Replacing Fuel Vent

[TimW451]

I undertook a job to replace the fuel vent in the hopes it will correct my issue with the gas pump cutting off frequently when filling up. (The theory being that it can't vent fast enough. The old vent's screen is well blocked, at least 50%.) My issue now is that the newer/current vents are slightly larger than the old one (luckily the pipe part is the same, so no issues with hose size.) The old one fits in a 3/4" hole, but the new one needs a 7/8' hole. While I have a 7/8"hole saw, it is meant for new hole, i.e. an arbor to guide it, which won't work here. I guess a step drill bit is the right option, but I'll have to buy one, I don't have that size. I could also just dunk the old vent in CLR and reuse it. What would you do?

 

[Beachbummer]

You already did the work of removing it! A step drill bit is a tool I only recently purchased and it's pretty cool to use. The old vent has enough corrosion it has been permanently marred(I think, from what I can tell in the picture) Get the stepper drill and go for it would be my vote.

Amazon.com: Neiko 10194A Titanium Step Drill Bit, High Speed Steel | 1/4" to 1-3/8" | Total 10 Step Sizes: Home Improvement

Buy Neiko 10194A Titanium Step Drill Bit, High Speed Steel | 1/4" to 1-3/8" | Total 10 Step Sizes: Step Drill Bits - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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This is what I got, but it was 2017, so you should search again in case better options have come up.

 

[Nfinlay1]

I undertook a job to replace the fuel vent in the hopes it will correct my issue with the gas pump cutting off frequently when filling up. (The theory being that it can't vent fast enough. The old vent's screen is well blocked, at least 50%.) My issue now is that the newer/current vents are slightly larger than the old one (luckily the pipe part is the same, so no issues with hose size.) The old one fits in a 3/4" hole, but the new one needs a 7/8' hole. While I have a 7/8"hole saw, it is meant for new hole, i.e. an arbor to guide it, which won't work here. I guess a step drill bit is the right option, but I'll have to buy one, I don't have that size. I could also just dunk the old vent in CLR and reuse it. What would you do?

View attachment 148142
View attachment 148141

Did you check to make sure there were no kinks in the fuel or vent line? I had that same problem and it turned out to be a kinked fuel line.

 

[TimW451]

The fuel line is good, at least what I can see of it. I also probed the vent line and it is good for ~2.5’ until I hit something.

Did you check to make sure there were no kinks in the fuel or vent line? I had that same problem and it turned out to be a kinked fuel line.

 

[TimW451]

Repair completed. I had a slight issue with the step bit, it caught on the hole while going in reverse, to protect the gelcoat, and ended up chipping. Maybe I should have just gone in forward. At least the vent covers it. I used a file to chamfer the gelcoat around the hole.

@Nfinlay1 Below is a shot of the fuel line, it does have a slight upward kink and loop. I think it is by design, to prevent fuel coming backup, and doesn't appear that significant. If I see no change in performance with the new vent then this could very well be my problem.

 

[TimW451]

I can report success! I just fueled the boat up without having it repeatedly stopping. It paused once at ~12 gal, and then kept going without fail to 42 gallons. I love it when a plan comes together!