Fuel Hose Length - 15hp Johnson

[ShafferNY]

Hi everyone,
I just have a quick question. I have a 14' fishing boat with a 15hp Johnson two stroke. Currently the fuel tank sits in the middle of the boat, but I'd like to move it to the front to help the boat plane easier when I'm in it by myself. If I lengthen the fuel hose by about 3' do I run the risk of starving the engine of fuel, or is the fuel pump strong enough to handle it?

Normally I'd just extend the fuel line and wouldn't think anything of it, but since I'm making payments on this motor, I don't want to risk toasting it.

TIA

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Fuel Hose Length - 15hp Johnson

It will handle a much longer fuel line length - our old 6hp had a 12 ft line from the tank in the bow of our fishing boat.

And lack of fuel will not wreck the fuel pump - many people run their line & motor dry at the end of every weekend to remove fuel from the lines & carburetor to prevent varnish buildup from sitting unused too long.

 

[Daviet]

Re: Fuel Hose Length - 15hp Johnson

I have run an extended fuel line (6' longer) with no problems. I think if you had any problems, the motor would just run out of gas.

 

[Rick.]

Re: Fuel Hose Length - 15hp Johnson

Go for it I run long hoses on all my tanks with no problem what so ever. I'm a big fellow and when the tank get low the nose comes up. I just go to shore and find some good sized rocks and put them right in the tip of the bow. Works like a charm. Now if your in Florida you would have to use sand and that would get messy. No shortage of rocks where I boat. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[ShafferNY]

Re: Fuel Hose Length - 15hp Johnson

Thanks for the input and putting my concerns to rest. I'll extend the line.

My concern was starving the engine for fuel causing the motor to run lean and melt a piston. I've seen outboards do this in the past, but usually due to a mal-adjusted carb or something of that nature.