portable gas tank woes

[aburke120]

I bought a used motor last year that came with a 6 gallon plastic portable tank. When I fill the tank up and tighten the cap the float that indicates how much fuel is in the tank is on the short side of the tank and doesn't float. Is there a way of fixing this? I've tried turning it inside the cap, but didn't want to exert much pressure on it to break it. Thanks.

 

[gm280]

Not knowing what plastic tank you are dealing with, I can't suggest any real ideas to fit it. Could you post a picture or three for us to see what you are dealing with. Then better suggestions can be offered. It sounds like whatever is supposed to float inside the tank to show the gas level is either soaked and no longer floating, or stuck against a part of the tank and not allowing it to work as designed. But I honestly don't know. :noidea:

 

[Silvertip]

What do you mean by "short side of the tank"? Remove the cap. Does the gauge say EMPTY? Yes or No? If it doesn't, then the float is stuck. Free it or buy a new cap that has the proper reach for the float mechanism. If the gauge reads empty, move the float up and down. Gauge work correctly? Yes or No! If not, again -- replace the cap. If it works correctly, then check for obstructions in the tank and make sure the float mechanism is long enough to reach the fuel in the tank (although if full it would read something). Use a mason jar full of fuel to see if the float actually floats. Yes or No. If it doesn't - replace the cap.

 

[aburke120]

the filler cap is in the middle, the full/empty gauge is on the "short side" of the tank. My original post said 6gal,but it's a 3. tank is a sea sence or something like that.

 

[JimS123]

Depending on how old the tank is, its possible that the float has been degraded by ethanol. Even the good quality steel tanks have had this problem. The fix is merely replacing the float. Another possible issue is that the cantilever mechanism is frozen, thus not allowing the float shaft to rotate. Its not a good idea to leave fuel tanks out in the snow.

 

[aburke120]

Its not a good idea to leave fuel tanks out in the snow.

I just used the boat last week walleye fishing. I live in michigan, frostbite one week, sunburn the next.