My problem seems to be water again from the Hunter tank which is mixing with the fuel while the boat heals in rough seas and then causes engine failure and then in my case a major "May DAY" when the boat collided with the railroad bridge. WE are optimistic that we will finally get to the actual source of the problem soon. If anyone else has had similar problems, let us know. Fortunately the boat did survive but will require extensive work nad cost to be restored.
Update on Fuel Tank/Engine Problem
- Thread starter JohnEh
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Have you emptied the tank?
John: Have you emptied the tank? I would suggest that you pump all of the fuel into cans and then determine how much water there is in the fuel. You can dispose of the fuel and start clean (best recommendation). You could also filter it with a Baja Filter. Be sure that you replace the 0-ring on the fuel filler cap too. You may want to determine if the source of your problem is your filling station.
John: Have you emptied the tank? I would suggest that you pump all of the fuel into cans and then determine how much water there is in the fuel. You can dispose of the fuel and start clean (best recommendation). You could also filter it with a Baja Filter. Be sure that you replace the 0-ring on the fuel filler cap too. You may want to determine if the source of your problem is your filling station.
Tank/Problem/Update
We are making every effort to get to the root of the problem this time. We will utilize an auxillary tank to move the boat to the boatyard where the boat will be pulled out for inspection and repairs. The o-ring and filler cap was replaced last time so unless both were defective/this is not the problem, but we will find out. We intend to check the vent also and plan to be completely satisfied as to where the problem is before we drain and then refill. Since the last time the engine failed due to water(only a couple of months ago), about 12-15 gallons has been burned and replaced, all of which was purchased at an EXXON auto station and transported in containers to the boat, so there is only one source of fuel and we don't beleive that we have ever been getting "bad" fuel. Additives have been also put in the tank.
We are making every effort to get to the root of the problem this time. We will utilize an auxillary tank to move the boat to the boatyard where the boat will be pulled out for inspection and repairs. The o-ring and filler cap was replaced last time so unless both were defective/this is not the problem, but we will find out. We intend to check the vent also and plan to be completely satisfied as to where the problem is before we drain and then refill. Since the last time the engine failed due to water(only a couple of months ago), about 12-15 gallons has been burned and replaced, all of which was purchased at an EXXON auto station and transported in containers to the boat, so there is only one source of fuel and we don't beleive that we have ever been getting "bad" fuel. Additives have been also put in the tank.
Washing your boat
This may be a stupid question but did you "blast" your tank vent while washing your boat with a hose? I could imaginge quite a lot of water entering that way...
This may be a stupid question but did you "blast" your tank vent while washing your boat with a hose? I could imaginge quite a lot of water entering that way...
No direct Washing at the Vent
Yes, I do wash the boat frequently, but I never put a hose on the port side at the stern where the fuel fill and vent is, but certainly water could get to this exposed location. Water drips off the bimini and arch and rain could hit this also.
Yes, I do wash the boat frequently, but I never put a hose on the port side at the stern where the fuel fill and vent is, but certainly water could get to this exposed location. Water drips off the bimini and arch and rain could hit this also.
should have a loop on the vent!
John: There should be a loop on the vent hose. This loop would be higher than the vent and be about 2-4 inches high. This would prevent water from ever getting into the tank. Once you get water in the tank it is probably going to stay there. Water is heavier than fuel (fuel floats). The pickup for the tank does not (should not) go to the bottom of the tank so the water is not going to be mixed with the fuel until you start stiring it up (either rough seas or sailing). It will be interesting to find the source of the problem. Good luck.
John: There should be a loop on the vent hose. This loop would be higher than the vent and be about 2-4 inches high. This would prevent water from ever getting into the tank. Once you get water in the tank it is probably going to stay there. Water is heavier than fuel (fuel floats). The pickup for the tank does not (should not) go to the bottom of the tank so the water is not going to be mixed with the fuel until you start stiring it up (either rough seas or sailing). It will be interesting to find the source of the problem. Good luck.
No Loop
I have a picture which I can post later which shows the vent line inside the deck. There is "NO LOOP". The hose goes about horizontal to the water line with a slight angle up. We are still trying to determine whether this is correct. Logic would say the angle should be verticle up.
I have a picture which I can post later which shows the vent line inside the deck. There is "NO LOOP". The hose goes about horizontal to the water line with a slight angle up. We are still trying to determine whether this is correct. Logic would say the angle should be verticle up.
Yep, straight up is the way it should have been
installed. How old is your boat? If it's still under warranty,,,,,
installed. How old is your boat? If it's still under warranty,,,,,
Picture "No Loop"
Our 33 was delivered in March 2004. I beleive it was #43. I have also checked an even newer boat and the angle is the same. Hunter has asked me to check the holes in the outer fitting which they say should be a 5 oclock and 7 oclock when looking at the fitting from the dock. I will check this today. Anyone have any comments concerning the picture?
Our 33 was delivered in March 2004. I beleive it was #43. I have also checked an even newer boat and the angle is the same. Hunter has asked me to check the holes in the outer fitting which they say should be a 5 oclock and 7 oclock when looking at the fitting from the dock. I will check this today. Anyone have any comments concerning the picture?
Fuel line
John, this does not have to do with your water problem but as a comment on your picture the first thing I notice is that the fuel line is not all the way installed on the barb,as a matter of fact it looks like it just barely on the hose barb. It show be more like the larger fuel fill hose and barb (as in you picture)Could be a problem down as time goes bye. Good Luck with you water issue and please post the final outcome/findings.
John, this does not have to do with your water problem but as a comment on your picture the first thing I notice is that the fuel line is not all the way installed on the barb,as a matter of fact it looks like it just barely on the hose barb. It show be more like the larger fuel fill hose and barb (as in you picture)Could be a problem down as time goes bye. Good Luck with you water issue and please post the final outcome/findings.
Silver lining for others
John, Apparently your problem did not go unheard, I received a package from Hunter Marine in the mail, containing a clam vent to cover the fuel vent. I was told that these boats had Water/Fuel separators pre-installed, and would that have averted your problem ?
John, Apparently your problem did not go unheard, I received a package from Hunter Marine in the mail, containing a clam vent to cover the fuel vent. I was told that these boats had Water/Fuel separators pre-installed, and would that have averted your problem ?
Me too
I recieved a clam vent to install yesterday. Of course I can't even get to my boat now through all of the snow (with another nor'easter heading in tonight). Has anybody thought about adding a steeper loop upwards in the vent line? It's hard to tell from John's picture if there is room for another 3" upwards that it probably needs. Andy
I recieved a clam vent to install yesterday. Of course I can't even get to my boat now through all of the snow (with another nor'easter heading in tonight). Has anybody thought about adding a steeper loop upwards in the vent line? It's hard to tell from John's picture if there is room for another 3" upwards that it probably needs. Andy
vent line loop
I also recieved the clam vent package from Hunter and I also had water in my fuel this past summer. I have a call in to Hunter regarding whether a loop in the vent line would be a better fix. I swept away the snow last weekend and took a good look at my vent and the vent line above the tank - there is a slight rise in the line but not a loop. I'm still waiting for a return call from Hunter on this. I'll let you know what I hear - Mark
I also recieved the clam vent package from Hunter and I also had water in my fuel this past summer. I have a call in to Hunter regarding whether a loop in the vent line would be a better fix. I swept away the snow last weekend and took a good look at my vent and the vent line above the tank - there is a slight rise in the line but not a loop. I'm still waiting for a return call from Hunter on this. I'll let you know what I hear - Mark
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