Don't make this mistake!


B

bamastones

New member
Just want to put out an important caution to all the 45 yacht owners:

After a nice run in my 2012 45 Yacht, I stopped to get fuel. My fuel-filler cap broke off and sunk to the bottom of the harbor (the cable just snapped off). Since it was about to rain, I ran up to the ships store and got a replacement cap (perko). After another couple hours of running over the next week, I started losing a little power on my port engine (D6-435 IPS). Eventually, i got alarms and had to limp back to port. Got the Volvo tech to come out, they thought it was first a clogged fuel filter, then a bad lift pump (couldn't prime the engine).

In the mean time, I called Formula to order a new cap and that's when I learned that the cap is a special vented cap and we were drawing a vaccuum and couldn't prime the engine. Mechanic opened the cap and the engine stared right up after re-priming. New one is coming in a couple of days. good thing i didn't collapse the tank.

Just want to save someone the expense and pain -- I know that I will not be the last to lose a fuel filler cap.

You learn something new every day!
 
CT45, How much was the new cap? Might be a good idea to carry a spare. Sorry to hear of your trouble but thanks for the heads up.
 
In order to replace the cap with the connecting chain, you need to remove the entire filler / vent assembly and connect the fuel line to it. According to Formula, just a few screws hold it to the deck. The replacement is about $160 and the port and starbord sides are different parts. In an emergency, I think the Perko cap can work, but you need to drill a hole in it for it to vent properly. The proper cap doesn't look like it has a vent, but I was told that it does not make an air-tight seal.
 
The cap is the same as on my 40 PC is also vented. If you take out the screw that holds the cap to the wire under the black plastic piece you will find a tiny O ring. This alows the cap to vent.
 
At least on my boat, the chain is connected to the fuel cap with just one screw. Unscrewing the fuel cap over and over loosens the screw, and one day...when the screw comes out by surprise, the cap just falls in the water. :eek: Did this drill two seasons ago, and was unbelievably lucky enough to fish it out of 10 foot deep water with a fishing net taped to another long handle. Ask me if that screw has locktight on it now. ;)
 
unfortunately on mine, the screw was tight but the cable snapped right in the middle. The boat is only 2 years old and didn't expect it to break like that.
 
So great that you posted this Bamastones! I may strike a deal for a 45 today and am trolling through the forums to try to learn as much as possible. This was an important tip. The knowledge on this forum is incredible as well. Feeling better about the decision to buy a Formula! Thanks again!
 
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