Fuel Tank Leaks

[mrbpj]

The two 12 gallon tanks on my 26M have a vent on top, which is part of the filler cap. My problem with this is that the vent leaks when sailing heeled. If I close the vent, then the pressure builds up inside the tank on a hot day and the fuel leaks out of the front supply connection.
Does anyone else have a problem with the seal around the top plate on the tanks?
Any suggestions?

Fair Winds

[miss u]

i have the same problem so have been filling to 80% ,hope someone hase a better answer.

[aya16]

Its a pretty common problem, vent leaks when heeling. Shouldn't leak anywhere after closing the vent. Do you mean the gas leaks from the fittings after you close the vent? if thats the case your also sucking air when the motor is running. That will cause a very lean condition for the motor and may harm it, let alone make it run really good if the air it sucks is minor, but its not good for the motor.

I dont fill the tanks full unless Im going to motor far, and I close the vents when sailing. Like I said there shouldn't be any leaks after you close the vents and the tanks are under pressure. Its one thing else I have to remember to do when I park the mac is open the vents a little. I have forgot this on the whaler before and the tank blew up like a football. I opened the vent and it went back to normal, I never heard of a tank bursting under pressure.
Mike

[NiceAft]

The tanks will expand on a hot day, but during a day of sailing with the vents closed, there should be no leakage. Once you open the vents, the tanks will be fine. Are you sure the leakage is not coming from a faulty gasket? If you leave the tanks closed for an extended time, the gasket under the filling/vent assembly can rupture. I don't know if spares are still available. I carry a spare with me.

Ray

[mrbpj]

Thanks. Must be the gaskets are letting go. Where can one get replacements?

Fair Winds

[K9Kampers]

You can make your own, sheets of gasket material and Orings can be found at auto supply stores, even some hardware stores.

[Dell Anne]

I had the same issue with a pair of Tempo, Model LPT12 tanks. I contacted the company for assistance but, have not heard back. I purchased a peice of 12" x 12" x 1/8" inch gasket material from Auto Zone rated for gasoline. The repair was easy, took about 20 miutes to do both tanks. I turned each tank up to check for leaks and there were none. Time will only tell how long it will last. The 12 x 12 sheet is enough for 3 repairs to both tanks.

Hope this helps,

Ron

[mrbpj]

Thanks to all for helpful hints. Looks like I'll make a trip tomorrow to the auto parts shop for materials.

Fair Winds