I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

garycinn

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 7, 2003
Messages
479
I want to replace the barb on the fuel separator with an outboard style tank connector and then put a outboard hose style connector on the hose coming from the fuel tank.<br /><br />Something like this:<br /><br />
40366.jpg
<br />
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<br /><br />Questions:<br /><br />Do you forsee any problems?<br />Would fuel flow be interrupted, or is the flow to an I/O greater than an outboard?<br />Any particular brand (Yam, Merc, Honda, etc.) to use that would give the best flow?<br /><br />The reason I want to do this is because it will be easier in the fall to winterize by unhooking the connector, hooking up a tank with the winterizing mixture, and then replacing. No mess, no spilt fuel, no eventual cutting of the hose clamping and re-clamping.<br /><br />Yes, I know some winterize by spraying fogging oil down the TBI, but I prefer the mixture method.<br /><br />Any comments?<br /><br />Thanks
 

johnkc

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2001
Messages
388
Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

gary, you would be creating a bomb! really !
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

VERY bad idea. You WILL get fuel into the bilge.
 

garycinn

Chief Petty Officer
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Oct 7, 2003
Messages
479
Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

Originally posted by DJ:<br />VERY bad idea. You WILL get fuel into the bilge.
I spill fuel disconnecting and reconnecting hose and clamps today. How does this get fuel in the bilge? Maybe I don't understand outboard connectors. I thought they don't leak when disconnected.
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

They leak when they are connected and they leak when you disconnect them. <br /><br />Outboard style qick disconnects are NOT intended to be used in an enclosed area.<br /><br />If the water law spots you with that set up, you will get a ticket, if you live that long.
 

ZmOz

Captain
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Aug 13, 2003
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3,949
Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

I don't see why this would be a problem at all. Why would it be any different than on an outboard? And why would he spill any gas? There might be a drip every once in a while when it is removed, but it's not going to leak and both ends of the connector have a check valve to keep the fuel from flowing out after you disconnect. <br /><br />garycinn - don't worry about it. If for some reason you end up spilling fuel all over the place, then discontinue use. But there is no reason why that should happen. The people on this forum are WAY too scared to do anythign in a way different than the manufacturer. Some things should not be done, like an automotive carb, but this, there is no good reason why it would be bad.<br /><br />Edit: I have read up carefully on Oregon's boating laws, and there is no law that says you can't use a quick connect fuel fitting on an inboard engine. You would NOT get a ticket for it here, I doubt you would anywhere else either.
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

It's a lot different than an outboard. Even an outboard doesn't have a quick disconect, at the inboard (built in) tank end. And the outboard quick disconnect is OUTSIDE the boat. Not under an engine cover.<br /><br />Go ahead, Don't blame me when disaster strikes.
 

ZmOz

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Aug 13, 2003
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Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

Most outboards also have a portable tank. Mine's got the tank under the splash well, whis is more or less enclosed, been that way for 30 years and hasn't exploded yet. Never more than a drip or two of gas when I disconnect either. Also he says for fogging - that's once a year. I think he could handle leaving the cover open long enough for that drip to evaporate once a year....
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

ZmOZ,<br /><br />Yes, it's under a splashwell. Does that splashwell have a distributor, starter, voltage regulator and alternator under there with it? I don't think so. Not to mention somewhat exposed spark plugs, plug wires and a coil.<br /><br />Splashwells aren't sealed, motor boxes are to a much greater extent.<br /><br />Just spray the fogging oil down the carb throat like its supposed to be done. Why mess with the integrity of the fuel system for two minutes of convenience?<br /><br />Like I said. Go ahead. No responsibility taken.
 

garycinn

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 7, 2003
Messages
479
Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

That's why I came here -- to be educated. If there is any hesitation, I'd rather be safe. I was just trying to think of a way to spill less gas when winterizing. If it is unsafe under normal operating conditions, I'll keep doing it the way I have been.<br /><br />Thanks
 

garycinn

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Oct 7, 2003
Messages
479
Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

The other way to skin this would be to have a 3-way valve. Something like this:<br /><br />
20643_0.jpg
<br /><br />Then when you are ready for the fogging brew, hook up a tank to the empty 3rd connector and throw the switch. That way you won't get the gas spill disconnecting the mail fuel line.
 

ZmOz

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Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

You'd still get a drip or two removing the fogging tank. You are NOT going to get more than a drip disconnecting with a quick connect. You couldn't blow up your boat with that if you wanted to. <br /><br />DJ, no, there's no engine under my splashwell, but there's a whole bunch of 30 year old wires and a big *** battery. Not to mention 18 gallons of gas....
 

outboardguy

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jan 16, 2004
Messages
262
Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

The major problem I forsee is the restriction that the connector would put on the vacuum side of the pump.Mercruiser and other manufacturers have gone to great lengths to avoid vapor lock.If you are not aware the only thing that keeps our blood from boiling right now is the atmospheric pressure all around our bodies.Fuel is the same way.It is liquid now but when you subject it to vacuum(lack of atmospheric pressure) it will boil at 32 degrees if you want it to.The proposed fuel fittings would add a restriction in your fuel line and therefore make your pump work harder creating more vacuum and thus vapor lock.
 

ZmOz

Captain
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Aug 13, 2003
Messages
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Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

It would create a slight restriction, but nothing to worry about. A 250hp outboard will use more fuel at WOT than most inboards, with a similar type of fuel pump, and has no problems.
 

cobra 3.0

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 31, 2003
Messages
1,797
Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

A permanent "T" connector underneath with a hose leading out and the tank quick clip connector up on top somewhere in the air and out of a confined space may work. If you spill anything, it won't be underneath.
 

kcole683

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 10, 2004
Messages
159
Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

I don't see where it would be a big deal.<br /><br />I've spilled plenty of gas in my bilge when fooling woth fuel lines or changing fuel filters. I never blew myself up. :D I dont see where a little drip is that big of a deal, a few minutes of fresh air and all fumes will disapate. :cool: <br /><br />As for fuel flow I dont know. The book for my Mercruiser says not to use it with a built in permanent tank because of the type of fuel pickup in them. :confused: I haven't seen to many boats with I/O power in them using anything but a built in tank.
 

Walt T

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Mar 16, 2002
Messages
1,369
Re: I want to add outboard style fuel connector to my I/O F/S

This question from a guy who thins his oil and is testing oil to find the best oil. As I once said before, you need to stop overanalyzing stuff and just go have fun.
 
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