Running a 4 stroke kicker off the main fuel tank?

[Grant Brown]

How do you plumb the fuel line to run a 4 stroke kicker off the main fuel tank? I have a 20 foot aluminum with a carbed 4.3 Merc Alpha 1 Gen 2. I am thinking of putting a T fitting inline before the fuel pump after the water separator filter. I would then run a standard outboard gas line with primer bulb to the outboard. I am thinking that it would need some sort of shut off valve as well.
Is there a fitting or valve that can be purchased or do I need to mickey mouse the thing to make it work?

Grant

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Running a 4 stroke kicker off the main fuel tank?

The ideal way to plumb this is with a second pickup from the fuel tank. Check the tank as it may have a second pickup.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Running a 4 stroke kicker off the main fuel tank?

Your water separator should have a second outlet point, as well. Most of them have two "ins" and two "outs."



???

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Running a 4 stroke kicker off the main fuel tank?

If your fuel line connects to your OB with a quick disconnect connector which is usually self sealing upon disengagement, a separate shut-off valve isn't necessary and in the interest of safety, it could leak as easily as you could spring a leak in your OEM quality gas line/bulb.

Mark

 

[gss036]

Re: Running a 4 stroke kicker off the main fuel tank?

Go off of the water/fuel filter bracket. I have a shut off on mine, but keep it open all the time and never had a problem. I have heard of minor problems when not having a shut off, mainly the problem was sucking fuel of the kicker motor and then air, causing problems. Personally I have never had an issue with it and have been useing this type of set up since 1989 on my boat. Just make sure you look at the bracket, there are 2 inlets (1 plugged) and 2 outlets.

 

[Grant Brown]

Re: Running a 4 stroke kicker off the main fuel tank?

Thanks, the water/gas filter has 2 outlets and I'll try one of those first. I'll probably put a shut off in the line to the kicker to be safe.
Grant