1995 88SPL Fuel Line questions

ShawnQ

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 13, 2003
Messages
529
Recently a found a small leak in fuel line that only occurred during a hard turn. The fuel line was being stressed and caused a small crack due to fatigue.<br /><br />I decided to go ahead and replace the line because it is 10yrs old, and it couldn't hurt.<br /><br />I pulled all of the fuel line out of the hull and realized that I have 3/8" Line from my tank to my primer bulb. I then have 5/16" line from my primer bulb to my filter, and then the same 5/16" from my filter to my outboard conenction.<br /><br />1) Should I have one uniform line size throughout the boat? Is the smaller diameter line size choking the engine at all? I wouldn't think so, but could be wrong.<br /><br />2) Also, should the fuel filter go before or after the primer bulb? (on the tank side of bulb, or engine side of bulb?)<br /><br />3) When is a water seperator needed/recommended? I rarely see them on boats with outboards under 150hp. Is this just coincidence or is there not a need on an 88SPL?<br /><br />4) Can I place the primer bulb anywhere in the fuel line, or is a certain distance from the engine or tank recommended? Currently, the bulb is about 3ft from my engine, and about 12 feet from the gas tank. To prime the engine, I have to walk to the back of the boat, open a hatch, and prime it. I'd like to put the bulb either right up next to the engine (where I usually see them) or under the center console right next to the fuel tank.<br /><br />Any help is appreciated!<br /><br />Thanks!<br />SQ
 

R.Johnson

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2003
Messages
4,446
Re: 1995 88SPL Fuel Line questions

A 5/16 line is the minimum for your engine. Put the primer bulb close to the fuel tank, within easy access. There is a filter in the tank, another in the fuel pump, one in the line is another source of leak or restriction.
 

ShawnQ

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 13, 2003
Messages
529
Re: 1995 88SPL Fuel Line questions

What is the difference between the primer bulb being by the fuel tank or by the engine? Is the ideas because it is easier on the bulb to draw the fuel a shorter distance?<br /><br />Also, I don't remember having a fuel filter in the tank....could be wrong though. It's just a standard aluminum tank, underneath the center console (above sole).<br /><br />Would I achieve anything by upgrading the fuel line to 3/8" throughout?<br /><br />Thanks for the help.<br /><br />SQ
 

imported_Curmudgeon

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 29, 2004
Messages
496
Re: 1995 88SPL Fuel Line questions

Most fuel tank pickups have a screen on the end. Most new fuel line assemblies have the bulb closer to the engine, so that's how I mount it Either way, fuel will be pulled and fuel will be pushed, and I think it's easier to pull than than push it. Fuel/water seperators aren't "necessary", but they come in real handy if water in the fuel is a problem, and permanant tanks tend to have that problem more than portables. I ran a 70 Johnson for 18 years without one, but that was because I used portables; I wouldn't be without one again - too cheap, too simple, too foolproof.
 

ShawnQ

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 13, 2003
Messages
529
Re: 1995 88SPL Fuel Line questions

Thanks for the help guys.<br /><br />I'm still trying to decide between 5/16" and 3/8" at the engine.<br /><br />Take care,<br />Shawn
 
Top