RT188 - Fuel Demand Valve

[CR78]

Recently purchased a 2015 RT188 - my first boat. I've got very little boating knowledge to pull from, so I'm going to end up learning some things the hard way, I'm sure. Will be leaning on the knowledge resources here for years to come. I've found a number of older threads that talk about this issue, and really only identified this as a potential problem due to the gas smell in my garage. It looks like there is - or was - gas escaping from the tank around the fuel demand valve. I can't find any sort of crack around the valve, as is discussed in some other threads. Is this the valve the likely culprit, or could it be the metal coupling underneath that connects the valve to the tank? What's the best resource to purchase whatever replacement part I need? Will I need any type of sealant? What's the best method of cleaning the fuel from the outside of the tank after I've fixed the problem? Thanks for any help you all can give.

XrxYMXX - Imgur.jpg

Fuel Demand Valve - Imgur.jpg

[kacordy]

These guys will be chimin in soon. I have the same issue. I still have not found out how to pull the bottom pad of the seats to gain access to the tank. Your 15 steps ahead of me, lol. I have a 2017 198P.

[tcesni]

I’d bet that your valve has already been replaced once. They can be purchased from any Ranger dealer or you can buy one on-line, just be sure it is the correct part number. Doesn’t hurt to have a spare around either. You will need a gasket sealant suitable for gasoline. Again, your dealer can help with a recommendation or a local auto parts store.

[Bassakwards]

I've lost count how many times I've had to replace that thing in my 2016. I know the dealer replaced it earlier this year during its yearly service because there was a gasoline smell. Took the boat out again this weekend for the first time in about 2 months and its smells like its gone bad again.

[Bill Reynolds]

You are probably on the right track, but just in case, look at your spit-back valve for any sign of leakage. This is my third one, the other two cracked along a seam.

[jml]

I am still on the original valve, but carry a spare.

[GeauxTide]

Had the same problem and it was spit back valve. Replaced under warranty.

[jc1234]

I had to replace mine one time. If you do it yourself, be sure to order the metal clip along with the valve. The chances are very high that you will render the old clip useless when you try to unclip the valve.

[CR78]

I so appreciate you all taking the time to provide input and help me out with this. The spitback valve doesn't have any gas residue around it, and I think the fuel demand valve is the source of the problem. I was searching around for a video instructional on how to do the replacement, but couldn't find anything, so I have a few follow-up (likely dumb) questions. Do I need to drain the tank before changing out the valve? Where do I need to apply the sealant (any recommendations on the sealant to use)? Once complete, is Simple Green a good solution to removing the gas residue from the tank, or would you recommend something else? Thanks again!

[jc1234]

I found instructions on installation on the Attwood website. The official name is Intergrated Fuel Demand Valve. There is a downloadable PDF for the how-to.

PS: I did not drain the tank.

[tcesni]

Definitely no need to drain the tank, that would seriously suck. Glad it worked out for you.

[Mike198P]

These guys will be chimin in soon. I have the same issue. I still have not found out how to pull the bottom pad of the seats to gain access to the tank. Your 15 steps ahead of me, lol. I have a 2017 198P.

Seats come out as a package deal. It is a one piece deal with screws in the flange on the floor.

[kacordy]

Seats come out as a package deal. It is a one piece deal with screws in the flange on the floor.

Thank you Mike, I will go find those screws.

[CR78]

I found instructions on installation on the Attwood website. The official name is Intergrated Fuel Demand Valve. There is a downloadable PDF for the how-to.

PS: I did not drain the tank.

Thanks so much for this; the instructions make me feel much more comfortable about how simple the install is. One additional question; the instructions recommend Attwood #30106-6 as a thread sealant to connect the "barb fitting or anti-siphon valve" to the fuel demand valve. That particular Attwood sealant doesn't appear to be available; what would be the go-to alternative sealant for this use? Additionally, can I expect to have to remove existing sealant from the barb-fitting or anti-siphon valve, and if so, what should be used to accomplish that?

[T-Mac]

I just replaced the demand valve on my small boat...(replacement suggested by a good tech). My question is : Why is it needed on the gas line on a portable 6 gallon tank with a vented cap..? I was experiencing a fuel starve issue (several times on long runs / hot days) while the tank vent was open.

[tin wacker]

i had my spit -back valve crack also took it out of the system and replaced with a new hose .

[CR78]

Just want to say thanks to everyone. I was able to successfully swap out the valve today.