Outboard Portable Fuel Tanks, Lines and Fittings
If you are adding a secondary fuel tank or replacing an old tank then there are quite a few points to consider before purchasing. It's important to select the correct components and ensure compatibility with your outboard engine.
Fuel tanks
CAPACITY
Most fuel tanks are available in two sizes 12L or 25L- for smaller outboards sub 30hp the 12L tank will give plenty of range. The 25L tanks have the extra capacity for bigger engines with higher fuel consumption.
PRICE RANGE
Our fuel tanks range in price from £25.95 to £104.95. The budget entry level tanks tend to have thinner walls and are not as robust as the more expensive models. Also the more expensive models feature quick release connections for a fuel line and level gauges.
FUEL GAUGES
The level indicators on fuel tanks are a simple float design and do fluctuate with the fuel sloshing around but they do give an indication of level without having to unscrew the cap to peer in.
HANDLE DESIGN
Top handle is great if dropping into a locker of tank well and side hand is good for sliding under a splash well.
Top Handle
Side Handle
Fuel tank connection types
SPIGOT
Our entry level tanks are fitted with a fuel hose spigot that will fit to a fuel hose with in internal diameter of 10mm. The hose is pushed on and clamped with a jubilee clip.
FEMALE ¼ NPT THREAD
Some of our tanks do not have a fuel fitting and require a fitting to be screwed into the ¼” NPT female thread on the tank. This allows the user to fit a hose spigot or a quick release fitting. All the screw in fuel tank connectors that we sell have the same ¼” NPT thread.
QUICK RELEASE TANK CONNECTORS
Outboard manufacturers do not standardise on fuel fittings so there are many fitting available that not only vary with engine manufacturer but also vary with year and HP. Quick release tank connectors not only facilitate simple disconnection they also allow a quick switch over to a secondary tank.
The Quicksilver range of tanks has a Mercury/Mariner quick release connector pre-installed. This is fine for other engine makes as long as the tank connector is compatible.
Fuel tank vent screw
A fuel tank will have a vet screw on the top of the filling cap – this is to allow air into the tank as petrol is drawn out through line to the outboard. If this screw is left closed, a vacuum will be created inside the tank and the engine will stall from fuel starvation or in some cases the fuel pump diaphragm in the engine will rupture.
Fuel lines
Fuel lines are available as a whole assembly with a primer bulb and quick release fittings at each end or as a universal line with a primer bulb and no end fittings. (link to 630665)
SHOP OUTBOARD ENGINE FUEL LINE ASSEMBLEY
The universal type can be customised with any end fittings and are also great for fuel tanks with fuel tanks with a spigot type connector. Also if there is not a pre made assembly that suits your engine then the universal line will be the way to go. (link to 630664)The universal type can be customised with any end fittings and are also great for fuel tanks with fuel tanks with a spigot type connector. Also if there is not a pre made assembly that suits your engine then the universal line will be the way to go. (link to 630664)
Primer bulb
Primer bulbs are required to ‘prime’ the engine with fuel – a few squeezes on the bulb until it is firm will be enough to fill the carb or injection reservoir with fuel in order to start. Always check the condition of the bulb as older bulbs can deteriorate and leak. Please note that some modern EFI engines do not require a primer bulb due to the design of the internal pump so check with engines manufacturer.(link to 630671)
Fuel line fittings
As there is no standardisation on fuel fittings, they come in all shapes and sizes and some look very similar but have subtle differences. Some engine manufacturers use the same connector on the tank end as the Engine end but other manufacturers have completely different types of connectors at each end of the line.
Clips for the fuel line
Use Stainless steel hose clips to fasten the end fittings or to fasten a replacement primer bulb. The 9.5-12mm just about fit but the 11-16mm Stainless steel hose clips have a little more movement in order to fit over the hose when the fitting is pushed in.
Filling the fuel tank
It is advisable to use a filter funnel when filling your fuel tank, especially when filling from a jerry can as the funnel will trap any debris in the fuel
Filling on the water
Refuelling a boat from a jerry can at sea whilst avoiding spillages is very difficult; lifting and pouring from a heavy jerry can when the boat is rocking is not a pleasant experience. The superpump syphon pump makes this very easy – make sure the jerry can is higher than the fuel tank and jiggle the pump end of the superpump in the jerry can, the fuel will then syphon from jerry can to the fuel tank.
