Fuel Vent Kink: Please Help

[CTsalt12]

Well you might've seen my previous post about a fuel filling issue that turned out to be a kink in the vent hose.  The kinks is right where the vent reaches the tank.  There is no 90 degree fitting, so it's a real no brainer.  The PO had replaced the fuel tank but apparently didn't do a very good job.  My pie plate is too far from the fitting to reach is there so I have to take the access hatch out.  Son'bitch.

Anyway, what is the best way to go about removing my gas tank floor hatch?  I just had my boat re wired so I really don't want to mess with anything there.

I have seen pictures of others bracing the console up with some wood blocks and remove the hatch that way, so that's my plan.  I shouldn't have to un wire anything except for the batteries and the battery boxes If I am correct, and then I can put in the corner 90 degree piece like what should've been done in the first place.  

In theory, I want to believe this job should only take a few hours, perhaps with another set of hands. For those who have gone through this, please give me some advice or warning about what to expect once I get this hatch off.

Jimbo

[jdupree]

Should be a pretty easy job but will take a little time.  I have done this three times on all 3 Aquas which included my 1988 170 which should be similar to yours.  I found the best way as you said it to just "prop" up the console.  Figure out which way it will lean the best without pulling on your wires, etc.  Your rigging runs down the starboard side if I am correct.  I would first try propping over to starboard.  It would help if you had an extra set of hands, but you can do it yourself.  I did the one on my CCP myself.

Once you have it propped in position just remove all the hatch screws.  I used a utility knife to cut loose the caulking that sealed the hatch.  Then break the seal on the hatch and pull out depending on which way you have the console leaning.

Hope this helps.

[ceejkay]

i agree to just tilt the console up or over out of the way. cut the old sealant out and carefully remove the cover..that cover probably hasnt been removed in quite some time so i would give it a good wash. more than likely around the tank is going to be really dirty, depending on when the tank was done.. make sure there is no debris in the coffin.. do a good general inspection of the tank.. if your gas gauge doesnt work now would be a good time to replace it. other than just general check of your hoses and wires. personally i would replace the fuel line with a alcohol resistant one, but thats just me..  thats about all you can do in there..

[CTsalt12]

Thanks fellas, my wires do run down the starboard, so I agree the best way is to tilt up the port side of the console.  I am afraid of what I'm gonna find down there.  Really want to have the boat running smoothly for this weekend so I'm going to attempt this at about 8 o'clock after a 7:30-7:30 workday.  

I guess I'll take some pictures and let you all know how it goes .

[CTsalt12]

Ok so I need some advice on what kind of elbow to buy. Currently the hose is clamped directly onto the tank barb fitting with hose clamps.  Does anyone have ideas what type of elbow will attach to the tank directly?  Like I said, I believe it's just a barb.  Can anyone with experience in this area help me out?  

I believe the tank is one of these
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... _sku=27647

Might have to just see once I remove the tank cover.

[Blue Agave]

Photos of the kink would help, but I bet a longer hose would do the trick. With a longer hose you could put a loop in it.

[CTsalt12]

The hose is plenty long, the problem is the tank is only about 6 inches from the deck so there's no room for the hose to go.

[wingtime]

Without seeing your tank I would assume you need 1/4" NPT threaded 90 degree elbow with a hose barb.  Something like this:
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/product.do?part=71973&engine=adwords!6456&keyword=product_ad_8412&type=pla

[slvrlng]

Here is how I leaned mine. Propped it up with a 2X6 then tied off the handrail to the bowrail with some rope.

[dburr]

If the vent fitting is molded directly into the tank that will be a problem.  To get the vent hose to make a 90 degree bend in a short space is going to require you to either put the vent hose in a spring tubing bender or something similar to keep it from kinking or you may be able to slide it through a copper/PVC 90 to try and keep a kink from forming...

I find it hard to beleave that the tank would have a molded vertical fitting.. I could see a molded threaded boss that you put what you want in.  Hopefully all you will need is a hosebarb street 90...  Bummer the WM link to the Tank doesn't say what size the fittings are...

Good luck!

[CTsalt12]

Those last 3 posts were muy helpful.  

Thanks fellow AS Owners!

Wingtime I think you're spot on except Moeller website says its a 3/8 NPT, which of course I can't find.  Although I don't even know it's a Moeller, just a hunch.  We shall see.

[LocoLouie]

I seem to have the same fueling issue but mine is a 21.5 Explorer W/A.  Not much room to get to the tanks.  Or is there?  Any advise will help.  Thanks, Lou

[GoneFission]

What Dupree said - you can lean it over or prop it up - either way works:

[CTsalt12]

Well I decided to think twice before I went ripping my console and tank cover up, being the lazy mofo I am.  After pouring gas in again after yanking on vent line and twisting in different directions I found it easy enough to pour.  More importantly, it's not choking my engine of fuel at all.  

If there ain't a (big enough) problem, don't fix it.  I was able to fix this one with no damage done minus tearing the out of my hands messing with the fuel vent line.  

Meanwhile, I have gotten more on the water time in and I'm effin loving my 175.  All she needs at this point is a good interior clean / wax, and put the teak pieces I restored back on, as well as my console side rod holders.  I'll get some pictures up here eventually, although it seems you old salts could care less being she's a 1989.

[slvrlng]

80's RULE!!!!