Spare petrol tank is spilling!!!

[kvan64]

Hi, I just bought a second hand boat (2006 model). I have 2 plastic petrol tanks. The spare one is not hooked in and the petrol is spilling out from the unhook plug. Almost half of the tank (25L) ended up 0n the floor and in the hull which destroyed the inner paint of the alluminium hull. Is there a cover/cap for these plugs?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Spare petrol tank is spilling!!!

without a picture we cant tell, however leave the vent loose and pressure wont build in the sunlight and force liquid out.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Spare petrol tank is spilling!!!

without a picture we cant tell, however leave the vent loose and pressure wont build in the sunlight and force liquid out.

Crack the Filler cap so the pressure can't build up and wrap a rag around the hose hook ups. Keep an eye on the rag if it stays dry and the tank still leaks . It's the tank that is leaking and not the Vent and Hose connectors like you suspect. The pressure really will build up high if the tank is exposed to the sun or it really gets Hot outside. Just try loosening the Fill Cap first.

 

[JB]

Re: Spare petrol tank is spilling!!!

There should be a valve in that connection that seals it when the hose is not connected, Kvan.

Tell us what engine(s)/type of connector you have.

 

[kvan64]

Re: Spare petrol tank is spilling!!!

It's a Yamaha 2 stroke (2 cylinders) 40HP. The petrol tanks are the standard Yamaha red plastic tanks. I did see the fuel physically spayed out of the petrol hook/plug/pins at one stage. Like some of you suggested, I have put a tried cloth around it and also released the pressure valve. ...It stopped spilling! However, this way the petrol won't last too long in the tank either as the gas is evaporating through the valve. I guess that how it is, right?

 

[cbavier]

Re: Spare petrol tank is spilling!!!

It's a Yamaha 2 stroke (2 cylinders) 40HP. The petrol tanks are the standard Yamaha red plastic tanks. I did see the fuel physically spayed out of the petrol hook/plug/pins at one stage. Like some of you suggested, I have put a tried cloth around it and also released the pressure valve. ...It stopped spilling! However, this way the petrol won't last too long in the tank either as the gas is evaporating through the valve. I guess that how it is, right?

No It's not normal one of the connectors either supply or Vent may be sticking . I assume they are six gallon tanks. However the pressure build up is normal in heat and it has to go somewhere. Use one tank down a little bit then just finish the other one off. Leave the Fill cap cracked on the second tank. It's a two position cap just like a Radiator cap. Then the pressure won't build up and you won't lose hardly any fuel to evaporation either. The rag I suggested was just to make sure the tank itself wasn't leaking. However the rag will keep the fittings clean. I always kept a rag over the fittings on my spare tank secured with a rubber band just to keep it clean. You only have to crack the Fill cap when it's really warm outside. Not in Michigan in the Spring or Fall. Only in the summer. Just keep an eye on the pressure build up. You'll figure out when you need to crack the cap and when you don't need to. One thing for sure cracking the cap you won't lose 1/2 a tank in a year like you already have. Even my five gallon Gas cans in the garage have to have the vents open in the summer or the plastic cans swell/Bloat. Don't forget to tighten the cap when you go to use the second tank. If they both stay hooked up all the time you may have to replace the hose fittings on the tank.

 

[kvan64]

Re: Spare petrol tank is spilling!!!

Thanks guys, will do as suggested.

 

[kvan64]

Re: Spare petrol tank is spilling!!!

I just plugged the fuel lead to the spare tank today and tried to squeeze the rubber bladder. It's so hard . Is it a side of bad connection or blockage somewhere?

 

[Yamajoe]

Re: Spare petrol tank is spilling!!!

assuming fuel has filled the float chamber that is good, the primer bulb should be firm after you have primed fuel into the carbs, when the carb float is filled float needle shuts fuel intake. you will note that the bulb will loose its firmness when your motor is running, this is because the float level has dropped permiting fuel to enter chamber.

 

[kvan64]

Re: Spare petrol tank is spilling!!!

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Joe. Very clear explanation!

 

[cbavier]

Re: Spare petrol tank is spilling!!!

I just plugged the fuel lead to the spare tank today and tried to squeeze the rubber bladder. It's so hard . Is it a side of bad connection or blockage somewhere?

One side is supply to the motor, the other side is vent if it has two lines in a single hose. The hoses are fused and is flat. If it only has one round hose like most do now. Either way the fuel can only go one way and that is out. Anything else is contamination. The fuel won't go out until the hose is hooked up or it's not suppose to. If the Bulb squeezes and the motor runs on the gas that is in that tank there is nothing wrong with the tank or fitting likely. If the motor won't run on it then the float or fitting is plugged. The bulb will be hard if there is pressure in the tank.