Where does your fuel tank vent?

[Gene Gruender]

Most, if not all, fuel tank vents are built to go overboard. This seems like a fine just waiting to be assessed.I removed mine and then put the vent hose in a can when fueling. I pour the fuel that ended up in the can into the tank when I'm done. This fuel would have gone overboard if I still had the original vent.I've been told that what I'm doing is illegal, but it's also illegal to dump th fuel into the water. So, what is a guy to do? Is this really illegal?I know my method would be absolutely dangerous with a gas engine, but with diesel it seems like the only way to do it.Comments?

 

[Les Andersen]

Gene,

I picked up an overfoow bottle from Boat US. It is essentially a plastic quart bottle with a hole cut in the side. The hole has a thick foam rubber gasket that fits over the vent. It is securred to the side with a couple of suction cups. When refueling just take off the cap and secure the bottle. Fill up and any overflow, up to a quart, is caught in the bottle and can be poured back in the tank. Works like a charm. Keep it in a zip lock bag to prevent a mess in storage. Think it cost less that $5.00. Really works.Les Andersens/v Mutual Fun

 

[Gary Wyngarden]

Preventing Fuel Spillage

Gene,I second Les's recommendation on the bottles with the suction cups. They are also available from West Marine. I think they are more like $15, but they work like a charm. I haven't spilled a drop since I got one.Gary Wyngardens/v Shibumi H335