Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

[seedlings]

Is it 'normal' for fuel to spill out onto the carpet through the cap vent screw while boating? I have a 6 gallon tank like this:

There is always a smell of gasoline from this dribbling.

1979 AMC Crestliner Muskie 550 Tri-hull
1978 70hp Evinrude outboard

Thanks,
CHAD

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

Looks like if you fill it full while setting on a flat surface the tank will leak in your boat. Maybe turn end for end till you run out some gas. Looks like a really bad design.

 

[Navigator_Victory]

Re: Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

If you fill it all the way up yes it is going to come out no it is not good....I would not fill it up as much and also the vent screw should screw closed (some) you do not want it totally closed...just enough to keep the gas from spilling out....if you close it too much no gas will go to the motor....

 

[seedlings]

Re: Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

I back the vent screw out less than 1/16" and it still seeps out. Agreed it is a bad design... I thought about putting another screw on the taller end which would put greater distance between the vent screw and the fuel, then leave the one on the cap closed tight. What do you think?

CHAD

 

[RMasters]

Re: Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

I have 3 of these tanks in my boat, 2 of them are facing downwards with the filler cap, but never had spill issues unless they were completely full. I have a spill mat below them to catch any spills and keep it from my carpet.

Ahoy!

 

[seedlings]

Re: Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

I have 3 of these tanks in my boat, 2 of them are facing downwards with the filler cap, but never had spill issues unless they were completely full. I have a spill mat below them to catch any spills and keep it from my carpet.

Ahoy!

'Spill mat'? I'll have to look that one up. Thanks.

CHAD

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

two SAFE choices.... fill the tank to 1" or so below the cap OR toss it in the garbage and get a tank with a better design... a "spill mat" may protect the carpet but will do nothing to keep explosive gas fumes from collecting in the boat

One other possibility would be to find a fitting that would screw into the vent in the cap and allow a vent hose to be run to a higher point but I thing different tanks would be a better idea

 

[wifisher]

Re: Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

OK guys, a couple of you say to get a better designed tank. Do you know of any? That is the only style of tank I am familiar with. Please link it up if you know of one, as I would like a tank that won't do exactly what the OP describes.

 

[sandiegosteve]

Re: Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

Maybe only fill it to the "max fill" line which will be about an inch below the top. You probably have it over filled.
Just a guess.

 

[seedlings]

Re: Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

OK guys, a couple of you say to get a better designed tank. Do you know of any? That is the only style of tank I am familiar with. Please link it up if you know of one, as I would like a tank that won't do exactly what the OP describes.

+1

Where are the better designs? Last week I filled only 5 gallons in the 6 gallon tank with the same results. The gas sloshes around and splashes out the vent on the cap like a dolphin blow hole.

CHAD

 

[kenflyer]

Re: Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

I also use to use a couple of these portable tanks and it is worse during the summer when the gas expands from the heat. Depending on how much space you have for the gas tank, I found a 9 gallon gas tank and only fill it with 6 gallons. You may have to mark the tank at the 6 gallon level. I have also seen the 12 gallon portable tanks that should work if space permits. This fixed my problem and I don't have anymore gas spillage.

 

[DonHof]

Re: Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

I have a 6.6 gal tank that came with my Merc and never have any problems.

 

[seedlings]

Re: Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

I have a 6.6 gal tank that came with my Merc and never have any problems.

What does the tank look like and how is it vented?

CHAD

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Portable Fuel Tank Spillage

replace the tank; don't try your own modifications. If there is an accident involving the fuel you will be blamed even if your mod isn't really the cause. Not worth messing with.