Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Tank to motor fuel lines
Posted by Gamalot on 05/18/11 - 10:02 AM
#1
I have all the new fittings, hose and squeeze bulb.
Is there a set design or placement for the squeeze bulb as far as how far from the motor it is located in the new lines I am about to make up?
I am thinking it should go about 14-18 inches from the motor connection with the flow arrow toward the motor. I do not have any of the old ones left to use as a guide.
Thank you
Posted by Derwd24 on 05/18/11 - 10:06 AM
#2
Due to the design of the check valves in the primer bulb, especially the cheaper after market bulbs, if you can install it in the line so that it's oriented vertically (with the arrow pointed up toward the engine as you noted) it will always prime whereas if the bulb is lower in the line and horizontal, sometimes they have a harder time priming and need to be held vertical for the check valves to work properly.
Posted by Gamalot on 05/18/11 - 10:25 AM
#3
Thanks Dave, that fits perfect with my plan!
Posted by Phil T on 05/18/11 - 10:30 AM
#4
On my Montauk I moved the bulb from the splashwell area to the under RPS tank. Better to keep out of the sun and the salt water.
Posted by Gamalot on 05/18/11 - 11:09 AM
#5
Good thought Phil and I don't question the logic but I would be a little concerned about the bulbs function. I could be wrong but I think the bulb check valves and its priming action is designed to pull the fuel from the tank rather than to push the fuel to the motor over a long distance like in my case where I suspect the line will be between 12 - 15 feet long. I have always seen the bulbs located on the motor side but honestly don't know if there is a good reason for this.
Posted by pepa on 05/18/11 - 6:10 PM
#6
Gamalot wrote:
Good thought Phil and I don't question the logic but I would be a little concerned about the bulbs function. I could be wrong but I think the bulb check valves and its priming action is designed to pull the fuel from the tank rather than to push the fuel to the motor over a long distance like in my case where I suspect the line will be between 12 - 15 feet long. I have always seen the bulbs located on the motor side but honestly don't know if there is a good reason for this.
I too moved my primer bulb foward towards the console. The only problem I have is the line doesn't seem to stay primed overnight where as before with the bulb in the splash well, it never had that problem. I'm not sure the reason, but couldn't be bothered to move it back.
On cold days I have to prime/choke the engine, but not a big deal for me.
Posted by Sax416 on 05/18/11 - 7:01 PM
#7
It would be best to fill the long hose by pulling the fuel from the tank and having only a short distance left to push it once fully primed. The fuel should stay in the bulb and long portion of the hose without losing pressure. If it does lose pressure you have a leak somewhere (bad bulb valve, loose clamp, bad tank cap...) If you keep the short end of the hose between the bulb and engine it should only take a pump or two to prime the engine. That is the end that would lose the pressure first because the carb is not pressurized. I don't know that this is true but it seems logical to me.