1991 Bluefin/Spectrum 19.6 Gas tank problem

[Bluefin91]

I am completely restoring the boat and ran into this problem.
Took the tank out to clean and cannot figure out how the vent works. The long tube goes inside the gas tank. Just wondering what keeps gas from getting into the vent either by splashing around or when getting filled. The pictures are exactly how it came out. There is a slight arc in the hose I don't know if that is supposed to keep it out of the gas. Thanks for any help.

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard.

The tank isn't very high, is it? Vents don't have any one-way valves. So there is nothing to stop fuel exiting the vent when filling except you keeping an eye on it and avoiding overfilling. During operation the vent is sucking in to stop fuel from sloshing out. And the length of the tube is to the high end of the tank as it sits in the boat so it is usually in air, not fuel.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the vent is to allow air to escape when you are filling the tank and to keep the tank from collapsing as you run the motor.

and yes, if you are over-zealous with the gas pump, it will shoot out the vent and hit you in the face.

 

[Bluefin91]

Yes it is a very low tank. 20/25 gallons and only about 6 inches tall. I bought a roll of 1/2 inch aluminum tubing to replace the plastic at summit racing and will put the bend back in. and you are right it does go to the high side of the tank. So as long as I keep it up towards the high side it should be ok? Thanks again,!

 

[GA_Boater]

Just duplicate the tube and you'll be fine.

Is the vent tube 1/2"? It doesn't look that big with not much for reference. Is the tube cracked?

 

[Bluefin91]

1/2 inch tube and it is not cracked.

 

[Bluefin91]

I thought I would replace it and the short hoses also. I was going to use neoprene for the short pieces, not sure what the short hoses are made of, they both have a stainless steel wound wire inside, I guess to keep them from curling.