fuel tank?

[that_guy]

Last year I was using an Attwood plastic fuel tank. I store my boat in the garage and on more than one occasion I came home to a garage and house stinking of gasoline. I'd go out and look at the tank and it was inflated like a balloon.

Is this a cheap tank, or did I get a dud? Is there a fix to this? I'm at a loss, but I know for sure I don't want to have the stink in the house again...

[soldoncass]

My guess is the cap was on tight (sealed) and the temperature was warmer, that made the gas expand. Make sure the cap is only on 1/2 way (like when it is in the boat), so the pressure can equalize.

[SkunkedAgain]

Gas vapors expand as they are heated, so you need to provide a means for the tank to expel the expanded gases. Think of it like a jug of water. If you fill it to the top and freeze it, the container will burst as the ice expands. Your gas tank is filled with liquid gas, vapors, and oxygen. As the surrounding temp increases, so does the volume within the tank. Most internal boat gas tanks have pressure release valves. Small portable tanks do not.

[that_guy]

I understand how the inflation occurred in the sealed nature of the tank. I was under the assumption that the tank I own had a vented cap of some sort.

As I'm reading around the internet, I'm finding the EPA put a stop on the manufacture of those vented tanks.

Guess I need to remember to unscrew the cap when I get home.

Thanks.

[SkunkedAgain]

It can be a pain to remember to unscrew the vent when you get to the lake, tighten it when your trailer, and then open it again when you get home. I usually forget the last part

[harvey lee]

I would see if you could find a tank with a vented cap. That would cure your issues. Maybe one online somewhere even a used one would cure your issues.

[that_guy]

I'm thinking just that Harvey...Good thing Garage Sale season is right around the corner! WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO