fuel vent

[Rich (P303)]

Qustion regard the fuel vent. I am up here in the northeast, boat is on stands and covered up; biocide added; fuel topped off to prevent condensation in the tank; air intake and exhaust sealed.I want to keep all the moisture out of the fuel system/engine that I can. Would taping the fuel vent cause another problem (like a hose collasping in the cold ...or blowing up in the spring due to fuel expansion or contraction)... or anything else that I have done above... not advised.I am sure there are pros and cons,Rich

 

[Dean5735]

what would I do?

Hey Ray, I am up in northern michigan and also winterize everything, but, mine is inside. But, if it were outside I would put something like a washcloth over the vent and tape it, this will let out press. but not let snow or rain in.Think like a sailor!!Dean, www.blowinganddrifting@yahoo.com

 

[MoonSailer]

Does Fuel Get Better with Age????

The best thing to do is to empty the tank and add 1/4 tank of fresh fuel in the spring!!! Air especially cold air carries very little moisture. But fuel does get old. Fuel does expand and contract so you need a working vent. But with diesel the problem isn't as severe as with gasoline which is more volatile. Next year try to end the season with a nearly empty tank. Try to start each year with fresh fuel!!!! Unless taking a trip I keep my tank about 1/4 full. But we sail all year down here. BTW I never get water in my fuel. Condensation as a major route for water getting into a small fuel tank is a myth. Now air exposure may cause the fuel to oxidise more quickly but by keeping the tank level low and adding fresh fuel the average age of the fuel in the tank is much lower than keeping a full tank. And probably unless the tank is sealed enough oxygen gets into the tank by diffusion to age the fuel anyway.. If I kept my tank full the average age of fuel in my tank would probably be 3-4 years old!!!!! Full tanks may work for powerboats who burn a lot of fuel . But a sailboat that burns 5-10 gallons/year a full tank is a mistake. If I ever replace my fuel tank of about 23 gallons it will be with two smaller tanks. Maybe a 10 gallon tank that is used regularly and a bladder tank to use on trips. Fresh fuel is better!!!!

 

[Paul Akers]

Moonsailer?

That's why I use a stabilizer. Works OK for me! It will keep the fuel fresh over the winter and then not have to worry about "Old" fuel in the system. The trick is to run the engine after the fuel is stabilized to get the fresh fuel into the fuel lines.P.S. I like the face cloth idea. All I did this season was to use shrinkwrap tape to create a larger-than-usual vent cap over the regular vent.

 

[Tim R.]

I agree

I empty my tank into my home heating oil tank every season and start fresh every spring. After emptying the tank, I clean it and dry it. I buy my fuel from a clean source and never add any additives. I have a 40 gallon tank that I maybe use 40-60 gallons per season. When I empty the tank, it has very little moisture or crud in it. This is such a simple maintenance job, why not do it and have worry free motoring when you need it.As for the vent, panty hose over the vent works nice.Tim R.

 

[Mike B]

I leave mine open

We keep the boat in Baltimore, MD for the winter. I try to fill the tank before winterizing her. No bad effects with or without a full tank. No evidence of moisture building up either. I always add biocide with every fill up and go through multiple tanks per season. Always fires right up in the spring.

 

[higgs]

Where we really have winter

We keep our tanks full, add stabilizer, and forget about it. Let the tank breathe. That vent, it seems to me, lets moisture out, too.

 

[Rich (P303)]

Thanks for the input...

I guess we covered the gammet here... short of taking the fuel tank out! I think I will leave well enough alone and leave the vent... vented.Come on April!

 

[Alan]

Tank vent

If your fuel tank vent line was correctly installed(?) there should be a vent loop before the vent exits the hull. This loop is there to prevent water from entering the tank via the 'back door'. However, the most feasible way for water to enter the tank is through the filler cap. The cap should have a rubber O ring gasket on it but with time this gasket cracks and leaks. The simple solution is to replace this O ring at the end of each season.While you're at it, install your Fuel Whistle to help protect the environment.