Alternate (temporary) fuel supply

[am_dew]

Volvo AQ130C

I am having "no power under load issues (see here for details: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=519182 ) and I suspect I may have issues with the gas in my tank so I would like to temporarily attach an alternate fuel supply to the intake side of my mechanical fuel pump to see how things work using different gas.

I think my first step is to go out and buy a small portable gas tank like the ones small outboards use and then I need to make a hose connection between it and my fuel pump, which has either a 1/4" or 5/16" hose barb attached to the intake side. What I am not sure of is how much flexibility these external tanks have as far as customizing a hose to make it work with my setup. Also, does that external gas tank have to be pressurized to work? I see the typical setup on them uses a hose that has a bulb inline, which as I understand it serves two purposes...to prime and to pressurize the tank.

Does this sound right? Any other ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Alternate (temporary) fuel supply

I see the typical setup on them uses a hose that has a bulb inline, which as I understand it serves two purposes...to prime and to pressurize the tank.

The bulb is used to prime the engine only. The tank is not pressurized at all, and actually has a vent in the cap.
You should have a 3/8" id hose on your boat, maybe 5/16.

 

[am_dew]

Re: Alternate (temporary) fuel supply

Thanks Don. It does not sound like a need the bulb then. Do these tanks allow for easy attachment of a standard USCG approved 5/16" fuel line? Hard to tell from the tank pics I've seen online.