Tomcat fuel tank access woes

Captains Cat · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 10:26 pm Post subject:

What are "output valves"? Do you mean the suction line for the line to the engine? Does it have a "valve" on it? by that, I mean some sort of a shutoff mechanism?

Charlie

Beflyguy · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:26 am Post subject:

Sorry if this does not match your boat but here is a photo of my 2009. The access ports are to the right of the rear helm.

Here is what the port tank looks like in a photo taken through the access port.

Here is the Starboard tank. (I think I have these photos right).

As I remember, the front of the port fuel tank is about even with the table. I had some photos that would confirm my recollection but they were lost as a result of an altercation between some rare earth magnets and my laptop.

Soon, I plan to add a pair of vent line surge protector valves to both vent lines. It should be fairly easy.

Sorry if the vagaries of the TomCats make this information less than useful to you.

squidslayer · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 1:55 am Post subject:

Thanx Brian
the picture looks clear what to look for .. Unfortunaly there is no valve/fitting like yours inbettween the filler and venthoses right on the side. My fuel supply hose leads towards the middle if the tank way under the deck out of sight

thanks alot for your in put
I will post my progress

DickE

squidslayer · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 7:57 am Post subject:

Thanx Brian
the picture looks clear what to look for .. Unfortunaly there is no valve/fitting like yours inbettween the filler and venthoses right on the side. My fuel supply hose leads towards the middle if the tank way under the deck out of sight

thanks alot for your in put
I will post my progress

DickE

matt_unique · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 9:03 am Post subject: Fuel pickup

Hi Dick,
Mine looks exactly the same as Mike's pictures above. My fuel pickup's are right beside the filler and vent.

--Matt

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 9:25 am Post subject:

And here are mine on a 2006. I only have one access on the side of the step, not the second one higher in the cockpit side. And the coaming box you see is not removable but is glassed in.

Sorry for the blurriness in this one, have not compared it with the earlier detailed photo and didn't see the tank level sender, need to look again today.

Charlie

BrentB · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:05 pm Post subject:

When you have access to the fuel tank, what is the plan?

One item to check is the fuel pickup tube. Sometimes they are too short and reducing the amount of avialble gas

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:23 pm Post subject:

My fuel gauges are way off. Shows about empty when still about half full. Have always been that way. I'd like to correct that. I have never been near empty as a result but I don't usually go any great distances.

I tried to find electronic fuel flow meters but my 2001 engines don't send that information and I don't like the idea of putting the "turbines" in the fuel line to measure the flow.

Charlie

SGIDave · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:27 pm Post subject:

Hello DickE,

You describe a fuel starvation situation...can you remember if the fuel primer bulb would refill itself when you would 'pump it up'? Or, did it tend to stay 'flat' for a few moments?

In addition to concern about the fuel pick up/tank, I would suggest you go around to all the fuel line junctions and make sure none of the hose clamps are loose. When my engine exhibited similar symptoms, it turned out that air was being entrained into the fuel system at high rpm via a leak at a hose/barbed fitting juction. Tightening the hose clamp fixed that problem; no 'tank' interventions where necessary.

I'm not saying your problem isn't within the tank, only that you should also consider other sources of fuel starvation/air entrainment between the tip of the fuel pick up and the engine.

PLease let us know how it turns out.

/david

squidslayer · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:32 pm Post subject: Via Iphone

Ran the engine in question on a seperate portible fuel tank thru all lines and filters ...no problem
Thanks to you guys picture of the location of the fuel fitting ... I have located in the same spot as yours... Just not nearly the clear shot access like others...
I had to cut another round access on the side of the step ...just to get a peek at it.... All sorts of cables and hoses where hiding it. Also the L fitting was facing towards the middle of the boat with the hose Doing a 180 and comming in from behind.I had to cut the fuel hose off by feeling so I could get the fitting off
Then took a pipe wrench and turned the L fittng so it points outward rather then in.....for installing the new one.. Will also pull the tube out for a look tommorrow
will update when finnished
thanks for the help
DickE
DickE

Captains Cat · Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 8:14 am Post subject:

What are you folks using to cut the round holes? Assume you are sizing them to fit on of those round access "hatches"? Did you find any core in that area?

Charlie

squidslayer · Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 9:39 am Post subject:

I used a RotoZip spiral saw...no balsa in the step but plenty of nasty glass dust

squidslayer · Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 9:34 pm Post subject:

Problem solved
took out anti piece of crap valve from tank with new fitting
thanks for the feed back and pictures
they really helped

DickE