Fuel Vent line clogged?

[YN2(SS)]

The boat is an 89 Sylvan 209 with a Mercruiser 5.0LX (4bbl) and Alpha One. Just purchased the boat and it ran nice at a prebuy inspection. First time it had been run in a year and a half. Got it home, it was difficult to start, and when it ran, it ran for about a minute and then it shut down. Dont know yet if there are any automatic shutdown features on this engine. It seemed as if it wasnt getting enough fuel. I have seen several mudober nests around the boat and wondered if the fuel tank vent line was clogged/blocked. I removed the fitting from the outside, put the fitting to my mouth and blew a good lung full. When I stopped, it blew all the air back to me!?! Is a fuel vent line supposed to prevent air from being blown in? is this a problem? Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Fuel Vent line clogged?

To check for a clogged vent, leave the gas fill cap off and run it. I doubt you would notice a plugged vent in the first minute of running.
I would pour some gas in the carb and try starting it a couple of times. If the fuel filter was empty, it may not have pulled gas up yet.
Could also be that you just left it at idle rpm when cold. Just raise the rpm up to 1200 rpm or so until it warms up for a few minutes.

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: Fuel Vent line clogged?

Ok, so I removed the gas cap and blew into the vent line and air came out the gas inlet where the cap was. So, the vent line is clear.

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: Fuel Vent line clogged?

Next time I try to start it, I'll try as you suggested.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fuel Vent line clogged?

Ayuh,... Ya might wanta check the contents of the fuel filter, 'n toss on a new 1...

Does the gas, still smell like gas,..??

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: Fuel Vent line clogged?

Before the prebuy, the PO and I removed the filter and poured the contents out. No water or particulates. He stated he had Sta-bil added at each winterization, fall of '10 and fall of '11. The boat was used up until fall of '10, then not at all summer of '11, and I jus bought it. He had a shop(the shop I did the prebuy at) do the winterization both times.

So after we emptied the filter, it went to the prebuy. They added 5 gallons of gas to the 30 gallon tank to run it because it was "nearly empty". They ran it, then I showed up for the prebuy and they ran it, then I ran it at home. After I ran it at home, I removed the filter and poured out the contents. No particulates and no water. Before I attempt to run it more and really chase this down, I intend on filling the tank to have a fresh supply of gasoline available. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: Fuel Vent line clogged?

As a matter of consideration, can I pour out the contents of the filter and move forward, or does the filter element retain the water (ie does it sponge up the water or prevent passage of the water).

 

[Don S]

Re: Fuel Vent line clogged?

Once you empty the contents of a filter, some of the garbage gets transferred to the "Clean" side of the filter. Thus the reason you throw the old one away. It also absorbs water which prevents filtering.
Treat old filters after you remove them as you would used TP.

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: Fuel Vent line clogged?

Good to know info. I will get a new one on the way. As a matter of preventative maintenance, how often should I change the filter. I have heard to fill the fuel tank at winterization(to prevent condensation), add a bottle of Sta-bil, and change the fuel filter then. In addition to other items. Is that reasonable?

 

[Pete104]

Re: Fuel Vent line clogged?

If you want to fill it up, go ahead. But try to run alot of the fuel out. If you just fill it & not use it, it's only going to expand & run out the vent!

What are "mudober nests"?

 

[Don S]

Re: Fuel Vent line clogged?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mud_dauber

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: Fuel Vent line clogged?

Yeah, I plan on running alot of fuel through it this summer. The boat came complete with ski ropes, skis, wakeboard, jackets, etc. Turn key. The boat is in surprisingly good shape for its age. I am almost done with the trailer. Ordering new carpet for the boat tommorow and the seats should be back from the vinyl shop soon. Im hammerin away on it pretty fast. Lost of elbow grease. As I said, the boat is in pretty good shape. Mechanically. Cosmetically, not so much. pretty dirty

And yes, dem dare r muddaubers.

 

[Pete104]

Re: Fuel Vent line clogged?

Got it & that is what I thought he was referring 2. I followed his spelling.
Would you give ANYTHING a lung full knowing they may be around?

 

[YN2(SS)]

Re: Fuel Vent line clogged?

I see what your saying. I was concerned that maybe the daubers had gotten into the fuel vent line, but when I removed the exterior hull fitting, I saw it was impossible for them to get past the small passages. Maybe other really small bugs, like gnats, but no daubers.

I found the stickies on winterizing and I'll go there and my SELOC manual to get the boat ready in the fall. Thanks all!!