Why would he have done that?

[BradC]

New to me '83 170 - Fuel tank is a 30G Poly made by Moeller, squarish shaped, inside CC and down to hull. PO(s) were enthusiastic DIYers on severe budgets. "New" fuel plumbing includes a gas pump access point with flapper gas cap on side of CC (has a built-in vent end point with mesh cap). 3 major in/out points on tank viz fuel in (via previous explained piping), fuel out (to water separator and onwards) and then ... an end cap.

Reason for getting to this point was running out of gas when I thought the fuel should have been around 20G remaining (gauge u/s) ... because the fuel backwashed on filling (first time filling for me).

After the humiliating SeaTow experience (actually it was a painless exercise, very professional and friendly chaps) I started pulling the end of the string.

Short answer is the vent access point on the tank has been sealed.
The fuel cap and its fitting/housing has a vent end point built-in.
Access point on tank to vent end point is about 2' with a 1' rise, no corners or kinks would be in the hose.

Assuming there must have been a reason, and before I put the vent back into operation (parts and hose purchased and ready to go) ... can anyone think of what that reason might be?

Thanks
Brad

[BradC]

[BradC]

Update: Already implemented, filled up with 24G of petrol yesterday without so much as a hiccup. Anything I should be wary of? Many thanks, Brad

[RickK]

I guess I'm having a hard time following you on this. Are you saying the PO had capped off the vent tube? I have a fill port with internal vent but I ran the fill hose and also the vent hose to this (added anti burp on the vent hose) port on cap of boat.

[McAllgeyver]

BradC, The only reason they might have capped the vent is they were getting water in, or so they thought. Might have just been condensation.  Glad you connected the vent back up.

Rick,  you have had no problems with the gas fill/vent combo? This is what I have purchased for my rebuild, but I am a little wary of it. I am used to two separate stainless fittings, a vent that goes through the high side of the boat and a gas fill.  I never liked the idea of seawater getting in my gas during rough days. Even with a Loop in the vent line or whatever, it is still very possible.  Just thought this gas/vent combo would solve this problem.

[slvrlng]

Good thing you got it working. I personally hate those combo units! Seems they "burp" right when you don't want them to.
Hey Brad one thing I did notice in your pic. You really need 2 clamps on all fuel lines and fills.

[BradC]

Good thing you got it working. I personally hate those combo units! Seems they "burp" right when you don't want them to.
Hey Brad one thing I did notice in your pic. You really need 2 clamps on all fuel lines and fills.

Thanks. Exactly the question I asked the local West Marine chap when getting the parts, his answer was "no" ... but I'm going to go with the double safety thought process