Guides

Outboard Portable Fuel Tanks, Lines and Fittings

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 HandleSide Handle

 

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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.

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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)

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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)

                                               SHOP UNIVERSAL FUEL LINE

 

 

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)

                                               SHOP FUEL LINE PRIMER BULB

 

 

Fuel line fittings