Gas Tank Expanding

[npatterson]

We went to our boat last night only to find our Gas Tank was about 3 times it's normal size. Has anyone else had this problem?

After boating, we typically disconnet the line to the engine....then put the vent cap in the LOCK position. Are we doing something wrong??

[SkiDeep2001]

Was the temperature pretty high? If it's hot or in direct sunlight you want to leave that vent open.

[npatterson]

It was pretty warm. Are we really supposed to leave the vent open during the summer? We were afraid to because of the vapors coming out. Also it has in big letters on it to Close Vent when not in use.

[jrcat]

I leave the tank vent open all the time . if you don't as the tempeture of the fuel rises there will be a great build up of pressure in the tank to a point were it could cause the tank to rupture. FYI all permantly installed tank are vented .

[Irafatsar]

i leave mine open now . my tank sucked in last time i left the vent closed

[npatterson]

Ok, we will try leaving it open. If you hear a big kaboom that's just us? My boating partner smokes....LOL

[bubba]

Tell your partner to use smokeless drugs . It really won't blow up unless you smoke with the cap off, I think. Boom

[SkiDeep2001]

Another good reason to quit,smoking that is. Tell partner to try the new ecigarette,better for your health and you still get the nicotine.

[NiceAft]

npatterson,

Everything you read above is true, but now I need to complicate things.

(1) If you are sailing in conditions where you will be heeling, and the tanks are full, close the vents.
(2) If the above is true, and it is warm out, check tanks for ballooning.
(3)There is likely a gasket under the assembly where the tank vent is. Since you have stressed it already, be aware that this can happen only so many times before that gasket ruptures. If the tank is still made, you can just replace the gasket.
(4)If you are going to leave the vents open, make certain you put some Sta-bil, or other fuel additive that absorbs moisture.

I leave my vents open also.


Ray

[Boblee]

Was told by the Evinrude dealer that if the motor is hooked up the tank can vent there but we keep the vents shut when we are on the boat and watch for expansion but open them if leaving unnattended.
Usually only have to vent a couple of times a day even in our temps but wouldn't be too concerned as neither of us smoke we do have a BBQ on the stern rail though.
Have had a couple of nasty experiences elswhere with fumes.

[K9Kampers]

This happened to me as well last summer with the boat in my driveway. Relatively empty tanks in their cockpit lockers, vents closed. Enough fumes / sunlight to cause expansion such that I could not even touch the vent screw at the top of the filler cap with my fingers. Had to wait till the cool evening to be able to just barely unscrew the vents of both tanks!