II Much Fabrication Fuel Vent installations

[parsonsj]

I installed our new Fuel Vent prototype on Unfair last night. We've addressed all the bits and pieces of manufacturing: hard-coating tolerances, materials for our custom-made O-rings and washers, and some packaging issues.

Anyway, have a look at the photo below. The new design greatly simplifies plumbing with its "through the floor" approach, and integrated air filter. Drill a hole in the floor, install the Fuel Vent in place with its sealing O-ring, nut and washer, tighten into place by hand, and connect the tank vent port to it.

The production pieces will be hard-coated, and we expect availability in April.

[parsonsj]

Here's a view from the bottom. You can see the integrated air filter and locking nut as well. Apologies for the photo itself... this was taken with my iPhone.

[tom_a]

That is a good idea. I just installed my (Old) version last week. I filled up the tank at lunch Today and I am looking forward at not having fuel on the floor.
My pictures will show what a improvement looks like with your new unit. I routed my hoses the way I did because of location below the car.

[LowFast]

New one looks great, what's the $$ on these as I will need one for my build.

[parsonsj]

We're scheduling the production run this week. We'll have pricing information this time next week, if things go according to plan.

[BonzoHansen]

will you be making one that does not protrude into the trunk, or could this be adapted to stay under the floorpan?

[parsonsj]

Scott, we're actively working on a follow-on Fuel Vent design that we are designing to keep entirely under the car. It's a pretty big part, and packaging it entirely under the car will be a challenge. But you aren't the first person to ask for that, which is why we're looking at it right now.

[BonzoHansen]

John, could you run it up front like an evap canister. maybe hide it under a fender?

[KUSI]

John,
Nice clean design on this version. I had just finished researching what all I could on this venting issue the past few weeks. Found the usual stuff such as the motorcycle canisters and other stock evap. canisters but your design definitely simplifies the installation process. I will check back next week for the pricing. What size fittings (part numbers) did you use on the canister and your fuel tank? I noticed you ran a hard line but I assume a flex line would work fine too?

[Mike Norris]

I saw this piece in person when I was in FL last week and it is very nice. Cool how it has evolved from out base unit from a while ago. I think you could mount it up front, but mounting it any long distance requires that there be no dips in the line to catch the fuel and really needs a down hill slope back to the tank for the fuel to drain back. If it has a dip and loads up, it will render it pretty much useless. In the rear area an above the tank with a "dramatic" incline from the tank to the vent is best for sure.

[dontlifttoshift]

Could this possibly function as a rear end vent as well?

[Greg from Aus]

Looks great John, put me down for one.


Greg

[Roadbuster]

For you guys that don't want to cut the floor, look at the area behind the rear bumper. For example, on my GTO there might be enough room to put this above the tank in that area. Depends on the dimensions of the unit. I currently have my vent there next to the filler neck, hidden behind the license plate.

Nice looking piece!

[parsonsj]

Let me attempt to answer the various questions:

What size fittings (part numbers) did you use on the canister and your fuel tank? I noticed you ran a hard line but I assume a flex line would work fine too?

I used Earl's pn EAR-949008ERL and EAR-982207ERL (from Summit). That's for 8AN line, but I expect most customers to use 6AN lines. Most tanks have 1/4 NPT vent port, and so our Fuel Vent is also 1/4 NPT, which gives great flexibility for plumbing. And yes, I used hard line (just a personal preference), but regular hose would work great, as long as it is gasoline-rated (teflon-lined, PTFE)

Could this possibly function as a rear end vent as well?

It would work great as a rear end vent. A bit of overkill, but I'm no one to judge about that! I'll be using one as the rear end vent in Unfair.

put me down for one.

You got it!

could you run it up front like an evap canister. maybe hide it under a fender?

Mike's answer is right. This device depends on gravity to return the captured fuel to the tank. Running it up front would be difficult.

Thanks everyone for the strong response. My email, PM, and blog comments are popping this morning!

[olason]

So I haven't built a fuel system yet in my project, but what do you mean by rear end vent? I understand that this is meant for venting the fuel especially when filling the tank.

I like the idea of running it out of sight, I just had a problem with the evap on my trailblazer ss which is above the wheelhouse.

[parsonsj]

but what do you mean by rear end vent?

During vehicle operation, the rear end gear lube gets hot, and the ring gear, pinion gear and diff all whip the fluid. These changes to the fluid create pressure on the axle seals and gaskets. Without a vent, the rear end will leak. Most folks just put a simple check valve in one of the axle tubes (that's how the OEM's usually do it). The problem is that usually allows fluid to escape, and eventually leads to your rear end getting gooey with diff fluid.

If you were to use our Fuel Vent instead of the little check valve it wouldn't leak fluid, keeping your rear end spic 'n span.

[westoz]

Jp, definitely put me down for two of these little beauties - diff and tank breather. I can add it to the other II much fabrication bits and pieces I'm collecting!

Cheers,

[parsonsj]

Lyndsay, you got it. Let's keep adding to that II Much Fabrication collection.

[69bigblock]

I like this. Its very simple. What size whole was drilled...

[parsonsj]

The hole diameter is 2.5"