Is the T-3 tank vented?

Trying to eliminate all sources of my problem.

Is the tank on a '98 Sprint Executive vented? If it is, and if that was plugged, could that cause a fuel starvation sensation after about 10-15 minutes of riding? If it is vented, I can't see to where or how.

I'm not talking about the fuel overflow line inside the filler area, which seems to only be there to drain away sloshed fuel around the filler hole. It's clear and unblocked, by the way with a new length of hose attached.

My locking fuel cap seems to have a very good seal, and when the tank heats up in the sun, there is a high-pitched whine which can be momentarily stopped by burping the cap. I've read here and elsewhere (and been told at the dealer) that this is "normal."

Jess Smith

[pendraig]

The tank is vented and the whining, or whistleing that you hear is air passing through the vent. On a hot day, the whine is caused by air exiting the tank as the contents expand. Immedately following shutdown, you will also hear the whine for half a minute ao so as air continues to enter the tank to take up the space of the fuel you expended.

[brgsprint]

Yes. The tank is vented at the filler and it will definitely clog and cause fuel starvation after a short distance. It's not the small hole you mentioned. You have to take the filler cap ring off to see it. When you take the ring and cap off you'll see the vent hole. Run something through there to clear it and your problem will disappear. I use a stiff piece of nylon monofiliment line from my weedwhacker string trimmer. The tube is about 5 or 6 inches long. I do that every month or so to keep it from clogging again.

The only hole I can see under the filler cap assembly (besides the four threaded holes that hold the filler cap) is the drain that allows any fuel that may end up overflowing out of the tank during fueling (cap open) a way to drain away.

I don't see a way that this drain hole would serve any venting purpose, since the filler cap has a secure rubber gasket that seals around the filler neck when the cap is closed - - and that drain hole is outside of that.

I took apart the cap / lock assembly, and I can't see anything that looks like it is supposed to purposely act as a vent (other than the little bit of breathing that would take place through the lock cylinder). So maybe that is how the tank vents (through the lock cylinder).

[ This message was edited by: Jacksoot on 2005-08-05 08:39 ]