Fuel tank pickup

[dave250boater]

I replaced my built in 100gal fuel tank for my 260hp Mercruiser I/O- the old tank had a ball check valve on the fuel pickup at the tank- my new tank does not. I understand the ball check is installed by manufacturer for outboard applications- not really needed for I/O though- have not run yet with straight barb connection- thought I would see what other have to say- thanks in advance.

 

[johnkc]

Re: Fuel tank pickup

that valve is called an anti siphon valve,it should be in there .keeps fuel from siphoning out of the tank if the line to the engine ever gets a leak in it,or if the connections at the filter or filter itself is loose.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Fuel tank pickup

If I understand correctly what you are describing, that valve is required on all marine vessel fuel tanks that hold gasoline. Actually, what is required is a way to stop the flow of fuel should the fuel line be compromised. The fuel line must attach to a device at the top of the tank that can interrupt the flow of fuel. An anti-siphon valve (aka, inline check valve) or a common ball valve that is immediately accessible meets this qualification. Think of it this way, if something happened to the rubber fuel hose, gasoline cannot be allowed to continue to flow. None of this applies to diesel fuel, only gasoline.<br /><br />The check valve is often plumbed right at the tank. They are small and appear like a brass fitting with either a threaded of hose barbed end. Costs about $7-8. Available just about everywhere fuel tank supplies can be found. Yep, you want (need!) one. <br /><br />EDIT: Btw, if your new tank is certified (it had better be!) and the fuel line fitting came already installed with the tank, there is a 99.9999999% chance that IS a check valve and not just a fuel line fitting.

 

[akriverrat]

Re: Fuel tank pickup

[Code of Federal Regulations]<br />[Title 33, Volume 2]<br />[Revised as of July 1, 2003]<br />From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access<br />[CITE: 33CFR183.568]<br /><br />[Page 856]<br /> <br /> TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS<br /> <br /> CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)<br /> <br />PART 183--BOATS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT--Table of Contents<br /> <br /> Subpart J--Fuel Systems<br /> <br />Sec. 183.568 Anti-siphon protection.<br /><br /> Each fuel line from the fuel tank to the fuel inlet connection on <br />the carburetor must:<br /> (a) Be above the level of the tank top; or<br /> (b) Have an anti-siphon device or an electrically operated fuel stop <br />valve:<br /> (1) At the tank withdrawal fitting; or<br /> (2) Installed so the line from the fuel tank is above the top of the <br />tank; or<br /> (c) Provided that the fuel tank top is below the level of the <br />carburetor inlet, be metallic fuel lines meeting the construction <br />requirements of Sec. 183.538 or USCG Type A1'' hose, with one or two <br />manual shutoff valves installed as follows:<br /> (1) Directly at the fuel tank connection arranged to be readily <br />accessible for operation from outside of the compartment, and<br /> (2) If the length of fuel line from the tank outlet to the engine <br />inlet is greater than 12 feet, a manual shutoff valve shall be installed <br />at the fuel inlet connection to the engine.<br /><br />[CGD 74-209, 42 FR 5950, Jan. 31, 1977, as amended by CGD 81-092, 48 FR <br />55737, Dec. 15, 1983; CGD 85-098, 52 FR 19729, May 27, 1987]

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Fuel tank pickup

Akriverrat – thanks for the update! I got my info from the USCG’s 800 phone number. I called and was transferred to their “fuel tank specialist” when researching requirements for my diesel tank.