Portable outboard tanks-Help!

[Guest]

I have rececntly aquired boat with outboard engine (Had inboards before).
I have tried two different portable petrol tanks, each time I have closed vent after use. Next day on return find petrol being forced out of connections on top of tank soaking cockpit of boat!..... what am I doing wrong? Should the vents be left open? If so what about fumes?... can anybody advise please?

Regards PaulB

 

[Guest]

I never close the vents on my tanks and have no problems with fumes. The tank only needs to breath a small amount. Why dont you try leaving them open? After all you dont close your car tank vent do you.

 

[gus]

The end of your hose connection to the outboard has or should have a sealing ball valve. This is obviously not sealing properly. You should be able to close your tank vent and have no fuel spillage or fumes.

 

[Guest]

gasoline tanks are a bit different for boats than cars. in both, of course, the gas fumes are heavier than air. but, the car's fumes sink to the ground under the car and disapate. the fumes from the boat's tank sink into the bilge where they accumulate just waiting for a spark. the portable tank should be liquid/gas tight or else store it on deck where fumes can't gather in your bilge.

krgds



pearlfish

 

[Guest]

I find the hose connection on the dual-spigot tends to leak a bit if the o-ring isn't perfect which is often the case. If it gets to this stage then disconnect the hose froim the tank and the ball valve should then seal correctly and then you can leave the vent closed. However I also suggest you keep it in an outside locker and leave the vent open. But only if you are sure the fumes can't get inside.

If the o-ring gets bad enough then you will have a reliability problem with the motor anyway as it will start to suck air into the line. This is often the cause of unreliable running in outboards.