2009 R21' EC Ranger Tug Fuel vent problem???

[wotysg]

Just purchased a used '09 21' EC Ranger Tug, I have a question about the fuel tank vent. The small vent on the port side stern is not hooked up, instead there is a line going to the filler neck tube. the previous owner said he left the cap loose while he ran it, however we have discovered water in the fuel. Any ideas what the proper configuration should be? Or why someone would have changed this?

 

[SGIDAVE]

Just purchased a used '09 21' EC Ranger Tug, I have a question about the fuel tank vent. The small vent on the port side stern is not hooked up, instead there is a line going to the filler neck tube. the previous owner said he left the cap loose while he ran it, however we have discovered water in the fuel. Any ideas what the proper configuration should be? Or why someone would have changed this?

Hello Andrew,

I see you've posted the same basic question in the RAnger Factory forum.

HOW MUCH water is in the fuel? Are you talking a few oz or is there a quart of water? When I changed my primary fuel filter (the filter closest to the tank) recently there was 2-3 tablespoons of water in the bowl. The Secondary filter (on the engine) had NO water in the bowl. I feel my situation was "normal" and the filters functioned properly. I expect a small amount of water to form from condensation.

Some of the 2007-09 21ECs had problems with fuel belching out of the vent. At that time the vent was on the PORT side whilst the fill was on the STB where it has remained to this day. The vent was a very short line and allowed the fuel to slosh out the vent with normal boat movement. The solution is described by Gene in his thread. Basically, PORT vent is abandoned and a new one is plumbed to the STB side such that there is a long(er) vent line with a gentle slope so that the fuel that sloshes out of the tank will simply drain back INTO the tank rather than OUT the vent. Since there are NO LOW spots in the new vent line, the vent actually "vents" the tank and does not become obstructed by pooling of fuel or water. Thus, PROBLEM SOLVED. You DO NOT want "loops" in the vent which will hold fuel or water and thus BLOCK the vent.

The Ranger factory is VERY receptive to fixing issues with their boats regardless whether you are 2nd, 3rd, etc owner. The tugs are GREAT boats and, generally, have fewer issues overall than most other comparable boats...but, hey, NOTHING COMPARES to a Ranger Tug!!

Fair Winds,

/david

 

[Kenny Marrs]

The vent fitting should have a hose going right from the vent to the tank. What you're describing sounds like the previous owner installed a hose from the tank to the diesel fill...? Is that correct? I have no idea why someone would change to this set up. Hope this helps.

Thanks,
-Kenny

 

[Stevan47]

Hi everybody out there: As a newcomer the world of Ranger Tugs, I was surprised to find this problem with my 2010 R21EC which I bought in Dec '13 from the local dealer here in Western Austalia. The vesel was an ex-demonstrator at the local (Mandurah) boat show. Very happy with her, however as an ex-Australian navy Marine Technician (Stoker) [Machinist Mate/Boiler Tech] to all you ex-USN matelots, I just found it strange that that the port side fuel vent was not actually atached to the fuel tank. All it does now is vent the 'aft steering/storage compartment.

Certainly, the stbd side fuel filler cap has an inbuilt venting arrangement, via central internal twin-hole apertures, but in any sort of chop or swell, fuel still escapes onto the gunwales and then over the side. It is a little disconcerting, a bit smelly and, particularly in these environmentally conscious times, unacceptable, but not a calamity when all is said and done.

I have replaced the 'O' ring inside the fuel filler cap and always ensure the the cap is screwed right down, but some fuel still manages to escape. I now only fill the tank to the horizontal seamline near the top of the tank. This only reduces the leaving harbour fuel state to about 60 litres, instead of about 68: not a big deal. This helps a little, unlesss of course one is steaming in really rough conditions, which is not too often. Having said that, I wonder if anyone in the Ranger factory has ever thought of installing dwarf bulkheads in the fuel tank, to prevent surge effect? Considering the dimensions of the tank, albeit small in the R21, this can have quite an effect the vessel's stability if in a broached situation. Thankfully, the fuel tank is right 'aft so the effect on stability is more limited to trim than ballast. Still, some sort of surge limiting arrangement would be a worthwhile addition to future models. Your thoughts?

 

[SGIDAVE]

So, are you saying there IS a vent but the vent does not connect to the fuel tank?

Maybe ABYC standards do not apply to AUS boats built in the US? Or, is there another regulatory body in your country that provides standards for safety on boats.

Perhaps it was an over-site that the fuel tank lacks a separate (aside from the filler neck) vent? By way of not connecting the factory plumbed vent tubing, I mean.

How long have you owned the boat?

/david

 

[rt11002003]

I discussed baffles in the fuel tanks with the folks at Ranger several years ago. If my memory is correct,the answer I got was that baffles in the plastic tank were almost impossible because of the way they are manufactured as one piece.

Installing a flush mounted fuel inlet fitting stopped the leakage in that area. By flush mounted, I'm referring the typical fitting installed on the larger Ranger tugs.

Good luck curing the problems, it just takes some time and effort, and few new parts.

gene

 

[Stevan47]

Hi Dave, and other interested parties: other than the fuel filler cap inbuilt vent, there is a tube running from the port side, top of the tank, to the fuel filling cap/neck on the stbd side. Nevertheless, despite replacing the 'O' rng in the cap, some fuel still escapes via the fuel filler cap vent. Understand Gene's comments about fuel tank baffles. I have owned my boat since Nov 13. All suggestions and ideas welcome. Regards, Steve