Inline fuel pump and filter / Fuel Tank Location DEBATE

[son of a son of a sailor]

So the plans/options are:

Option 1
Above Deck - NO inline FUEL PUMP:
-Replace the forward fuel tank
-Leave the tank height the same as OEM (above deck)
-Install water separator/filter with bulb between filter and tank (as I have read may be better than btwn filter and engine)*OPEN TO DEBATE*

Disadvantage:
-No space in forward foot area / mini cabin (storage)
-Forward, topside heavy, (plan on standing on bow to fish and cast from pedestal seat)
Advantage:
-Easy to change tank
-Easy to trouble shot fuel contamination/electrical sending unit issues.

OR

Option 2
Below Deck -WITH inline FUEL PUMP:
-Install fuel tank under the deck, aft bilge area between stringers
-Install inline fuel pump
-Install water separator/filter.

Disadvantage:
-Access to fuel tank
-Forward / bow light (Note- I do have power trim and tilt)
-Extra cost for pump

Advantage:
-Access to forward foot area (mini cabin)
-Extra storage
-LOWER CENTER OF GRAVITY

PLEASE NOTE:
Engine is a 1985 90hp Jonhy power trim and tilt, service manual state that fuel tank must not be more than 24" from fuel pump. (Reason for installing pump)

What are your thoughts guys??????????????


SON OF A SON OF A SAILOR

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Inline fuel pump and filter / Fuel Tank Location DEBATE

If the external pump you are thinking about is electric I suggest you study the reasons for NOT doing that and fully understand why it is a bad idea. Hint: Potential fire and explosion!

 

[dew2]

Re: Inline fuel pump and filter / Fuel Tank Location DEBATE

Any fuel stored below a deck or in a enclosed area needs ventilation,Mechanical ventilation. Have you thought about that? No vents possible explosion,Gas doesn't expolde its the fumes.

 

[Will Bark]

Re: Inline fuel pump and filter / Fuel Tank Location DEBATE

My service manual for my 1987 150 Johnson states that the fuel tank must not be 24" LOWER than the fuel pump; tank can be in the front of the boat if needed.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Inline fuel pump and filter / Fuel Tank Location DEBATE

PLEASE NOTE:
Engine is a 1985 90hp Jonhy power trim and tilt, service manual state that fuel tank must not be more than 24" from fuel pump. (Reason for installing pump)

What are your thoughts guys??????????????

I think you should read the manual again. The motor could be 24 FEET away from the fuel tank and be OK. It is the height difference that is important.

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: Inline fuel pump and filter / Fuel Tank Location DEBATE

Things to consider. Putting the tank up forward will dramatically shift the center of gravity of the boat forward, but as the tank empties it will shift aft. Do you really want the CG moving back and forth changing the boats trim and affecting the speed, balance, and the trim and tilt of the engine?

Putting it under the deck is fine and the space does not have to be ventilated, unless:
the is electical equipment in the space (fuel pump?) that is not ignition protected;
or it is a plastic tank. Plastic tanks permeate a very small amount of vapor.

The tank has to be less than 24" below the engine because the engine's pump cannot pump it any higher. If you imstall an electric fuel pump it will solve that problem but you will have to find out what the pressure should be set at. I would actually recommend against it. Most fuel leaks are at fittings. The fewer fittings, the less chance of leaks. And you don't have to worry about pressurized fuel line. The engine "sucks" the fuel so the line has negative pressure. If you get a leak it just sucks air. If you use an electric fuel pump it should be as close to the engine as possible so only a short piece of fuel line is pressurized. Again this reduces the risk of a leak.

If you install it under the deck, provide access to all fuel fittings. Also think about how you would remove the tank if you ever need to.

 

[son of a son of a sailor]

Re: Inline fuel pump and filter / Fuel Tank Location DEBATE

Yes height is what I'm talking about :facepalm:

 

[son of a son of a sailor]

Re: Inline fuel pump and filter / Fuel Tank Location DEBATE

Great advice! Thank you all. Yes, I missed the word "height" in my original post when qouting the manual on the 24".

 

[5150abf]

Re: Inline fuel pump and filter / Fuel Tank Location DEBATE

Electric fuel pump on an outboard is a very bad idea, get the original pump working.