Vented screw on gas cap - can water infiltrate ?

pecheux

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Good day Y'Awl, I have a 12 footer tied on a private peer and motor and gas tank remain in the boat at all times. The gas tank is a plastic model with a vent screw on the cap and since it is under the sun and plugged in the motor gas line connection the vent is always open. My question is this: can water get into (infiltrate) the gas tank via the air vent opening when it rains ?
Thank you.
 

CATransplant

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Feb 26, 2005
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Re: Vented screw on gas cap - can water infiltrate ?

Yup, it can. Not much will get in that vent, but some can. I keep my fuel tank in my garage, but that's not practical for a moored boat.

You can use something that fits loosely over the cap to prevent water from getting in. If it's likely to blow away, tape it to the tank on one side.
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: Vented screw on gas cap - can water infiltrate ?

i agree cover the tank, use an old poncho, and tuck it under the side of the tank.
 

pecheux

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Re: Vented screw on gas cap - can water infiltrate ?

Thank you for your replies. I am trying to avoid carrying the gas tank from the boat to the garage. plus the boat is at my son's place and he uses it and I cannot thrust that he would carry the gas tank to his garage anyway ... It Just crossed my mind that I have another gas tank at my place, the OMC metal type that does not have a vent screw, which I beleve has an auto-vent cap ... question again: would that model gas tank hold up to rain and water infiltration if left in the boat ?

Tx
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: Vented screw on gas cap - can water infiltrate ?

yes, that is the perfect solution.
 

pecheux

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Re: Vented screw on gas cap - can water infiltrate ?

yes, that is the perfect solution.

May I ask another question ? In such a auto vented gas tank that would be under the sun at daytime and coping with chilly nights ... can that cause water condensation within the tank ?

Tx
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: Vented screw on gas cap - can water infiltrate ?

use some stabil or seafoam in your fuel. i've been doing it for 45 years never gotten enough water in a tank to notice.
 

pecheux

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
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Messages
1,200
Re: Vented screw on gas cap - can water infiltrate ?

use some stabil or seafoam in your fuel. i've been doing it for 45 years never gotten enough water in a tank to notice.

Hey TD, I use stabil at all time (right or wrong) just did not know it had anything to do with fighting water condensation. Have a great day.
 
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