Below Deck Gas Tank Problem

[chip0004]

Engine quit on us yesterday and seen to have diagnosed as a gas issue. We have an 18gal plastic below-deck diesel gas tank that is 3/4 full. Between the tank and the engine is the filter/water separator.

Removed the assembly cover, pulled out the filter and found very little gas - maybe 1/3 full. I removed the hose, which was mostly dry, at the assembly and blew into it toward the tank (didn?t appear to be obstructed) and then quick suck started fuel flow. Reconnected the hose to the filter which filled fairly rapidly, replaced the screw-on cover, and bled some air at the engine bleeder valve and the engine started. But only ran for a min or so. Found the filter assembly again almost empty.

Is there a filter or screen at the bottom of the tank? I tried removing the fitting at the tank top, where the hose attaches, but other than freely spinning around; it does not appear to be a threaded fitting and was afraid of breaking it when tying to pull it off. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

btw - This is not new gas, and seperator had very little water in it. The filter was changed a few months ago and appears quite clean.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Below Deck Gas Tank Problem

possibly clogged vent. the fuel can suck out of a vaccuum. weak fuel pump. air leak in fuel line , between filter and tank.

 

[guy74]

Re: Below Deck Gas Tank Problem

Sounds like an air leak in the hose from the tank, or a cracked fitting or down pipe in the tank.

 

[chip0004]

Re: Below Deck Gas Tank Problem

Thanks guys. Your diagnosis sounds much more probable than gung in the bottom of the tank. Do either of you know if the tube & fitting can be removed? Like I said, it appears to just spin around when I try to unscrew it and doesn't seem to want to budge when I pry on it.

In any case depending on the answer to this question - Wed nite, we will either remove the tube or remove the sending unit/float and drop in a new longer hose to see if we can temporarily bypass any air leaks.

Certainly appreciate the help.

Also, I notice Guy74 that you own a '73 Glastron. I have a '73 Glasspar, with an '83 70hp Johnson. Many hours of enjoyment on it.

 

[guy74]

Re: Below Deck Gas Tank Problem

We get around 6 hours a week of fun out of our '73 Glastron trihull. It's a handy size that doesn't take alot of $ to have fun with. Happy boating