Perko Combo Fill/Vent Question

[Mark42]

Does anyone here use a Perko combo fill/vent (besides Realgun) like this:<br /><br />

<br /><br />I am trying to figure out if it will kick off an automatic fill nozzle without using an additional surge valve in the vent line (because I don't have the space for it in the line). I have checked on the Perko website, but other than the parts catalog, they don't seem to have support info or install instructions.<br /><br />I also can not find anything on the US Coast Guard regs about fuel fills having to cause automatic fuel nozzles to shut off.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Perko Combo Fill/Vent Question

Here is some info I got from Perko when asked about water intrusion into the tank through the fill/vent:<br /><br />*******************<br /><br />Because the 1318 and 1319 fittings are designed to be combined fill and vent fittings, there is no possible way to make these fittings either <br />airtight or watertight. The best possible mounting location for this type of unit would be relatively "high and dry". If the fitting is <br />installed on a surface that is prone to submersion or substantial flooding, the likelihood of water being drawn into the fuel system is very high.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Arthur Keye<br />Inside Sales Dept.<br />PERKO, Inc.

 

[Twidget]

Re: Perko Combo Fill/Vent Question

That doesnt sound very promising. I've never seen one used though.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Perko Combo Fill/Vent Question

Twisget have you seen my boat? I used it. It is mounted a bit low though. Will be noving it higher in the future but if the three big people stay off the back of the boat were fine.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Perko Combo Fill/Vent Question

Oh sorry. I saw one on a bas boat the filler was on a box at the top of the splashewell. <br /><br /><br />I think Crestliner but not sure.

 

[BillP]

Re: Perko Combo Fill/Vent Question

I have one on my pontoon boat and no problems in 9 yrs. It's mounted vertically with the vent on top. Never had a problem with it kicking the auto fill off except at marinas with oversized nozzles and high volume pumps.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Perko Combo Fill/Vent Question

Bill, 9yrs without problems? That is good news.<br /><br />Never having filled up at a marina I had no knowledge of their pumps. I have been told that most marina pumps do not have an auto shut off feature like gas station pumps.<br /><br />I plan on mounting that fill/vent unit on the front deck. That location is as high and dry as you can get on my boat.<br /><br />Realgun told me he has no problem with water from washing or hosing the boat. Has that been your experience with washing, Bill?<br /><br />At first the info from the Perko rep put me off a bit, but with the follow up info from all you folks I think I'm going to go with it.

 

[BillP]

Re: Perko Combo Fill/Vent Question

Mark42,<br />Except when on the trailer on a road trip my ptoon boat sits under a roof on a boatlift. It doesn't get too much rain but I rinse with a hose after every outing and it hasn't caused any problems. It has a cannister filter that would remove minor amounts and that gets changed every season. I've never cleaned my carbs either. <br /><br />The only difference I see is yours will be mounted horizontal and mine is vertical. Here's the only pic I have that shows the fill. Look to back of the boat for the black spot under the top rail. The cap hinges up...vent tube is on top.<br /><br />

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Perko Combo Fill/Vent Question

the likelihood of water being drawn into the fuel system is very high

Not at all familiar with this component but I would be hesitant about its use if the mfr rep told you this. They are not likely to tell you something negative about their product unless there was some doubt about it.<br />The vertical orientation vs horizontal could be a major factor in how well it keeps water out. Just my 2c.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Perko Combo Fill/Vent Question

After a carefull look at the picture I know why they warned you. Get a seperate screw on gas cap and seperate vent tube. Open end of vent tube needs to be 2 feet from a electric switch or other spark producer. Or ash tray for smokers. That's my regulation.

 

[cc lancer]

Re: Perko Combo Fill/Vent Question

Mark,<br /> Here's my problem with the horizontal mounted filler. There does not appear to be any seal for the vent tube, since it is black I see it cooking and and eventually allowing water into the tank. Last is the snap clip to hold it closed.<br /><br />Since the MFG. says it's not water tight, I would consider something that is.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Perko Combo Fill/Vent Question

The problem I have is that this is one of the few white fills I can find! Perko makes other fills in white but they are fill/vent design too. <br /><br />If I could fine a white capped fill with separate vent, I would use it.<br /><br />Actually when you look at it, any vented tank is not water tight. The difference between this design and the separate fill and vent design is that this will let water in when the whole unit submerged, and the other will let water in when just the vent is submerged. Both designs let water in. <br /><br />If you know of a white cap fill, please let me know, because I'm going to have order parts soon! <br /><br />I really don't want to resort to painting a black or chrome cap white if at all possible.<br /><br />You can help by sending your tax deductable donations to: Society for Support of White Fuel Fills (SSWFF) PO Box 1965, Markstown NJ, 01101 USA. <br /><br />