My Vapor Separator Tank EXPLODED!!

[Moob]

UPDATE:

I think I know what happened!

When I "resealed" the VST unit I must have over tightened one of the torx bolts thus caused cap housing tab to spider-line crack. That crack grew over time with vibration and eventually, the pressure inside the VST caused the cap to erupt.




2000 OMC/Evinrude Ficht Ram 175 - E175FPLSSR

Got back to the landing just fine - wasn't pushing the Ficht...just a nice 4500rpm cruise to end the day. Got there then all of a sudden the idle changed and the motor began to shake violently. Then a loud pop - I swear my cowling was about to pop off! I shut her down and proceeded to land. I got home, took off the cowl and saw this! Looks like my cap busted open!



I'm going to need a new VST. How often does this happen? Is there a way to prevent this?

Am I better off shelling out $700 for a NEW one? or $100-$250 for "clean/good" used one?

[SEAHORSE]

Never saw one blow like that in all the years of FICHT. About the only thing could be a plugged up fuel rail return filter screen which would cause the fuel pressure inside to go sky high.

Just a thought, have you checked your filters for black particles that could be from deteriorating fuel lines? Those will plug up a screen in a heartbeat.

[Moob]

I have not. I’ll pull and check them out.

[Huey]

Not seen one fail like that either but that grey "sealant" on the o-ring looks like someone has been in there before.

[Moob]

I should have replaced the unit the first time around - I recall seeing fuel mixed with water from my “pee” hole last year and traced it back to the VST. I took the unit offf and removed the cap to find that the o-ring on the top was pinched and somewhat severed. I happened to find another o-ring just the same size and “resealed” everything with a bit of silicone sealant.

What other screen filters should I be checking? From what I can tell all indeed and outfeed fuel/water lines are clean and clear of debris.

[Mike D.]

Hi Moob! I have a unit you can have ! The cylinder itself has corrosion inside but the ends are good ! Replaced/p pump last yr! Let me know ! Won't be back t o house till next wknd ! I will keep pump itself ! I want to see if it still runs ! a lot of sludge when I took apart in pump! top and bottom of unit ok! Mike

[Moob]

Thanks for the offer -- brand spanking new unit arrives today! We'll see what happens!

[Moob]

UPDATE:

I think I know what happened!

When I "resealed" the VST unit I must have over tightened one of the torx bolts thus caused cap housing tab to spider-line crack. That crack grew over time with vibration and eventually, the pressure inside the VST caused the cap to erupt.

[Huey]

That will do it.

[SEAHORSE]

Yep, makes sense.

[Moob]

New tank installed along with new plugs and a new fuel/water separator filter. On ears she started up just fine and after a few minutes of roughness she’s got a steady idle. Will test on the water tomorrow.

[stratos3317]

NON ETHANOL !!!! USE IT AFTER REPLACING.

[Moob]

NON ETHANOL !!!! USE IT AFTER REPLACING.

For the three years that I've owned my Triton/Evinrude, nothing but 91+


UPDATE: After purging all air out of the air system and 1.5 gallons of gas -- she runs LIKE A CHAMP!!