Dumb question of the day!

[kingbiscuitboy]

Seems like I should know this, but I do not. How do I properly use the vent on my fuel tank?
I have a 6 gallon Moeller plastic tank. Do I open the vent before I start the engine and leave it open for the duration of the trip? Or do I start the engine and open the vent later, or do I not open the vent at all?
Thanks

[gotchiguy]

Originally Posted by kingbiscuitboy

Seems like I should know this, but I do not. How do I properly use the vent on my fuel tank?
I have a 6 gallon Moeller plastic tank. Do I open the vent before I start the engine and leave it open for the duration of the trip? Or do I start the engine and open the vent later, or do I not open the vent at all?
Thanks

Vent stays open the whole time that the engine is in use. Both starting and running. Close it when not using it to prevent foreign objects getting in or the petrol evaporating


How else does the air get in to replace the used fuel!

[TonyC]

Originally Posted by gotchiguy

Close it when not using it to prevent foreign objects getting in or the petrol evaporating

unless it's a very hot day, when you must leave it open slightly, otherwise the tank will 'expand' in the sun

[kingbiscuitboy]

Thanks for the help Gents.

[Peter_C]

I store mine closed but barely. I spin the vent until it makes firm contact, then back off and reset again to the point when I feel contact and stop. This way it can vent at a low pressure since we have varying temperatures in sunny...no rainy (Today) California. My fuel tank has a gas gauge and the nipple on it, which then requires a gasket around the unit, which is held down with screws. If the tank is sealed too much the gasket will be the first thing to fail.

One of the keys is any vessel/vehicle stored for extended time periods needs to be store with a FULL FUEL TANK! This leaves a small air space in the tank, so less expansion and contraction that can force the fuel vapors out, and moisture in, which is really bad.