The next season one would have the additives to use every time fuel is added.
That's true, it should be added before filling. However, one should run the engine once in a while or fog the cylinders. If the engine is run periodically one could burn off enough fuel so that there is room for a couple ounces more. The additives amount to very little, and on a H-30 the biocide portion would be, say, for example, about 1/4 ounce. Add the additives to, say, a cup of fuel, and pour in the fuel-mix. Movement of the boat in its slip will be enough to slosh it around so it's not concentrated. When it's cold the bugs won't reproduce as much but then the fuel is stagnant for such a long time. The winter lay-up is probably the most important time when biocide should be added and if it were my boat I'd try everything I could to get some in the tank but to each his own. The next season one would have the additives to use every time fuel is added.
- Status