gas seeping from fuel vent

[Tip]

I've noticed that almost everytime I fill up on the water that I get about 22-25 gallons in the boat and fuel starts seeping out the fuel vent (2003 22v). On cooler days I can fill the boat up completely with no seepage.

Has any one else had this problem with an 03 22v? I heard that Tige made some changes to the fuel vent system in the 04s but I don't know for sure.

Thanks.

[Tige M.D.]

Hey Tip,
First time on in a while. Had a baby boy in May and have been a little busy at the shop.

The fuel vent hose should have a scupper/check valve in it to prevent liquid fuel from leaking out the vent. This valve is black and has an arrow to show direction of flow. Be sure it is in correct. Next, the valve has to be straight up and down, if it is angled at all the ball in the valve will not seat properly. If there is no valve call me 951/737-9801. Also be sure the vent line does not have a trap in it(no dipping) it needs to climb up to the vent it can not dip at all or it will defeat the hole purpose of having a vent.

[Tip]

Congrats on your son! I can only imagine how busy you are so thanks for the reply. I'll check on the items you listed and get back to you.

Thanks again!

[bfrank]

Were do you find the fuel vent hose check valve?? Is it closer to the tank or by the vent ?

[Tige M.D.]

depending on the boat model, the valve shout be right above the tank vent fitting.

[Tip]

Greg,
I looked at my vent line this weekend. I took these pictures of the installation. The vent line comes up vertically then is routed horizontally and then down to the vent. Take a look and let me know what you think. Thanks!

This picture is shows the line connected to the vent fitting, note the vent line comes down to the fitting, not sure it this is the problem or not:

[Tip]

This picture shows the vent line coming up from the tank, the check valve, then is routed horizontally over to the vent fitting:

[Tige M.D.]

i don't like the way the vent hose slopes down to the thru-hull. it will allow any gas vapors that condense to drip out instead of back to the tank. by the looks of the routing of the hose it doesn't look like there are many options for you.

maybe re-route te hose so it will climb all the way to the vent?

[Tip]

I thinking of maybe routing the vent line along side the big gas line so that it climbs all the way to the vent. Question: If I do that what prevents water from splashing into the vent and entering the gas tank?

[Tige M.D.]

if you look at the design of the vent thru hull you will see it is kind hard for water to make its way down the tube. if you are getting water that high up you've got bigger problems than a little fuel dripping out the vent :)

i think running it along the fill hose will work. that's what i would do.

[Tip]

I'll give that a shot and see how it works.

[bfrank]

Here is the hoses off my 97 pre2000wt , it seems there is no check valve at all, I have had gas leak out only once on a real hot day and the tank was full. should I worry?????

[bfrank]

here is the side vent

[Tige M.D.]

no, i would'nt worry about it unless you normally store/tow you boat with a very full tank.
tige started installing the check valves in 02' or 03'.

[simsob23]

I have a similar problem. While refueling, some fuel does come out from the vent hole, but in small amount. The big issue occurs when I am trying to fill up the tank.
It would be great if the nozzle could have enough time to shut itself off in case the fuel level reaches the top of the internal hose, but it doesn't. No matter if the tank is empty or almost full, the nozzle can not pump gas into it without shutting it self off all the time unfortunately after the fuel has spilled all over the side of the boat.
So my only option is to hold the nozzle and try to hear when the fuel reaches the top and stop pumping gas.
Needless to say I get lucky once every 10 times.
I had it checked, but everything seems normal.
Anybody has any suggestions ?
Thank you

[Tige M.D.]

check the fuel vent line for a trap (dip). if so, straighten out the hose.

[simsob23]

Thank you,

I will look for it and will let you know.

Take care

Simon

[Tip]

Having a fuel flow meter helps me with this situation. With the fuel flow meter I have a pretty good idea how much fuel I need to pump to fill ur up. When I get within 1 gallon I bend over and start listening. It beats listening the entire time I'm pumping.

[simsob23]

Good idea and yes it sure does seems better. Five times out of 10 I spill fuel on myself..... and I can't stand such smell.

Thank you

Simon

[GIZMO]

I have the same problem. I found that pumping the gas slowly helps, it takes a while but it keeps the gas off the boat. Also when gasing up in the water it helps to have your buddies sit on the opposite side.

GIZMO

[dougofkc]

Funny that the automobile manufactures figured out how to fix this back in the 60's but Tige still has not caught on. Even more interesting is that my tank in my 03 22V is labled 36 gallons but Im usually lucky to get in 25-26. Anyone else see this?

[simsob23]

Well at the end I ended up selling the boat, and not for that reason only. Good input from GIZMO suggesting to refuel slowly, that was the only one it kind of worked. Yes it seems that in the boat world some problems are not important for the manufacturer, like the smaller tank than it should or the poor float of gas into the tank.
I guess it is the way it is.