Outboard fuel tank question

[JSGOLD]

I hate to sound ignorant but I have recently bought a 3 gallon vintage Evinrude tank (metal) for my 61 5.5 fisherman motor.....cleaned up well thanks to suggestions here but I notice that it has a screw valve on the lid and it can spew out fuel or water or whatever is in it when shook up...so I am asking....what position is this valve supposed to be when hauling the boat (or tank) and running the motor??? I think if it is closed it can build up pressure and shoot the works, but what good is the valve? After cleaning out the media I used the Berrymans I used for final cleaning did not react well when I moved the tank. At present there is no hose on the tank.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Outboard fuel tank question

It's the fuel tank vent valve that has to be open when motor is running. I leave mine cracked open just a little bit all the time so heat/pressure doesn't build up in the tank. Don't fill tank too full, so fuel doesn't blow out of the vent.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Outboard fuel tank question

Also, with an old metal tank like that, or any tank for that matter, be sure to install the fuel/water seperator(Walmart $27) on transom and run your fuel line through it to stop water, trash, old rusty particles, etc. from fouling up your carbs. Easy, 2 screw installation and great preventive maintenance!

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Outboard fuel tank question

Thanks! As you can see I am still new to all this....have run the boat on electric motor but the small 5.5 won't be run til this weekend. After we get several trips under our belt we will eventually get the bigger (55hp) motor a try at a bigger lake.