Help replacing fuel fill hose

[Thurston the Rabbit]

My 1990 261 is having trouble taking on fuel without backing up to the nozzle. I can fill it at a snail's pace but at a gallon per min, I've got a huge pain in the ass. I have checked the exhaust line and it is clear and I even used a shop vac on both ends to confirm that there is no air flow block. I have tried using a flexible camera with an iPhone to scope the fuel line from the gas cap but I wasn't able to get down into the line far enough to see past the bend. I also ran a snake down the line and about 6' down I run into resistance so I am thinking that somehow my line has become pinched but I am not sure. Is there a way to replace this line without much effort? I can access the line at the tank through an inspection plate and then at the fill spot through a small 4 or 5' inspection hole. Any thoughts would be appreciated to help figure out my problem.

[cgmiller]

Sorry Thurston...replacing the fill line is usually an ordeal. They are long and typically encased in foam as it travels through the gunnel and under the floor. When I replaced the tank in my 17, I rerouted the line. When I replaced the tank in my 88 21B, someone else had replaced the line, so it was not foamed in and I was able to pull a new one in while I pulled the old one out. Usually you have to lift the tank coffin hatch to get to the line.

[flounder]

Maybe check your vent line to make sure it is clear. I remember reading somewhere on the site that one of the members blew his vent line out with compressed air and corrected the same problem.

However, be mindful that whatever might be blown out is going into your fuel tank...filters?

Opps. Re-reading your post sounds like you have access to the tank end of you lines. If so, blow it out away from the tank.

If you are referring to the vent line as the exhaust, then don't mind me. I'm more confused than you

[brando]

You may have to make the whole bigger at the gas tank end. This will give you more working room as you dig the foam out. Mine was a piece of aluminum pipe and the foam was adhered to the pipe. Took lots of digging and i eventually had to saws all the pipe out in three difference pieces due to the 90 degree bend it made.

Good luck

[kjos33]

Chris I need to put a new fuel tank in a 1976 17'Mako. Any advice. Current tank is leaking, I have it exposed and would like to put a plastic tank in but the tank coffin is too shallow. Don't want to foam in another aluminum, but don't see many options. Thanks in advance for any advice. Andy

quote:

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Originally posted by cgmiller


Sorry Thurston...replacing the fill line is usually an ordeal. They are long and typically encased in foam as it travels through the gunnel and under the floor. When I replaced the tank in my 17, I rerouted the line. When I replaced the tank in my 88 21B, someone else had replaced the line, so it was not foamed in and I was able to pull a new one in while I pulled the old one out. Usually you have to lift the tank coffin hatch to get to the line.

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[jwmcd]

Easy solution if you re-fuel on the trailer. I carry a ramp like the kind you use to work on a vehicle. Maybe 6" or so. It plastic composite and light as well as strong. Just pull the trailer up on it. When you raise the side with the filler gas goes in without a hitch. It may work to have a couple of people sit on the opposite gunnel when re-fueling in the water. I have a 1973 20 Mako.

John

[Sailor]

1990 models do not have aluminum parts in the fuel line so it's just a hose that needs to be replaced, but it very well could be some crude in the tank clogging the vent which has been a reported problem in the past. Start with the simple things first. I would pull the fuel sender and look into the tank to see if there is junk in it. If clear, I would then turn attention to the hoses. Remove at the tank and try to inspect from the tank end out. At this point it would be easier to remove the coffin hatch and at that point you can replace the hoses if needed. If the hoses turn out to be clear, then the problem is back down in the tank so turn your attention back to the tank.

quote:

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Originally posted by Thurston the Rabbit


My 1990 261 is having trouble taking on fuel without backing up to the nozzle. I can fill it at a snail's pace but at a gallon per min, I've got a huge pain in the ass. I have checked the exhaust line and it is clear and I even used a shop vac on both ends to confirm that there is no air flow block. I have tried using a flexible camera with an iPhone to scope the fuel line from the gas cap but I wasn't able to get down into the line far enough to see past the bend. I also ran a snake down the line and about 6' down I run into resistance so I am thinking that somehow my line has become pinched but I am not sure. Is there a way to replace this line without much effort? I can access the line at the tank through an inspection plate and then at the fill spot through a small 4 or 5' inspection hole. Any thoughts would be appreciated to help figure out my problem.

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[flounder]

A thought regarding the shop vac. I don't believe the motors in those vacs are sealed.

It might be wise to blow thru those lines using the output side of the vac.

Just $.02 worth.

[ssellard]

[quote]Originally posted by kjos33


Chris I need to put a new fuel tank in a 1976 17'Mako. Any advice. Current tank is leaking, I have it exposed and would like to put a plastic tank in but the tank coffin is too shallow. Don't want to foam in another aluminum, but don't see many options. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Andrew

I replaced my tank in 1999 221 last year.. I had tank made by NJ company, very quick. I put alum tank back in and added drainage the hold. Set the tank on rubber pads and only foamed the corners. Tank was coated in epoxy at no extra cost.

If ya want more details contact me at 757-709-8252.

[cgmiller]

sellard. if the new tank is epoxy coated there should be no issue with foam around the tank. The old foam held moisture up against the bare aluminum and caused corrosion 24/7. I replaced my tank 18 years ago. don't know what kind of engine you are running, the new 4 strokes get much better economy so dropping a few gallons in capacity to get a plastic one that fits might not be an issue. I can run around all day on 5 gallons of fuel. If you need the full 22-23 gallons, have an exact fit aluminum tank made and either have it epoxy coated or do it yourself with coal tar epoxy from grainger for about $45. Foam it back in with 4# closed cell foam from us composits and be done with it for a dew decades.

[Thurston the Rabbit]

Thank you for all the information. I hope to get back to working on her this weekend and getting this resolved.