Fuel Tank

[wolfebrother]

Hi, please forgive my ignorance/naivity but I am new to all this. My question is do you need a special fuel tank for running an outboard or can you use a normal petrol can with the hose put in where the cap would go? I have a 9.9 hp Evinrude and a 6hp Johnson and I need to know if I need to get a special outboard can. I have the primer bulb and hose. Many thanks!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Fuel Tank

Hi Wolf,

You can purchase fuel tanks made for outboards at marine outlets and discount stores. They will have a vent on the fuel fill cap(Which you need), a gauge and a female port for using the correct fuel fitting for Johnson/Evinrude engines. Like these:

You would then attach your female fuel line fitting to this fitting...

 

[wolfebrother]

Re: Fuel Tank

Many thanks, So I can't just use a normal car petrol can.

Hi Wolf,

You can purchase fuel tanks made for outboards at marine outlets and discount stores. They will have a vent on the fuel fill cap(Which you need), a gauge and a female port for using the correct fuel fitting for Johnson/Evinrude engines. Like these:

You would then attach your female fuel line fitting to this fitting...

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Fuel Tank

You could, but I wouldn't. You would have to have an opening for it to vent or the tank will get sucked in and the motor will stall. Not to mention when you're moving along the gas that will spill from just having the fuel line stuck in the opening. Tanks are cheap...

 

[jtexas]

Re: Fuel Tank

welcome to iboats...the end of the hose has a fitting with a valve...no fuel will flow unless it's attached to the fitting shown above (or if you removed the fitting).

Apart from just plain dangerous (Darwin-award-level dangerous)...water & debris get in the tank (and it will), it'll really spoil your day.

They did tell you to mix oil with the fuel, right? Just wanted to be sure.

 

[wolfebrother]

Re: Fuel Tank

Nobody told me I have to mix oil with the fuel. What kind and how much? Doesnt the rich/lean toggle do that? Anything else I should be aware of?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Fuel Tank

50:1 or about 2.5 ounces per gallon of gas. This would be TCW-3 rated outboard motor oil....And please get a Manual for your motor and read it from cover to cover...

 

[jtexas]

Re: Fuel Tank

50:1 is the ratio for modern outboards...if yours were built prior to (somebody help me out here) mid-sixties, let us know, somebody will get ya the right mix.

Do not run your outboards without providing water to the lower unit...get a garden hose attachment or stick 'em in a barrel...it only takes a few minutes of running dry to damage the water pump, which is located in the lower unit.

You don't say whether you're new to boating, or just to outboards...but if you are, I'd encourage you to learn the rules of the road. If you are new to trailering, post a similar question over in the "trailers and towing" forum.