Fuel Vent and damage to paint
 

Has anyone run accross this? Took my boat to fuel station and filled it up 2 weeks ago (on trailer). The boat is a 2008 Donzi 28ZR. I think it holds 92 or 96 gallons, and I filled it full. Trailered it back home and put back into garage. Have not had the boat on water since fill up. Looked at boat couple days ago and see that the paint is chipped and bubbled right below the fuel vent. Using standard 87 octane fuel (which I think contains 10% ethanol around here). I'm guessing that the sloshing around of the fuel caused some fuel to come out of the vent. We haven't had any extreme temperatures here in Wisconsin, and it stays fairly cool where I store it. So I don't think it was a temp issues. I think some pressure must have built up in the tank and cause fuel to come out the vent.

Anyway, can fuel attack the surface of paint, and eat it up like that? Or would it have to get below the paint to do this. Pretty sure the fuel vent is sealed well. I have never noticed any paint or seal issues around the vent.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Rick

Yes, a constant drip of fuel for a few hours will do that. I've had it happen to a lesser extent when doing the exact same thing you did. Now, I never fill the tanks completely unless I am on the water and will be using at least a few gallons of fuel.

That looks like the fumes are getting under the paint.

It happens on motorcycle paint around the gas fill when the edge of the paint isn't sealed.

The exact same thing happenned to me 2+ years ago. I filled it up and towed it to storage for the winter. When I picked it up in the spring, I found this. I was told its from the ethanol. I don't fill it up bfore storage anymore.

It can happen from a constant drip or fumes. It is a problem with the environmentally friendly paint mixing with the stupid ethanol. A few of my friends had the same problem.

Just happened to me also. Filled it & left it hanging in the hoist before the Tickfaw 200.

This same thing happened on my Outerlimits.

Yes. Sorry it sucks. Artie

Yes I am in that club too. Both sides Mine was 93

I'm glad I wasn't alone. Felt kind of stupid. Another lesson learned. Thanks for the input.

One other thing I'm wondering. If you get slight spillover when you fill the boat, and gas runs a bit down side of boat, do you need to do more than just wipe off with a towel or cloth? Wonder if the area should be cleaned with something else, or is just wiping it off adequate?

Rick

Thats where the windshield wash bucket at the gas pump comes in handy

Im going to keep this filed in the Paint Vs Gelcoat section.

Never seen this happen to gelcoat.

Uncle Dave

I have always grabbed a towel and dipped it in the window wash bucket at the pump or at least used the squeegee and put water on the area afraid of just what happened to you.

what about putting a small strip of clear plastic, something like clear window tint material below the vent. Would that help?

Never have seen that on a Formula. They use Emron paint. :D

Sucks for sure!

Close cousin to Dupont Imron. :lolhit:

Dang! I knew I spelled that wrong! :)

I know to watch my spelling and grammar around a few of yous guys so I had no choice but to call ya out. LOL

Yea on a Formula it just stains it I know. We have a 04 31PC that overflowed and sat and now has a perminent yellowish brownish stain down the side under the vent.

Ive only filled mine up till it ran out the vent once,accident,I sat in the station for a good 30 min with a towel,it was like it started siphoning.I wonder if it had a loop in it like the vent hose on race cars it wouldnt be as bad, I'm sure the heat/sun would make it swell and vent out. I try not to fill it all the way up an sit in the sun/heat.I will be alot more carefull now!!!