Venting plastic fuel tanks?

CharlesW

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 8, 2003
Messages
335
What do most of you do about the vent on a plastic fuel tank when your boat is not going to be used for a week or two?<br />Obviously the same problem comes up with my second tank when I am not using it.<br />One of my concerns was getting water in the tank by having the vent open during rain or while running and encountering water splashing on the fuel tank.<br />When I closed the vents, the tanks expanded like a balloon which didn't seem to be a good thing.<br />I now leave the vents open all the time, but still worry about letting water in.<br />Do the vent systems have a check valve or baffle that will prevent the rain or splashed water from entering the tank?<br />The tanks in question are 2 Tempo, 6 gal, on a pontoon boat.<br />Charles :confused:
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Venting plastic fuel tanks?

On my old toon, I always left them open, just for the fact that they did expand alot in the sun. Never caused a problem in 10 years, so I would think it's OK to leave them open. ;)
 

Just Jed

Seaman
Joined
Jul 21, 2003
Messages
50
Re: Venting plastic fuel tanks?

Dito. I always leave mine open except when carrying. <br /> P.S. Also I never top my tank right up which helps avoid any leaking from slosh or expansion.
 

Fouled Plug

Ensign
Joined
Jun 29, 2001
Messages
935
Re: Venting plastic fuel tanks?

CharlesW, an inline fuel seperator/filter is always a good idea (and not an expensive one) It ensures clean fuel and traps any water that might sneak into your tanks.
 

CharlesW

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 8, 2003
Messages
335
Re: Venting plastic fuel tanks?

Fouled Plug:<br />Sounds like something else that might be worth looking into.<br />My first season with a pontoon boat and the outside mounted tanks didn't seem to have any water problems. Everything is so much different on this rig compared to my 1993 Chris Craft. My wife says I worry too much. :p <br /><br />Charles
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Venting plastic fuel tanks?

Fouled Plug makes a good point. Ya never know!!<br /><br />CharlesW, My wife says that,too! :D <br /><br />If your really worried about it, leave the vent open and drape a small piece of plastic over the tank and secure it.
 

Luna Sea

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
May 20, 2002
Messages
1,069
Re: Venting plastic fuel tanks?

I've had water problems before, in the gas. I used to put a heavy plastic cup/mug over the cap, that way it was vented, and I didn't see water around the vent screw threads everytime I opened or closed it...........
 
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