Fuel tank vent discharge 23 CC Inboard and bluefish

[GetReel]

OK, I hope that someone has run into this dilemma or perhaps I'm an idiot?

I'm trolling for stripers (sorry to report just bluefish) the other day and my buddy smells fuel on my 23 CC inboard. We check the port tank vent and it is discharging fuel overboard in a steady stream. Please note that the tank was only 1/4 full. I switch tanks to starboard and also return line to starboard and it stops. I then open (slowly) the port tank cap and it releases solid air pressure (not fuel). I had just checked the port vent line the other day and seemed clear because when fueling up from the previous day I noticed the tank didn't seem to vent well and kept burping. Because I pushed fuel thru now it has to be clear? The starboard tank seemed fine, but just to see, I flip the return line back to port and leave the fuel supply line on starboard, within seconds the starboard tank vent dumps fuel. I did not switch back to port tank again as I was now trying to avoid EPA/DEP sanctions...and more bluefish.

If any one thinks they have a clue on this please let me know...I'm running a single IB 454 MPI MarinePower-engine is only 2 years old and both 50 gal. tanks are 2 years old also as well as all hoses and gauges etc. I have two 3 way switches. The selection is Port, Starboard or Off. I always marry the switch so that I pull/return from/to the same tank, either starboard or port. My fuel return lines run back to the three way switch and then to the tank.

The only thing I can figure is that I had crossed the settings, or, the return switchs are labled reverse? but, the tanks were'nt close to full anyway, so why the discharge???This has not happened before so I'm somewhat mystified-no sign of fuel in bilge either...damn bluefish.

[PipeDreamsMarine]

Jeff.. sounds like you have something labeled wrong or the handles are flipped. You may have to take the valves off and see which way the handles point for the tank your pulling off of and returning to.

[GetReel]

Thanks Don, I worked on it some today and we'll see if I got it, thanks for the come back. It appears that my return lines a "T"'d into the vent lines and this could be causing fuel from the return lines to "block" the vent line when the boat is laying as opposed to an angle when under way? We'll see.

[ScottM]

Jeff,
Is your boat the one that was for sale on BT a few months back, Fighting Lady Yellow hull?

[PipeDreamsMarine]

That does make sense Jeff.. seeing that that's how most solve the problem of a return line on a repower with a MPI.

[ May 29, 2003, 02:20 PM: Message edited by: PipeDreamsMarine ]

[GetReel]

Scott: Nope, not my boat, not for sale, but I'm Ice Blue.

[GetReel]

Don: I have an idea and I think your the guy, what do you think about fabricating a 6" bronze or stainless piece of tube (with a welded stem connection for the return) and then inserting it into the main fuel fill hose?? Then I can dump the return into the fuel tank without compromising the vent line? What do you think?? [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

[PipeDreamsMarine]

Jeff.. sounds like it would work. I just allways like having one piece of hose running from the fill to the tank. You plan on putting this piece in just above the tank right?, so you would have to cut the fill line and place it in between? What size is the fill hose and the return lines.. I'll look around for some material.

[GetReel]

Don: I'll verify the hose size next couple days and hopefully you can come up with a "sleeve" for me, need two, I also will check return line size for stem, I think its 3/8" ID. Your point is well taken, but I want to resolve this before I run off shore for Mako/Bluefin if the water ever warms up! Thanks for your help.

[PipeDreamsMarine]

Jeff.. did you get the size of the fill hose?.. let me know what the id of it is..