Amanda Knapp
Boat fuel tank vents are an important feature of boats, but they can cause issues when filling up the tank and can even starve the engine of fuel. There are several different types of vents, including Perko's through-hull vent and Attwood's 90-degree P-trap fuel tank vent. It's important to keep the vents clean and free of debris, as well as to ensure that the vent hose is not blocked or damaged, which can cause fuel to become trapped in the line.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank vent issues | Can cause problems when filling up the tank |
| Fuel tank vent issues | Can starve the engine of fuel |
| Fuel tank vent issues | Can cause fuel to become trapped in the line |
| Fuel tank vent issues | Can cause fuel to spew from the vent |
| Fuel tank vent solutions | Clean the screen on your fuel vent |
| Fuel tank vent solutions | Make sure the vent hose is not sagging |
| Fuel tank vent solutions | Perko's through-hull vent |
| Fuel tank vent solutions | Attwood's 90-degree P-trap fuel tank vent |
| Fuel tank vent safety | Open the vent off the boat on a level surface |
| Fuel tank vent safety | Ensure good air circulation in the area |
| Fuel tank vent safety | Keep ignition sources away from the area |
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$6.98
What You'll Learn
Fuel tank vent tips
Fuel tank vents are an important part of your boat's fuel system. They allow air to enter the tank and equalise pressure, preventing issues when filling up and ensuring the engine receives an adequate fuel supply. Here are some tips to ensure your fuel tank vent functions correctly and maintains the performance and safety of your boat.
Firstly, check the fuel vent screen. Many fuel vents have fine-wire screens that prevent debris, insects and spiders from entering the tank. These screens can also act as flame arrestors, blocking sparks that may ignite fuel vapours. Over time, the screen can become clogged with corrosion, salt crystals and grime, impairing the vent's ability to breathe. If the screen looks blocked, use a small wire brush to clean it. If corrosion has damaged the mesh, replace the vent.
Secondly, ensure the vent hose is not blocked or restricted. A blocked vent hose can cause fuel to become trapped in the line, impacting the tank's ability to vent and leading to filling difficulties. Inspect the hose for any sags or obstructions that may impede fuel flow.
When choosing a fuel vent, consider sophisticated designs such as Perko's through-hull vent, which includes an integral splash guard. Attwood's 90-degree P-trap fuel tank vent features a baffle chamber that traps errant water and directs it back out. This vent also mounts flush against the hull, reducing the risk of damage from docks or pilings. Remember to select a vent that is Coast Guard approved.
Finally, be cautious when opening the vent. For safety, this should be done off the boat, on a level surface with good air circulation and no ignition sources nearby, including cell phones. If your boat has an explosion-proof exhaust fan, use it to vent the area before starting the engines. Alternatively, take the tank off the boat to open the vent and ensure no fuel fumes are present before starting the motor.
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How to open the vent safely
To open the vent safely, you should first check that the boat is on a level surface with good air circulation and no ignition sources present, including cell phones. You should also ensure that there are no fuel fumes on the boat before opening the vent. If your boat has one, turn on the explosion-proof exhaust fan to ventilate the area.
Next, check the screen on your fuel vent. These often have fine-wire screens that can become clogged with debris, salt crystals, or grime. If the screen looks blocked, use a small wire brush to clean it. If the mesh is corroded, you will need to replace the vent.
When opening the vent, do so slowly and be aware that fuel vapours will escape. If the tank is sucked in, opening the vent will allow air into the tank to equalise the pressure.
Finally, make sure that your vent is Coast Guard-approved and that the hose is not sagging or blocked, which can cause fuel to become trapped in the line.
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Cleaning the screen on your fuel vent
When it comes to your Grumman boat, ensuring that the fuel vent is functioning properly is crucial for both performance and safety. Here are some detailed instructions on cleaning the screen on your fuel vent, a critical aspect of maintaining your boat's fuel system.
Understanding the Fuel Vent Screen
The fuel vent on your boat serves a vital purpose. It allows fuel vapours to escape and equalises pressure within the fuel tank. This process is essential for the smooth operation of your boat's engine. However, over time, the fuel vent screen, which is designed to keep out debris, insects, and even sparks, can become clogged with corrosion, salt crystals, and grime. This buildup impairs the vent's ability to function properly, leading to potential issues such as difficulty filling the fuel tank or, in more severe cases, starving the engine of fuel.
