Extra fuel tank, need your input

Blue_Runner

Blue_Runner

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I have an older 18 - 20 gallon tank, possibly Moeller, unsure of mfg. It is a below deck tank and I would like to modify it to use above deck to extend the range on the V21 which has the 60g below deck tank. The dimensions allow my spare tank to fit perfectly under the bench seat. The tank would be used on the way to the fishing grounds so weight is only an issue for the first couple hours. The idea is to be able to make 125 -130+ mile round trips more doable and comfortable. I found a pic on THT where someone already did just what I am trying to do. I have all of the parts I need, fuel pickup, elbow, fill cap, fill hose, clamps, etc. but trying to figure out the fuel vent. I'm worried that such a short height on the vent as pictured might allow fuel to jostle out in while underway. Another concern is making sure spray, rain water, etc. stays out of the vent.

Last year I started carrying two 5 gallon cans which allowed us to come in with just under a half a tank reserve in the V21 (25 gallons) on a 45 mile run one way and a lot of running and gunning while there. Pouring over the gunnel into the fill is a real PITA trying to hold 30lbs out there when the boat is rocking and rolling! The ledge where we fish is 55 - 60 miles. I want to make it doable on those awesome days....the ones we ever so patiently wait to come along. Thanks for any help/ideas fellas!

This is the picture I found on THT which shows almost exactly what I am trying to do:
84686d1251930374-40-gallon-poly-fuel-tank-img_4244.jpg
 
blue, could you replace the fill cap with one of the new ones that vent

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edit: sorry, tried to paste pic on an ipad, not working
 
I actually thought about those but I didn't realize the vent had an anti-surge valve. I assume that means it won't let the fuel come out but lets air in right? Do you think I would I need to put a 5/8 hose on it or just leave it be as is? This seems like the perfect option because then I can just cap off the vent on the tank. :sly:

Trying to get some more range out of the old 2-smoke motor. With the extra tank I'd have 76 usable gallons multiplied by 2.3 mpg comes to 175+ range. The 2.3 mpg is a little conservative by the way. The round trip would be 140 miles or less so there is the safety reserve built in to the equation. I certainly don't want to be coming in on fumes!
 
i think you still use the vent, but you connect the hose to the small outlet on the fill, the vent is through the cap.
 
Racor makes a "Lifeguard" fuel/air seperator that plumbs into the vent line. West marine wants $92 bucks for one which sounds pretty high. Might be worth shopping around for.
 
that is like a check valve to prevent fuel from burping out of the vent. go to the west site and search for vented fuel fill, the have them for $46. new to the ipad, so can't paste a pic yet.
 
Blue_Runner said:
Pouring over the gunnel into the fill is a real PITA trying to hold 30lbs out there when the boat is rocking and rolling! The ledge where we fish is 55 - 60 miles. I want to make it doable on those awesome days....the ones we ever so patiently wait to come along. Thanks for any help/ideas fellas!
Click to expand...

I have been making 100+ mile trips also and carried extra 5 gals for "oh crap". Luckily I haven't come close to needing it with my four stroke. I have however considered adding a 3 way fuel valve with a plug/jack connection to a portable 6 gal tank. That would allow me to carry a portable tank and just plug it in and turn the valve to use it. No trying to pour it into the gunnel fill.
And it does not take away permanent space on the boat.
And you don't have to worry about the vent and fill.
 
Good thoughts guys I'll do some looking around. Skunk, I used a 3 way valve on the saddle tanks on the '73 so I know what you're talking about. The problem is 6 gallons alone won't do me much good. I'm needing 15 - 20 gallons with my 2 stroke and happen to have this tank laying around.

I've done 100+ mile trips with no extra tank and burned around 40 ish with 50 being the most ever burned. That was a little uncomfortable. I wouldn't mind being able to do a little trolling with my bottom trips since we are right there near the blue water anyway.

Will be looking around today.
 
I've got just what you need. It's a rubber 60 gallon bladder tank. You open it up, fill it with fuel, and close it up. You hook up a pump to it and fill your main tank from it as needed, and when your done with it you fold it back up and stow it away. It has no vents or anything as it is a solid air tight bladder with a tight fitting cap. My dad used it for extending his range way back in the 70's so he could get out to the middle grounds. They were used heavily back in the 60's and 70's for aircraft making long trips so you could carry extra fuel, but put the weight where you needed it at.
 
Sounds pretty cool Ferm but funds are limited and I have "almost" everything I need to make this tank work. Unless anybody has any other ideas I think I'm going to order that 90 degree vent in my last post. Seems like it will do the trick and pretty easy on the wallet.
 
Just as an FYI, I have one of those 3 way valves on my V20. I really don't know what kind or where it was obtained, since the PO installed it, but I can tell you that it's a blessing not having to pour gas into the main tank. I just take my plastic 6 gal outboard portable tank, attach the hose to the 3 way and I'm good to go. Highly recommend them. :beer:
 
When I had the old V20 I picked one up at the local good-ol boy hardware store. The one everybody goes to when you just can't find what you need anywhere else. The place literally has everything, only everthing is a little more expensive.
 
Good point Shrek, had not thought of that. I think I'll be fine on the UV's since it is for occasional use and will be out of the sunlight underneath the bench seat when in use. I'm going to clean the inside of the tank soon and will report back when I get this thing dialed in.
 
Been thinking about this project more and more. The tank I have has a lot of dried up crud in it. I put some water and dish soap in there to let it sit for a while and hopefully loosen up, then pressure wash it out. Buying a new tank suited for above deck and installing a 3 way valve is looking better and better. I've got $200 in my time just studying it. :you:

I found this 18 gallon tank that would fit under the bench set for $195. I'm still looking to see if I can find one with more like 20-25 gallons that will still fit. By the way I've got a little more than 12" clearance under the bench seat. The tank below ia 7.87" high and it says to allow 2.5" for tank fittings. If you guys see anything let me know. I'm not in a huge rush.........Thanks for all the replies.
http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/MO-31818.htm
MO-31612.jpg
 
Since its going under the seatwhy not run a hose up the side of the seat with a vent on it?? You could put it up the side of seat between gunnle so its out the way and not really be seen.
 
MJ yeah that is the kind of thoughts I had. After I put the some water in there to clean it I shook it around a bunch and realized fuel wouldn't be likely to shoot up through that small 5/8 hole anyway even with a short section of hose. I still haven't made up my mind but will decide after I get a chance to take a pressure washer to the inside of the tank this weekend hopefully. I went ahead and bought that 90 degree fuel vent that doesn't let water in. That will eliminate the threat of rain or spray entering the tank. I'm looking forward to getting out there fishing, I can tell you that much!
 
Got the fuel tank a little over 1/2 cleaned out. Used the pressure washer and a whole bottle of "Greased Lightening" in the process. I'm seeing a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully I can get all of the crap out of it! I found that letting the greased lightening sit in there for a couple hours really loosened the gook up.
 
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