Filling up at the pump issues

bear_69cuda

Commander
Joined
Oct 10, 2008
Messages
2,109
Morning Gang,

I'm curious if I'm doing something wrong. The 3 times now I've fueled up, gas either comes gushing out of the fuel vent, or out of the filler tube... :eek: Is there something I'm missing? I tried to listen for the sound of it being close to full, but the darn gas station was cranking stupid music so loud I couldn't hear anything... I figured it would be the same as filling a car, and the pump would stop automatically...

Thanks in advance!
 

This_lil_fishy

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 23, 2008
Messages
841
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

Me too, I just estimate how much fuel will bring me close to full. Takes a bit but you get the hang of it. I know I hold just over 140Litres, so just guestimate depending on the fuel guage.

Ian
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

boats have bigger vents, so not as much back pressure on the pump. find a quieter station.
 

dvan1901

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 26, 2006
Messages
503
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

There isn't anything that keeps it from "gushing" out. You have a few options; one, find a different station. Two, by some gas bibs or an overflow catcher. Three, install a fuel wisle in your gas line, it will make a wistling noise as goes goes through and when it stops, you know you are full and to stop.
 

bear_69cuda

Commander
Joined
Oct 10, 2008
Messages
2,109
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

10-4 all, and thanks!

So this whistle goes on the vent line? Sounds like a good idea... I'll check the iboats store!
 

bear_69cuda

Commander
Joined
Oct 10, 2008
Messages
2,109
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

Nothing at iboats store, but found "Fuel Whistle" at West Marine. Installs on vent hose in-line... I'm getting one... Whistles while filling and when tank is near full it stops due to lack of air displacement. Cool Idea!

Thanks!
 

burp

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
363
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

If your boat has the fuel vent separate from the fuel fill, then there are 2 things that will help eliminate the problem.

1. A fuel vent check valve ( http://www.iboats.com/Attwood_Fuel_...93931554--**********.144193640--view_id.37945 ) added to the fuel vent hose will prevent gas from gushing out the fuel vent (both on the water and at the gas station).

2. When fueling the boat, place your hand over the fuel vent as you fill the tank. As gas enters the tank, air will exit the fuel vent. As SOON as the air stops coming out of the fuel vent, STOP filling the gas tank, otherwise gas will be kicked back/burp/gush out of the fuel fill port. This is valid/true if you have a check valve in the fuel vent line or not.

This solved the problem on my previous boat when fueling at the dock or at the gas station.

If your fuel vent is incorporated into the fuel fill port itself, it's harder to tell when the tank is full. (Or at least I have not figured out a way to prevent the gas from kicking back when the tank is full.)
 

1960vw

Seaman
Joined
Jun 30, 2008
Messages
54
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

What's a LITRE ???:p Just kidding, it's something like a gallon we use here in the states isn't it?:D:D By the way, love the whistle gadget idea, getting one.
 

HAV2FISH

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 24, 2008
Messages
519
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

I just turn the key on and look at the fuel gage as it tells me when the tank is getting full. This way i don't over fill and i still have room to add my oil.
 

Boss Hawg

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 9, 2009
Messages
1,433
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

Maybe mines too old to have problems:confused:
I have a 1987 Starcraft & have no problem at the pump :cool:
 

P 0 P E Y E

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 3, 2009
Messages
441
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

We sell fuel and our fuel pump seems to have a variable dispense rate.

They are old pumps but recently I have noticed that if you squeeze the leaver quickly, twice the rate of flow seems much faster.

If you slowly depress the leaver, you seem to get a slower rate of flow.

This inconstancy leads to some surprises.

It is also a good idea not to lock the flow at the nozzle and shift your focus on the pretty gas attendant.
 

JoLin

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 18, 2007
Messages
5,146
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

Nothing at iboats store, but found "Fuel Whistle" at West Marine. Installs on vent hose in-line... I'm getting one... Whistles while filling and when tank is near full it stops due to lack of air displacement. Cool Idea!

Thanks!

I put one of these on my last boat. They work.
 

doctordelerious

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 12, 2009
Messages
30
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

just do what I do and be poor so you can only put 5 dollars in at a time !! I never overfill !:D
 

hray

Cadet
Joined
Jan 28, 2004
Messages
7
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

Had same problem which was especially frustrating as need to mix oil with gas.

Now take a 2 1/2 gallon gas can and mix two gallons of oil and gas.

Go ahead and fill almost full and add oil. Then top off with the two gallons. Works great.
 

redone4x4

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Feb 28, 2009
Messages
1,548
Re: Filling up at the pump issues

thats how I know when its full. When fuel comes out the vent. then youre done and on your way. I dont think it will ever really harm anything, thats what the vent is for. Maybe im wrong, but been doin it that way for years. If it spills alot I just wipe it off. I also keep the hull waxed pretty good.
 
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