99 Bayliner Capri Fuel Tank Question

[ckirk]

I have a 1999 Bayliner Capri. At the end of last summer and during a few warm days this year I have noticed a strong smell of gasoline from the engine compartment. I also noticed what seemed to be gasoline contaminating the water that collected in the engine compartment and drianing from the hull drain this winter; it does not seem to be a continuous leak. Last summer I had fuel coming from the fuel tank vent once as well.

I keep the boat covered in the driveway with the trailer tounge elevated. After researching the tank, a 24 gallon Moeller FT2435 tank, is only 6 inches deep and 60 inches long. With the tounge elevated it seems that the fuel may be collecting in the back of the tank blocking the fuel vent with air bubble at the front of the tank. When the bubble expands with temperature fuel is forced out the vent.

Has anyone else ever encoutered this problem and are there methods to prevent it from occuring. I am planning to have the tank tested prior to this season just to be sure it is not leaking.

Thanks.

 

[rickryder]

Re: 99 Bayliner Capri Fuel Tank Question

I know the 44 gal tank in my Four Winns has a vent tube at the bow end and the vent line runs along the top of the tank and exits through the motor well boot in the bilge bulkhead.....if my trailer is raised all the air goes to the vent.

 

[ckirk]

Re: 99 Bayliner Capri Fuel Tank Question

Your sounds like a better design. The vent tube on the Capri is at the stern end of the tank. Since the tank is so long and shallow, it seems tht even when the tank is only half full, only a slight rise in the bow floods the vent.