Fuel Tank Problems
 

I have a 1989 Wellcraft v20 CC Fisherman . My problem is that I can not get fuel from the tank to the 200 hp Yamaha OB. I replaced the fuel line 2 years ago and installed a water seperator . Last year each time we went out the fuel ball would flatten and the engine would stop . To correct it we would reverse the ball and blow air through the line to the tank. This would allow us to run for another 15 minutes. I think I have to drain the fuel tank and remove the pick up tube from the tank to find out what is causing the blockage . Has anyone done this before as getting to the pick up without removing the floor pannel looks very difficult Advice would be welcome .

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

It sounds like your tank may not be venting. Try opening your gas cap a little to allow air in the tank . If that works your overflow may have a clog in it .

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

Welcome. I agree with Labii. Alot of times during winter layup or extended periods of non-usage, spiders or other bugs will get into the vent and nest in there clogging the works. If your tank doesn't vent properly, it can stop the siphoning of gas to the motor. That's the first place I'd look anyways.

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

Thanks for the quick come backs . How do you clean the vent tube and how does it connect to the gas tank ?

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

It's a hose that's clamped to the backside of the vent right below your gas filler cap. You should be able to get access to it through the inspection plate just below the gunwhale below the filler cap. Just a hose clamp holding it on.

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

Any solutions to the problem yet? ???

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

Gentlemen :

I removed the vent hose through the inspection port and blew it out with my mouth, I think it was clear of any obstructions as air came out of the filler hose .
Then I removed the petcock from the fuel pick-up line into the tank , cut the fuel line and blew compressed air into the fuel line and tank to clear any obstructions . I eliminated the petcock and connected the fuel line directly to the pick-up .
Tried primming the ball , still no fuel . Removed ball from line and checked it out , appeared to be working fine . Pulled fuel from the tank using auxillary pump thru line and water seperator then reconnected ball and primed carb's. Engine started up OK .
I am thinking my problem was that the ball was in a vertical position and can not work adequately in that position. When I replaced the fuel line two years ago I left it to long , causing it to hang vertically .
Hopefully this has cured the problem , I thank you all for your responses.

The Engineer

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

Good deal ;) Now you can concentrate on fishing instead of when your motor is going to crap out on ya.

So tell me, are you an english engineer or an engineering englishman? ;D

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

The Englishman is our boat and call sign when we fish out of Hatteras NC .
I am also English by birth and a stuctural engineer .

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

Well that clears things up. ;D 8)
We have something in common then.





I speak english. ::) ;D

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

Fishing out of Hatteras in a 20 footer,, you are a lucky man. My out-laws just sold their summer home in Frisco. Good luck with the fuel line. I would think that the fuel ball would not work very well in the vertical position. You may have found your problem.

- Tom

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

After two years of fuel tank problems , I finally discovered what was causing the problem .
The felt from the cap of a fuel additive or stabilizer was floating around in the bottom of the fuel tank and would get sucked onto the pickup tube . It was the size of a nickle and about 1/16 thick . After I had syphoned all the gas from the tank then dried it with rags attached to a dowell , I let it air dry for a few days then attached a piece of small diameter pipe to my shop vac and vacuumed out the tank. First thing to come out was the felt bottle cap cover .
By the way , I never was able to remove the pickup as it was galled onto the tank fitting ,I had to install a new mikey moused pickup into the tank .
After all this I have forgotten how to attach the wires to the fuel gage . The pink wire , should it attach to the center bolt ?

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

Best thng to do is test w/volt meter...make sure no gas fumes present...what color is the wire comin out of the fuel gauge...with all the work you've done, make sure the TANK IS GROUNDED proir to re-fueling...might be a BLAST!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

Yeah, that could really ruin one's day. :o

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

Gas Gauge?? Whats that ??? I have never had ine that ever read right!! so I just got rid of ht!! ;D

Instead I put a 3 tank selector switch and added another 25 gal tank. Now I have 2 20gal and 1 25 gal tank.
I just drive till I run out and then switch tanks! Of coarse it is good to no how your boat is on gas!! I no the limts of mine and I can tell you just about when its going to run out!
I fish the vinyard most of the time and it is 28 mile round trip from the ramp to the area I fish. I can do this and move around the whole day and I have never empty a 20 gal tank yet doing so.

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

MJ that engine is treating you right!!!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems
 

Yea it is a good motor!!
I am happy except for the oil ijection system???
see here:


http://www.wellcraftv20.com/cgi-bin/...68273;start=30