Locating and Inspecting the Fuel Vent Screen
To clean the screen effectively, you must first locate it. The fuel vent is typically found near the fuel tank, and the screen is usually accessible for inspection and cleaning. Visually inspect the screen for any signs of clogging or corrosion. If the screen appears blocked or coated with grime, it's time to clean it.
Cleaning the Fuel Vent Screen
To clean the fuel vent screen, you'll need a small wire brush. Gently insert the brush into the screen and carefully scrub away any built-up corrosion, salt crystals, or grime. Take your time and be thorough, ensuring that you remove all the debris. It is important to note that you should perform this cleaning task when the boat is off the water and on a level surface with good air circulation. Additionally, ensure there are no ignition sources nearby, including cell phones, for safety reasons.
Replacing the Fuel Vent Screen
In some cases, if corrosion has severely damaged the mesh of the screen, simply cleaning it may not be sufficient. If the corrosion has eaten away at the mesh, it is essential to replace the entire vent. This is because a compromised screen can no longer effectively protect the fuel system from debris, insects, or sparks. By replacing the vent, you ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of your boat's fuel system.
Preventative Measures
To minimise the frequency of cleaning and reduce the risk of corrosion and clogging, there are a few preventative measures you can take. Always ensure that the boat's fuel vent is Coast Guard approved. Additionally, when washing the boat, point the spray nozzle aft while hosing down the sides. This simple technique helps prevent water from shooting into the vent opening, reducing the likelihood of salt crystal buildup and other issues.
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Perko's through-hull vent
Perko’s through-hull vent is a sophisticated design that includes an integral splash guard. It is important to understand how a boat's fuel vent works, as it can cause issues when filling up the tank and can even starve the engine of fuel, leaving you stranded.
The vent hose should be checked to ensure it has not been shoved down, creating a sag or belly, which can cause fuel to become trapped in the line and block the tank’s ability to vent. This can cause the nozzle to continually shut down as if the tank is full.
The screen on the fuel vent should also be checked and cleaned, as over time corrosion, salt crystals and grime can build up, impairing the vent’s ability to breathe. Some screens also serve as flame arrestors, blocking sparks that could ignite fuel vapors.
When opening the vent on an expanded tank, fuel vapors will escape. If the tank is sucked in, opening the vent will allow air into the tank to equalise the pressure. This should be done off the boat on a level surface with good air circulation in the area and no ignition source present.
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Attwood's 90-degree P-trap fuel tank vent
Attwood’s 90-degree P-trap fuel tank vent is a sophisticated design that features a baffle chamber to trap any errant water and ushers it back out. This is an important feature as it prevents water from entering the fuel tank and causing issues. The vent also mounts flush against the hull, which keeps it from becoming damaged by docks or pilings. This is a low-profile design that ensures the safety of the boat and its fuel tank.
When opening the vent on an expanded tank, fuel vapours will escape. If the tank is sucked in, opening the vent will allow air into the tank to equalise the pressure. For safety reasons, this should be done off the boat, on a level surface with good air circulation and no ignition sources present. It is also important to ensure there are no fuel fumes on the boat prior to starting the motor.
Many fuel vents have fine-wire screens that keep out debris, nesting insects and spiders. Some screens also serve as flame arrestors, blocking sparks that could ignite fuel vapours. Over time, corrosion, salt crystals and grime can build up on the screen, impairing the vent’s ability to breathe. When your boat gas tank is not venting, this is the first area to check and it may need to be cleaned or replaced.
Boat fuel tank vents can cause issues when filling up, as well as starving the engine of fuel and leaving you stranded. It is important to ensure the vent hose is not blocked or sagged, which can cause fuel to become trapped in the line and block the tank’s ability to vent.
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Frequently asked questions
The nozzle may shut down as if the tank is full, and a gusher of gas may spew from the vent.
It can starve the engine of fuel and leave you stranded.
You should make sure it is Coast Guard approved.
You should clean it regularly to prevent corrosion, salt crystals and grime from building up and impairing the vent's ability to breathe.
You should open it off the boat on a level surface with good air circulation in the area and no ignition source present, not even a cell phone.
