Slow and sloppy fueling on 2004 Hunter 41

S

spadaforaj

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Sep 27, 2008
208
Hunter 41 Longport,NJ
Hi all - was wondering if anyone else has had problems with this model. I have two tanks, stock and auxiliary. Both are in extremely awkward positions, but the big problem is both are slow to fill, especially the main tank and we have to really take our time and constantly be on the guard for back splashing. We were sure to clear the vent line (with that stupid mushroom vent). We are also careful to have the caps for both the main and auxiliary tank off when fueling.

Does anyone else have this issue ? I am in fear of the answer - start tracing the lines through all the stern for kinks........
 
Tally Ho

Tally Ho

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Jan 7, 2011
5,369
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
Are the vents blocked? That would slow down the fuel filling and cause “burps”.

And I am always aware of my tank level, and start slowing down a few gallons before FULL to prevent an overflow.

Greg
 
sailcapt340

sailcapt340

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Sep 26, 2008
677
Hunter 340 0 Wickford, RI
Same issue on my 340. And has been since new. I have to be extremely cautious when fueling to not get the “backsplash” you state.
As far as awkward positioning, I do have to duck under the wing seat to get to the fill cap and hold the nozzle and hose as I fill the tank. I only have the 1 fuel tank on my boat. And it takes some time to fuel the boat.
When filling my tank I hear the whistle of the fuel in the nozzle, that‘s how slow I have to go.
I’ve cleaned and cleared the vents as well and never found any blockages. I’ve resigned myself to believe it’s just slight differences in fill hose placement, angles, bends that we have and others don’t.
 
D

danm1

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Oct 5, 2013
195
Hunter 356 Mamaroneck, NY
One other possibility. One of the fuel docks near me has a high speed hose for the mega boat tanks. I can use it, but have to be careful not to squeeze the trigger more than a fraction.
 
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Ralph Johnstone

Ralph Johnstone

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Jan 4, 2006
7,107
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
If you have any low spots in your vent line(s) that will reduce the vent's ability to discharge air. A big enough sag will arrest all air flow which is what you now have ........ fuel trying to go down the line and an equal volume of air coming back up the line.

spadaforaj said:
I am in fear of the answer - start tracing the lines through all the stern for kinks........
Click to expand
That is exactly what you'll be doing, barring any kinks, but you will be looking for low spots in the vent line(s) which will be full of fuel.
 
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Ralph Johnstone

Ralph Johnstone

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Jan 4, 2006
7,107
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
spadaforaj said:
but the big problem is both are slow to fill,
Click to expand
One other possible "maybe" is that somehow you've wound up with water rated filling hose rather that fuel rated hose. The fuel rated hose will be in the 1-1/2" to 2" size but the biggy is that fuel rated hose is wire wound to prevent kinking and sharp bends. Water rated hose, on the other hand, kinks every time it is bent at too sharp an angle.
 
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Rasselas36

Rasselas36

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Oct 4, 2008
147
Hunter 36 Mulberry Cove Marina
I have reverted to refilling my tank with jerrycans. I had too many burbs at fueling stations that have been chaotic. The fill cap location and the mushroom vent were and are stupid design decisions.
 
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sailme88

sailme88

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Jan 19, 2010
1,262
Catalina 34 Casco Bay
If the nozzle is a high gallonage type it will just barely fit into the filler pipe. That will occlude displacement air from escaping. You might want to get a large funnel that has a tip that is half the diameter of the fill pipe. Don't let bottom out as that will occlude as well.There are some funnels with an air escape tube..
 
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F

F. Ryan

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Jul 17, 2012
1
Hunter 37 CT
The hull side clamshell vents typically have a screen insert designed as a spark/flame arrester for gasoline applications. Sometimes they become clogged and the simple method to clear them is to pinch a hole in them with a bent object fashioned from a nail or similar item. On these diesel models they're not necessary.
As well, and even more problematic, the holding tank vents are also susceptible to this
 
marcham

marcham

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Jun 17, 2022
170
Hunter 380 Comox BC
I've seen this in many boats before. Most likely is that your fill hose does not slope all the way to the tank, and may have some level sections. Time to start with the boat yoga to inspect! :)
 
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sailme88

sailme88

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Jan 19, 2010
1,262
Catalina 34 Casco Bay
Long before the diesel comes up into that clear baffle, to will be spraying out the vent. Everything in that promo pic is above the combing and the vent. The path of least resistance is that vent.
The issue is the nozzle size. Mega yachts using the same fuel dock take on THOUSANDS of gallons. To facilitate the flow, larger nozzles are employed. Often these nozzles just barely fit into the fuel pipe. Without the room for the air in the tank to escape, it head for the vent..
 
sailcapt340

sailcapt340

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Sep 26, 2008
677
Hunter 340 0 Wickford, RI
So while I was routing a new remote mic cable to into my pedestal on Wednesday, I just happened to be up close and personal to my fuel tank and got this picture of my fuel fill and vent hoses, I thought you would like to see.
Never noticed this before, not in there all that much.
Back in post no. 6 … Ralph outlined the issue perfectly and in post no. 11 marcham said time for yoga
Ralph Johnstone said:
If you have any low spots in your vent line(s) that will reduce the vent's ability to discharge air. A big enough sag will arrest all air flow which is what you now have ........
Click to expand
marcham said:
Most likely is that your fill hose does not slope all the way to the tank, and may have some level sections. Time to start with the boat yoga to inspect!
Click to expand
I’m getting over the yoga part now. Wow were you right!
IMG_1222.jpeg


I don’t think I’ll be correcting this anytime soon but it sure does show the issue.
 
marcham

marcham

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Jun 17, 2022
170
Hunter 380 Comox BC
Unfortunately.... very common in production boats. Had that issue in my 2020 Oceanis 31 and 2019 Yamaha ar195.
 
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