Fuel Line Check Valve

[gotwake]

Awhile ago I thought I had seen some information on installing a check valve that prevented fuel from spilling out of the vent line, and letting you fill the Nautique without splashing fuel everywhere. This was to be one of my winter projects.
Besides gas station spillage, the fuel splashing from the vent has caused the SANTE logo to fade. Racor seems to ring a bell, but haven't found it on the site... Has anyone installed this? Specifically has anyone installed this on a duel fill boat (02 SANTE)? Thanks for the help!

[VinRLX]

Try part # 34681 at overtons (as in put that number in the search box). Racor LG50, IIRC. Have not installed it personally. How many vent lines (outlets) do you have on the dual fill?

[tryan]

i have heard them called whistle stops if you want to search for that also.

epa is mandating the phase in of catalytic converts boats starting soon and across the board in 2007. hopefully boat and boat engine manufacturers will start spending 20 bucks and put liquid/vapor separators, charcoal canisters and puke chambers before the epa forces them to.

cats tend to get pretty hot so this could get interesting. forget heaters and showers, anybody for a sauna.

[gotwake]

Thanks for the quick reply! The boat has only one vent line. After re-reading my post, I forgot to mention that the fuel splashes out of the fuel fill (either side) as well when the tank is full. There just isn't any pressure there to trigger the gas pump to shut off. I end up with gas everywhere. Do I need to install two check valves because of the dual fill? Anyone else have this problem?

[tryan]

you can try to insert the fuel nozzle further in the fill hole, but if the fill is higher than the vent you will still get some pukage.

for your situation, look for the canister that fits over the vent and catches the gas.

i get some back spray if i fill to fast. i have had it come out the vent a couple times. i push the nozzle all the way in and fill at the medium speed.

[skinautique]

strange because I have never had a problem with 02-04
Put the nozzle all the way in and fill it. They have an anti siphon valve on them to help prevent this.

[tryan]

overtons has these two items.http://www.overtons.com/graphics/products/medium/34681M.jpgLifeguard LG50 Fuel/Air Separator -- Prevent Vent Line Overflow. Protect the environment and avoid costly fines with the Lifeguard LG50. This unique fuel/air separator allows vapors to escape and keeps fuel in the tank, avoiding fuel spillage down the side of your boat and into the water. Lifeguard contains up to 2.4 psi of fuel normally discharged due to agitation and thermal expansion. Gasoline only.............................................. .................................................. .



andhttp://www.overtons.com/graphics/products/smallpics/26005.jpgNo Spill™ Fuel Recovery System Helps Reduce Water Pollution. No Spill™ is designed for temporary attachment to the hull, over the fuel tank vent, while fueling. No Spill attaches to the hull using two super strong suction cups and captures fuel overflow that would otherwise stain the hull and run into the water. Fits boats with fuel tank vents up to 1-1/2" dia.






you could probably find them cheaper elsewhere.

the local docks are putting a diaper over the nozzle to catch the back spray. i'll see who makes then if you want.

[morfoot]

Have you considered just listening for a pitch change as you fill up. As you get close to being topped off you should be able tell by the high pitch change( you know like filling a tall glass full of you favorite beverage). Primitive but works none the less. Works good as long as you don't have some punk blaring his Hi-fi or Bubbas worn out Pu truck pulling in.

[gotwake]

Thanks for everything guys - I'm going to order the part and we'll see how it goes. It'll be awhile before I can fill the tank (the lakes are kinda hard right now) again and see what improvements this will make. I will be sure ot post back here to let everyone know in case there is someone out there with the same problem.
It is frustrating, I do stick the nozzle all the way in and MORFOOT - have tried the "listen to the tank" method. I have switched to turn the boat on and watch the guage method now... it seems to work a little better. TRYAN, I have only had a problem at one marina, I rarely fill up on the water, thanks for the info. Great Site!

[Alibuma]

This racor device will NOT solve your problems. This will prevent fuel from spilling out of the VENT not the FILL. You will still have the same problem.

[tryan]

i would never turn the key to 'on' and not start the boat. it might saturate an electronic pickup or get a injector solenoid hot.

Alibuma, is right. you just need to fill at a slower speed. ford trucks have a horizontal section in the fuel fill and tend to back spray at high fill rates.

cut a hole in a diaper and stick it over the nozzle before you fill. all the marinas started this last year. one marina owner is so stupid that they have a bug zapper next to the pump. HELLO. to top that, the battery charger is used not less than 10' away from the pump. they will make the front page of the paper one day.

[tryan]

a guy that owns a marina said that the company that makes the spray back diapers and a product that absorbs the fuel spilled is PLUTUS Environmental Technologies, inc. (865)573-1994

[tryan]

you probably already have a fuel vent valve. take it off (the valve) or move the hoses around and see if the problem persists.

remove the vent line from the tank and see if it is easy to blow through it.

[Dr.John]

Thought I'd open this again to see if there has been any strokes of brilliance on the vent/fill spill issue!?
Is this just a problem common to all inboard fuel tanks? If not, I'm surpised that CC hasn't address it! :o

[Rick]

I just saw an absorbant donut that fits around the gas nozzle at West marine. If you put one over the nozzle and then make sure it contacts the filler ring it should prevent sprayback

[Dr.John]

I have less trouble with the filler tube than I do with the vent. What I am noticing is when I fill up, when the nozzle shuts off automatically, even though I didn't have gas spewing at the nozzle, there is gas running out the vent. Maybe one of those check valves is the ticket. You need something that passes vapor and NOT liquid!

[Dude]

Thought I'd continue on this topic...I have a '99 Pro Air and everytime I fill the tank, it spews from the fill hole. Everytime, no matter how careful or slow I pump it.

Any ideas?

Dude