Yamaha Fuel Tanks

[Sinbad]

Being always in a hurry to get going, a few times I have forgotten to open the vent screw on the tank in service - and the engine has died as soon as I open the throttle, with the result that the tank is a bit 'flatter' than usual, but no great problem as opening the vent screw and it returns to original shape. Also have found that changes to temperature overnight can cause the same symptom if the vent is left closed.

 

Last time I was out, the engine spluttered to a stop, I tried pumping the bulb but this felt like it was only pumping air - and thinking it was doggy fuel or a blockage, changed over to a spare tank in the fuel locker.

 

Only when getting ashore and investigating I saw what the problem was

 

 

The fuel pick up had dropped off and was lying in the bottom of the tank - also virtually impossible to retrieve with a tank full of fuel.

 

When I got it out, I wondered

1. why it had a serrious kink in the plastic tube

2. what kept it from falling off the connector anyway, as its a straight clearance fit with no hose barbs or hose clips.

 

 

Then I put it back together, and thought the likely cause was, crushed fuel tank (even a small depression can bend the tube)

Mushroom pick up isnt supported by the base of the fuel tank, then works its way off. It was only a matter of time....

 

As can be seen in the image, the length of the pick up tube means the mushroom is resting on the base of the tank, raised up by 2mm or so by small lugs on the face of the suction mushroom. (so there's not mushroom underneath it - got it ??)

 

 

So, I'm working my way through the other tanks to check whether the others have the same problem, and in future, I think I wont bother closing the vent screw on connected tanks to avoid this happening. Its just possible to view the suction through the filling hole when the can is empty - so once you know what to look for, you can check this each time you fill up.

 

Paul