Storing plastic 2 gallon fuel cans in the engine compartment

[DeaconBlues]

So I just picked up a boat and the gas gauge is shot. Until I get a feel for how quickly it burns fuel, is it safe for me to store a 2 gallon plastic gas can in the engine compartment. It is a I/O with a full bench seat, so there is plenty of storage room and I currently have the can seperated from the engine by a large container full of life jackets. It is braced on all sides and will not move.

Is this a risk? Should I just risk having to ask a wave runner to tow me in again? LOL

 

[robert graham]

Re: Storing plastic 2 gallon fuel cans in the engine compartment

You can do it, but gas fumes in engine compartment are not so good. Maybe you can just leave that can above deck just to be safe!

 

[rbh]

Re: Storing plastic 2 gallon fuel cans in the engine compartment

You can do it, but gas fumes in engine compartment are not so good. Maybe you can just leave that can above deck just to be safe!

+1 on the deck storage.

 

[DJ]

Re: Storing plastic 2 gallon fuel cans in the engine compartment

I WOULDN'T!

Internal fuel tanks are vented overboard. Your plastic cans are not.

On deck, in open air-OK.

Fix the fuel guage, it can't be anything that serious or expensive.

 

[achris]

Re: Storing plastic 2 gallon fuel cans in the engine compartment

.... Should I just risk having to ask a wave runner to tow me in again?

I'd rather stab myself in the heart!!!

 

[roozter2550]

Re: Storing plastic 2 gallon fuel cans in the engine compartment

I WOULDN'T!

Internal fuel tanks are vented overboard. Your plastic cans are not.

On deck, in open air-OK.

Fix the fuel guage, it can't be anything that serious or expensive.

x2...

check the sending unit...most common problem

 

[The Great Escape II]

Re: Storing plastic 2 gallon fuel cans in the engine compartment

Really? you have to ask a question like this?

How about go take a Boaters Safety Course first.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Storing plastic 2 gallon fuel cans in the engine compartment

10-4 on fixing the fuel gauge. Generally it is wiring or the sender (in that order) that is the cause of the problem. As for gas in the engine bay -- well, what can one say. No vent, lots of heat, lots of sloshing of fuel = lots of pressure build up. Fumes and possibly raw fuel escape -- hit the key and KABOOM. Just make sure you have adequate insurance as the friends you used to have, and their attorneys will make sure all of your stuff and then some is theirs if something happens.

 

[DeaconBlues]

Re: Storing plastic 2 gallon fuel cans in the engine compartment

I agree it was kind of a stupid question. Before waiting for a reply I pulled the can out.

Checked the gauge its fine. Looks like I'll be replacing the sender unit.

Not worth the risk, I'll just get gas more often until I get the sender unit replaced.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Storing plastic 2 gallon fuel cans in the engine compartment

You could keep a portable can on the rear swimdeck, that way you still have a backup and it isn't stored on the deck anywhere. My money is on the sending unit, very easy fix and not much $ the piece of mind is worth far more than what you will spend in parts.