Fuel Vent 2007 21EC

[Wilkie]

I am having fuel leaking out of the vent.. This seems to even happen when the tank is not full..

Can I attach a new hose with a loop? Or?

Thanks..

Wilkie

 

[rt11002003]

First, check the fuel line between the tank and vent fitting. It is likely that hose is crimped causing the tank to pressurize when the boat bounces around, which will force fuel out the filler fitting/cap and/or thru the vent.

One fix is too replace the vent fitting in the tank with one having a 90 degree bend. Run a new vent line across to the starboard side. Install an adjustable vent fitting in the starboard side (one that is adjustable on the inboard side). Arrange the fuel line and fitting so that it attaches from the top; avoid a loop that may trap fuel.

Then replace the fuel filler fitting/cap with a flush mounted fitting.

Worked for me. 😀

gene

 

[Portugeezer]

This is a fix that I am keen to undertake as the sloshing fuel makes a stinky mess on the transom whenever there is a lateral roll. The amount spilling into the water is undetermined but it would be nice if there were none at all! Being a novice, I wish there were photos or some further detail in regards to the fittings and layout. If someone with an R21 has undertaken this, I would sure like to make contact with them. It sounds like the critical element is to avoid a low point where fuel can accumulate in the line on its way to the (new) starboard side vent. Would there be room to install the fuel line at a slight upward angle, I wonder?

 

[rt11002003]

Sorry, I didn't take photos of the new installation, except for the fuel filler cap. I did take photos of the crimped vent line before removal. If you'd like to see them, provide me with an email address.

The new fuel vent line was a straight shot across the top of the fuel tank. I put packing under and around the fuel line to prevent rubbing and to keep it level. The secret is the new fuel vent fitting. Mount it as high as possible on the starboard side. Then turn the adjustable fitting at an angle that gives the highest approach for the fuel line, preferrably more than 90 degrees from horizonal.

gene

 

[Dave and Genny]

We have 2006 Ranger R-21EC and are experiencing the same issue with the fuel vent releasing fuel. We've been "gathering information" from this group but yet to act on fixing the problem. We'd be interested in seeing pictures too. genny@iserv.net

 

[Andrew Custis]

I suggest to remove the existing hose off of the vent and install a new vent on the other side allowing a longer hose run so the fuel will not slosh out of the short hose currently installed.

 

[Portugeezer]

Hello all,

I spent all day trying Andrew's suggestion but was unsuccessful. The result is abraded forearms from the fibreglass slivers that I rubbed up against. I would have had sore knees too but I remembered the gardening mat that's been waiting for a dry day to get used.

I removed the old vent line OK. I also installed a second 90 degree fuel vent on the starboard side OK. The problem arose when I attempted to clamp a new fuel line in place. There is not enough room to maneuvre clamp-tightening tools in that narrow space. I tried removing the filler hose to slide the tank forward, but without success. It's on too tight. At any rate, even if the new fuel line was successfully clamped onto the (new)starboard vent, there would remain a low point in the line midway to the tank fitting. There just isn't enough space to provide a drop and I am not sure that would be kosher with the Diesel gods.

I am hoping to hear from you out there that trapped fuel should be OK. Tomorrow I will go out and get me some of those spring clamps and try sliding them into place using pliers. Those might work, though I don't suppose they come in stainless.

 

[Blue Healer]

Hi Portugeezer

I have done the modification without too many dramas.

The hose clamps I used were the type that can be tightened either with a screw driver or a hex socket set. I used a small 1/4" drive ratchet with a small flexible extender. Gene's (rt1002003) suggestion of placing packing between the fuel line and top of the tank, mid way, to prevent the breather hose sagging and fuel being trapped worked for me.

I was able to remove the filler hose (after undoing the clamps) and slid the tank forward (after removing the retaining cleat). I think I might have skewed the port (you are very familiar with that side of the vessel) side of the tank around first to help release the grip of the fuel filler hose. But then I am an Aussie born and bred, strong in the arm and thick in the head.

The filler cap also needs to be a non venting type. When you remove the SS filler cap and tip it upside down you can see the two little vent holes. I simply welded the vent holes up with Stainless Steel rod so that the cap no longer breathes.

Better luck tomorrow!

 

[rt11002003]

The fuel vent fitting that I installed on the starboard side is a PERKO with a swiveling elbow, which allows one to position that vent line approach better. I found it it on page 519 of Fisheries Supply 2008. It was numbered PKO 561DP4; SKU 47827.

I, too, suffered some scratches and bruises, even using long sleeves and two pairs of surgical gloves on each hand. 🙁 It's close working in that area.

I replaced the OEM fuel filler cap with a flush mounted one. 😎

The solution was not perfect, under some conditions I'd still get a tiny bit of fuel from the vent. But, I think it's best, easy solution. 😀

The best solution is to have a tank with baffles and located well below the exterior vent fitting. The top of the fuel tank in my CS30 is between 3 and 4 feet below the deck.

gene

 

[Portugeezer]

I have achieved success at last. I finally was able to clamp the new vent hose onto the new (stbd) vent. I settled the low point issue (on the hose) by means of some kayak pads. These foam pads have a channel for inserting onto a roof rack which was perfect for imprisoning the hose. A second piece pushed the first foam/hose combination upward and enabled the entire assembly sit on top of the tank. It appears quite firmly in place as the foam made for a good friction fit.

My worry had been that once fuel got trapped in the low point of the hose, it would not permit an adequate amount of air to enter the tank and leading to fuel starvation. Time for a sea trial now to test whether the foam remains in place, to ensure that no fuel becomes trapped and to see whether there is any fuel spillage out of the new vent. That was, after all, the whole purpose of this ordeal.

Por2geezer

 

[Portugeezer]

Sea trial Part 1 is over. 2 weeks in the Broughton Archipelago using the boat every day saw no spillage from the new vent. However, the seas were calm throughout most of the voyage. Part 2 will be when I do a rough weather crossing, but so far I am very encouraged.