Re: running Kicker motor off main fuel tank
don't worry about it, put a 'T' in the fuel line, to each motor. the 'T' should be a stop ****, to just direct fuel to the motor that is running.
If you use a simple T valve, make sure it allows both sides to flow at the same time - i.e. "right, left both" sort of thing. It's good to run both at the same time to make sure one is running before shutting down the other.
Another way to go is to put in a simple Y from the fuel tank with one line to the main engine and another to the kicker, both with primer bulbs. That's in essence how I have mine set up for a Johnson 200 main and a Merc 9.8 kicker. The split is in a convenient location with about 4-5 feet of hose to each engine.
My fuel lines happen to both have a shut off valve and I generally (if I think of it, but not always) shut off a line that is not actually connected. But shut off valves really aren't needed because as you know, a fuel line with an engine connector on the end will not flow fuel unless it is actually connected to the engine.
I have no problem with fuel supply if either is running separately or if both are running. In fact, in addition to the start up/shut down issue, when I troll I often run both engines at the same time - leaving the kicker running while I temporarily use the main for maneuvering as needed.
PS: if you plan to use your kicker for emergency back up and will be boating where it's a major ordeal (as opposed to a hassle) to get back if the fuel supply gets contaminated - you should probably run your kicker on a separate tank. I happen to have two built in tanks with a water separating filter, so I choose to use that as my fuel supply redundancy and safety net.
