99 Bayliner Capri Fuel Tank Question

[ckirk]

I previously posteed this in the Bayliner forum, and I'm not sure it applies here, but the boat has an Alpha 1 outdrive.

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.

 

[Black as]

Re: 99 Bayliner Capri Fuel Tank Question

I have never had the problem but I would get it checked out quick smart before something seriously happens.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 99 Bayliner Capri Fuel Tank Question

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.

Ayuh,... That would dump gas OUTSIDE the boat, not in the bilge...

You've got a Leak, 'n ya Gotta find it...

 

[Bayliner1952]

Re: 99 Bayliner Capri Fuel Tank Question

I'v got a 95' 1952. I have the same issue with the fuel vent leaking.
But as Bondo says this would not cause fuel in the bilge unless there is a leak in your vent.
I also know that this vent is a common issue with bayliners.
Good luck!

 

[ckirk]

Re: 99 Bayliner Capri Fuel Tank Question

Thanks Bayliner 1952. I greatly appreciate your comments; I was curious if this was a common issue.

I think the presence of fuel in the bilge may be coming from a leaking gasket around the sending unit. The gasket is bulging out from around the unit, from what looks to be overtighening(possibley in an attempt to solve this problem in the past, I've only had the boat for two years). Assuming the vent is submerged, when the weather warms the expanding fuel is able to seep out at this point and trickle down to the base of the boat and into the bilge.

It is supposed to dry out this weekend here in Maryland and I should have a new sending unit gasket by then. My plan is to lower the bow to get the fuel to the front of the tank, remove and check the hoses and vent connections, and change the sending unit gasket. With the hoses removed I can then determine the best angle to store the boat to keep the vent clear and still allow the boat to drain.

I will then continue to monitor for fuel; if it continues to be a problem I will have the tank tested and if needed replaced berfore the start of the boating seaon .

Thanks again for everyones comments.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 99 Bayliner Capri Fuel Tank Question

I would consider trying to leak test the tank possibly with compressed air. I would definitley not start the engine in that boat until you determine your issue.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 99 Bayliner Capri Fuel Tank Question

MY OPINION!!Be careful when pressurizing a gas tank.It can cause it to blow.Static is dangerous.
The sender should be accesable so tilt the boat up and spray soap around the fittings.Then blow air into the tank from the vent line,using your MOUTH.Any more pressure is dangerous.
Be very carefuk when removing the screw in the sender.They strip REAL easy.Putting them back in can be bad fun.
I found a leak in a friends tank and it took 8 hrs to finnaly get it to stop leaking around the sender.J