Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I purchased a 2012 SunTracker 20DLX last June and have a strange fuel tank problem.

When I did my purchase orientation with the dealer, they told me this boat had a new style fuel tank that stays pressurized during use. Before opening the gas cap to refuel, push down on the red knob on the cap to vent any pressure. Following the dealers instructions, I fueled the boat on the way to the marina and did the break-in operation without issue. Somewhere around 1/2 tank of fuel, the boat quit running and would not start. I got towed back to the marina and the maintenance guys found about a quart of water in the fuel. They said the water got in through the little red release knob. That in the future I should screw it down tight after refueling, which I did the rest of the season without issue.

Problem I now have is that the tank is now under vacuum. During the course of the day, I can see the top of the tank belly in, and if I push the button or take the cap off, air definitely goes in.

How does the fuel tank/cap work on anyone else's SunTracker?

The whole deal sounds as if it's got O'Bama's hands on it. It's all U.S. government regulations.

They've also driven the prices of 1, 2 and 5 gallon fuel cans out of sight, and it takes forever to down load fuel into the boats' fuel tanks. The 12 gallon "portable" fuel tanks so commonly used on pontoons are over $100.

Thankfully I've still got a # of old 5 gallon plastic Jerry Cans. Now, if I could figure out some government program that would help me pay for the gasoline that's doubled in price the last 4 years.

My wife & I were just talking about the price of fuel. Not sure how much we will be able to use the boat as we had planned due to the high cost of fuel. I have a 28 gallon on the pontoon now & I also have a 18 gallon aluminum & a 24 gallon black plastic tank with senders in them already to hook up to my gas gauge. Even with that I will still have to shell out a LOT to fill them up. I also have 2 6 gallon metal gas cans I can use too. I sure don't want to have to buy gas at any of the marinas around here at the price they are asking for it. it's hard enough to keep the tanks filled on the car & the truck not counting gas for the riding mower too. Just have to wait & see is all I know to do. I "thought" retirement was going to be FUN & enjoyable. Someone LIED to me about that.

Drmanko wrote:I purchased a 2012 SunTracker 20DLX last June and have a strange fuel tank problem.

When I did my purchase orientation with the dealer, they told me this boat had a new style fuel tank that stays pressurized during use. Before opening the gas cap to refuel, push down on the red knob on the cap to vent any pressure. Following the dealers instructions, I fueled the boat on the way to the marina and did the break-in operation without issue. Somewhere around 1/2 tank of fuel, the boat quit running and would not start. I got towed back to the marina and the maintenance guys found about a quart of water in the fuel. They said the water got in through the little red release knob. That in the future I should screw it down tight after refueling, which I did the rest of the season without issue.

Problem I now have is that the tank is now under vacuum. During the course of the day, I can see the top of the tank belly in, and if I push the button or take the cap off, air definitely goes in.

How does the fuel tank/cap work on anyone else's SunTracker?

The old style caps are vented to stop the pressure build up or the vacuum effect.

If you hunt around you should be able to find a old style gas cap to fit your tank that will solve your problem, the new EPA caps suck and will cause you problems as you have found out, I ran into this last year when some crack head stole my tanks and I had to replace them. The supply of them wont last long.

I've got the same set-up on my 12' Tracker. Haven't had the problem you did. But then again, have never used more than 10 gallons out of the 35 gallon tank.

Since the vent is spring loaded to closed, I can't see how water would get in. Especially since water would just spray onto it. And it would take a lot of spray to get a quart of water passed the valve through that little vent hole.

But just to make sure, I think I might get some water sensing paste and see if there's any water in the tank.

My '12 Bass Buggy had a recall on the primer bulb and hose. Sucker squirted fuel out like a squirt gun when you squeezed the primer bulb. Haven't had any issues with the fuel cap. I open the vent up when in use and close it when not.

Boatcop, do you run with the red knob on the gas cap tightened down (closed) or loose (open)? I guess I just can't believe air would go into the tank from a spot the repeatedly gets splashed with water. The cap is only maybe a foot from the water surface and definitely gets splashed when under way.

I think I keep it screwed down. I really haven't paid that much attention.

I ended up putting a barb in the top of the tank plate and running some hose up and then turn it over to ensure water does not get in it. This vents the tank to atmosphere and fixed all of my fuel tank vent problems. Obviously the makers cant do this casue of govt emmisions requirements.