[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by lakelizard

According to the information I found online, this check valve was something that the government wanted installed, to prevent fuel from escaping the tank in the event that the boat capsized. I don't know if that's exactly right or not, but I figure if your boat is capsized, you've got bigger problems to deal with than that.

Perhaps. I don't know as I'd want to be in the water with a gasoline slick spreading out around me . Also, and many boat-owners aren't aware of this, if your boat releases pollutants into a waterway, you may be held liable for the cleanup expenses, regardless of whether your action, or lack thereof, was the proximate cause of the release. As you can imagine, such costs can mount rather quickly.

Jim

[lakelizard]

Actually, I am aware of the issue with the pollutants, recalling the story I heard of someone being fined by the State (Ohio) for starting their boat for the first time that particular season on the water, and discharging the anti-freeze into the lake in the presence of a member of the lake patrol.

However, I would prefer to take the risk by removing the check valve, rather than be stranded on the water in the middle of nowhere with my boat not running, or burn up my pistons and have to have my motor rebuilt. As stated previously, if my boat is upside-down, I have more serious problems. It seems to me,anyway, that the fuel would not be able to escape the tank via that fuel line unless it were cut or severed in some sort of accident. It would almost have to be a combination of the line being severed, and the boat being capsized, to create the proper conditions for the fuel leak, as I do not believe fuel would pass through the pump just on the pressure of gravity. That said, I don't argue that you have a valid point.