Fuel System Options

One of the most funky things about the Excels are their belly tanks.... they hold 40 gallons and they are right underfoot. Mine needs sender and fill work, so I've been looking over different fuel systems. I like the idea of the zero discharge systems but I hate what the EPA regs did to my ability to fuel my lawnmower - I HATE those nozzles!

I have seen some items which can make the "new systems" for zero discharge:

Pressure relief, carbon cannister and direct fill.

Has anyone changed their boats to one of these systems? I LOVE the idea of zero vent discharge but I don't want to trade off fueling problems. In the early 90's, I used a vent whistle that worked great in the Excel... whistled til the fuel reached it, then stopped. While there was the occaisional spill, it was very little. I found and place a whistle in the Air but due to the tank placement, relatively small tank size and tight venting....doesn't really work.

Has anyone had any experience with the following components specifically:

Fill Limit Vent Valve

Inlet Control Valve

Fuel Vent Line Surge Protector


The Vent Line Surge Protector seems to be the slickest and easiest route. Easy to fit in the very long vent line ....Thoughts?

The best hint I ever got from this site was the use of the super siphon. Transferring gas from the 5 or 6 gallon gas cans to the boat, or Kawasaki Mule is soooooo much better now! No more stooping over...no more balancing.... place the can on the transom or the dock and just super siphon. It is the ONLY way to refuel with cans!

My use of the zero discharge vent is for when we fill at the pump....either in the water or on the trailer with a high rate of fill.

I will look for those cans for the small gas-powered lawn equipment...

Todd, since the thread went a little sideways whith the Mules, how big of a boat will one of those pull out of the lake. We run around with them at work on the granite behind the dam and they've been almost as trouble free as a Gator. I like everything but the price, I think the last 4 seated was $12000.

Todd:

The Mule is used for landscape work at the lake in the summer and pushing snow in the winter at the Vet Clinic. What size boats do you launch with the Mule? I would be hesitant to retrieve the Air or the BFN ....though most of my towing/hauling is on gravel roads.

As far as the super siphon, it's not a money-maker...it's cheap! I heard about the funnel/hose/piling feature but decided to try the siphon and I'm hooked. This is it - you can get then from a lot of different places. I bought one but there's a three-pack for 20 bucks that I wish I got for the lake and home.

Super Siphon

Don and Steve,

My Mule is a 2 cylinder 4 stroke, 2-wheel drive, one large front seat and a dump body, about 10-12 years old. We often launch 20' boats, however our launch is not steep and is paved. I launch my 86 BFN frequently and tow it ~1/4 mile to/from a storage building with no difficulties. Is also used as a yard vehicle to move boats and trailers, and honey wagon, and is seasonal with no winters or salt. Replaced the muffler and both front spindles, but it takes a lot of abuse, without anything major.

Todd

Wow, that thing will pull a much bigger boat out than I expected. I've been trying to figure out the logistics of launching the Crackebox class from a different ramp at the dragboat races next year. They race, but are a sideshow like our hydrofoils and they fit us both in as needed to etntertain the crowd or to allow the conditions on the water to improve. I use a ramp in the pits that is seperate from everyone else and would like to put them in there too but it's very tight with all the Top Fuel and Alcohol Flat trailers that congregate in the area so a utility vehicle would really help things out. I get a ride or two during Friday practice for my efforts which is an absolute blast an beats anything at any amusement park.