Fuel vent question

[SStephanuik]

I have a 1973 mako 20 that my father and i rebuilt over ghe past years. Kept original fuel tank as it was always a fresh water boat and tank was solid. Coal tar epoxy and pressure tested do there were no leaks.

Twice this year after running in rough seas the engine shut off briefly then ran fine again right after. The past time it did it it wouldnt restart. Found fuel filter and water/fuel separator to be clogged and gummed up and about 1.5 gallons of water in the tank after pumping it out.

What im wondering is if the vent could be getting water forced into it since its about at the front third of the boat and points down.

Anyone else experience this?

We have a 2017 suzuki 200 on it and dont want to damage it of course.

We have a p trap vent coming and new sighted fuel/water separator so we can keep an eye on it

Thanks all. We are loving the hull after rebuild.

Scott.

[Holgatelbi]

When is the last time you have seen & inspected the tank? I'm not saying that it can't come in

through the vent, but with a 45 year old tank - I'd have my suspicions.

When I replaced my 1984 tank in 2015 - the vent was completely corroded so no air got through it at all.

I had a 26 SeaRay that got water in through the vent. I put a clamshell shaped cover over it to shield the direct water hitting it.

[SStephanuik]

The tank was like new when we pulled it with no leaks as we pressure tested it. That was probably 6 years ago but its been covered and under a car port since. Im going to angle the vent back some and see hat that does.

[Triplecrownnc]

quote:

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Originally posted by SStephanuik


The tank was like new when we pulled it with no leaks as we pressure tested it. That was probably 6 years ago but its been covered and under a car port since. Im going to angle the vent back some and see hat that does.

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I dont think that is your problem.

[bighamlin]

I just replaced my tank, filler and vent. Make sure the vent line is angled up in a slight loop at the vent so even if water does get in from the outside, it won't go uphill and then down into the tank.

[SStephanuik]

I think thats our problem. It just goes down towards the tank. Im also looking at a new filler/vent all in one with a lid thatll keep it off the side of the boat. Only $20 so thats worth a shot.

Thanks for the replies

[mrdelgado]

Happened to me a while back. I don't know if it was the vent or I simply got a bad tank of phase separated ethanol fuel. I have since replaced my vent with the recessed style.

Pump a few gallons out using the primer bulb into a bucket. The water is denser than fuel and be at the bottom of the tank, so first to get sucked up the pickup...

Keep inspecting what you get out til you have fresh fuel