Fuel Tank Question

ArchieMylo · 22 August 2016, 11:59

Hi all

Potential stupid question(s):-

I have been out and about on my new rib and noticed that to start with the fuel gauge on the storage tank wobbles around quite a bit. After 20mins or so the fuel tank begins to get "sucked" tight and compress. Following which the gauge seems to stop wobbling around and becomes fairly static.

Two questions (1) is that sucking in / vacuum forming normal and (2) if so, once that sucking in takes place and the fuel gauge becomes static is that a more reliable reading??

Thanks!

paddlers · 22 August 2016, 12:08

Have you opened the vent screw ???

jeffstevens763@g · 22 August 2016, 12:35

as paddlers has said, the fuel gauge is only a rough indication works on a float and moves with the petrol [portable tanks] your fuel pump is having to suck the fuel and working too hard and will cause premature failure

ArchieMylo · 22 August 2016, 12:51

This is the first I have heard of a vent screw so I am guessing I haven't opened it

Is that on the fuel tank itself?

ArchieMylo · 22 August 2016, 12:56

Ah just googled it! I see what you're referring to and have seen this screw.

This only happened once so hopefully avoided irreparable damage (here's hoping!!)

Thanks both!!!

jeffstevens763@g · 22 August 2016, 13:06

it will be ok you must have had some air going for it to keep running.

paintman · 22 August 2016, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArchieMylo

Ah just googled it! I see what you're referring to and have seen this screw.

This only happened once so hopefully avoided irreparable damage (here's hoping!!)

Thanks both!!!

The engine would just have stopped. You've done nothing to it.
As far as tanks are concerned I have two quicksilver 25 litre plastic ones. They each have a float operated level indicator. If I want to see what fuel I have left before changing over I just remove the filler cap & look. Far more accurate

ArchieMylo · 22 August 2016, 22:53

Phew thanks guys!

After this near miss I downloaded a copy of the manual for my engine and fuel tank. In hindsight that probably should have been done on day one....!

Apparently I have an air vent screw on the fuel container itself on top of the fuel gauge so I will have a check of that.

Is there usually a secondary one on the outboard or is that the only one?

The manual didn't mention any others but Google seemed to show it has a little tube with a valve hanging down from the outboard itself.

Poly · 22 August 2016, 23:34

on portable tanks it's usually a small screw in centre of cap. On very small O/board with internal tank it is on the engine. Not sure what you are seeing on Google but you only have to open the one on the tank - I'd suggest getting some training though as there is probably a bunch of other easy things like that to avoid getting stuck somewhere.

jeffstevens763@g · 23 August 2016, 20:18

Plenty of help on here Archie we all started feeling our way through you might feel there daft questions but if it keeps you safe and saves you money there not daft.
Just a tip for fuel to come out air has to replace it on a hot day the air increases in volume so it needs to escape so if you leave the screw closed and not using fuel the tank will swell so I leave mine open all the time except when traveling by road.
I always run my engine dry when flushing and remove the fuel line.
Others my differ

Cheers