How to Tie Kicker to Main Fuel Line

[Joe_Boater]

Hi. I have a Yamaha 150hp HPDI outboard and a Yamaha 4 stroke 4 hp kicker I use for a backup and for trolling. The 4hp has a 1/2 gal tank in it. I'd like to tie it to the main fuel tank. I understand I should use a valve so when the 150 is running it will not try to suck from the kicker. I have the following valve:<br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?prod_id=20643&current_category=fuel valve&cart_id=814849768 <br />and I'm not sure it will do what I need. It says it is designed for connecting one motor to 2 fuel tanks. Can this be used to tie 2 motors to one fuel tank, or do I need a different valve?<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: How to Tie Kicker to Main Fuel Line

hello<br /> yep that will work. as long as it seperates the two engines so one does not suck from the other then suck air.<br /> its harder to plumb it than to use it.<br />good luck and keep posting

 

[Joe_Boater]

Re: How to Tie Kicker to Main Fuel Line

Thanks for the feedback. So, it doesn't matter which way the fuel flows through the valve? I figured the valve may be designed for fule to flow in only one direction, and if it's designed to connect two tanks to one motor, then the two inputs are on the side of the valve, and the output is on the bottom of the valve. But, if I connect one tank, then I'd probably connect the input from the tank to the bottom of the valve, and the two outputs off the side of the valve to the motors.<br /><br />Does this sound OK?<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: How to Tie Kicker to Main Fuel Line

It does not matter which way the fuel flows. Just run the tank to the output, and the motors to the two inputs. Is the 4 horse a gravity feed? If the tank is on top of the motor, then it may not have a fuel pump, which could cause a problem. You would need to figure out some way to pump. Good luck...

 

[ED21]

Re: How to Tie Kicker to Main Fuel Line

I know that on some OMC's w/ integral tanks fuel pump conversions can be purchased from mfgr. to allow remote tanks to be used.

 

[roscoe]

Re: How to Tie Kicker to Main Fuel Line

If the kicker does not have a fuel pump, you could just plumb a primer bulb in the line, and manually fill the little tank with the bulb. <br />But hopefully your motor is set up with a fuel pump.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: How to Tie Kicker to Main Fuel Line

Like Roscoe mentioned about the primer bulb, I would put a primer bulb in the line anyway for quicker, surer starts.

 

[Joe_Boater]

Re: How to Tie Kicker to Main Fuel Line

Thanks for all the input. I've been trying to figure out if my Yamaha 4 stroke 4hp has a fuel pump, but I'm not sure. I guess I doubt it since it's so small, but I don't know. I'd install the valve between the existing bulb and the motors. The kicker would be about 2 feet above the gas tank. I wonder if it could pull gas to itself once it is primed with the bulb. What do you think?

 

[Joe_Boater]

Re: How to Tie Kicker to Main Fuel Line

One more thing... the kicker has a valve on it so I can set it to use the integral tank or to use the built-in connector for an external tank. It is to that connector that I'd plan on connecting the fuel line.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: How to Tie Kicker to Main Fuel Line

Just guessing here, since you havn't posted the model number or year of your kicker, but I belive you're looking for part #15 (fuel pump) pictured here.<br />See how it's piped (via #33 & #34) in right before the carb? That's a look from behind it, by the way. <br /><br />That came from parts catalog from Yamaha. <br /><br />Hope this helps!

 

[JasonJ]

Re: How to Tie Kicker to Main Fuel Line

If you have a built in connector for an external tank, then you have a pump, so you can go ahead with the plan. Good luck...

 

[Joe_Boater]

Re: How to Tie Kicker to Main Fuel Line

I see from the parts diagram you sent that I do have the fuel pump, and I guess it makes sense that if it can take gas from an external tank it must need a pump to retrive the fuel.<br /><br />I'll go ahead and hook them up. Thanks for all the advice.<br /><br />Joe