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MarieK
31-12-2005, 17:52
What would you guys say is a better setup - a couple of small 20 odd litre tanks or one big one? and why?

Regards
Mariek
Salar
31-12-2005, 18:37
Two big ones. If you get contaminated fuel in one, you have another as a reserve. Ditto if you get a leak. Also, you can run on one and keep the other for getting home with. With one tank all your eggs are in one basket so to speak. 20L seems rather small though, how far can you run on that (with reserve?)
MarieK
31-12-2005, 18:39
At present I have 3, 25 litre tanks which i Just swap around as and when I need to, but i would like to fit some sort of fuel gauge and obviously I cant do this with more than 1 tank.

MarieK
Salar
31-12-2005, 18:42
Are you thinking of installing fixed tanks? If so you can fit guages in both. You can also fit guages in the lid of portable 25L tanks, mine have them anyway.
ChrisP
31-12-2005, 19:03
I have 1X125 litre tank on mine with a fuel gauge. Echo the comments of Salar on a big tank and the gauge is hopeless. When I am on the plane it will show 1/2 tank and if I stop it shows full. Far better is a fuel flow meter that displays fuel used-remaining-present consumption and miles left at current speed. The sender unit fits in line in the fuel hose so could be used with your present 3 tank set up. Mine was a option with the plotter and I find it really usefull, cost £80. Once you get to know the consumption you can spot the engine going out of tune.

I carry 2X25 litre tanks as a reserve in case something goes wrong with the main which is a lot of extra weight.

The other thing I find against large single tanks is filling them with the law as it stands on Petrol. My boat will not go under the canopy of my local petrol station so I have to fill it from portable tanks. As the law stands a tank not connected to an engine can only have 5 litres in it (plastic tank) One station sticks to this law while the other local one turns a blind eye. It may be a consideration if you do change to a single tank.
MarieK
01-01-2006, 12:56
I purchased the fuel flow meter - I got the Navman F3100 which will interface with my GPS looks like a tasty bit of kit, I also bought a 50 litre tank which I will use alongside my other tanks to give improved range. Thanks for the advice boys.

Now to purchase the 30 other things I want before re-launch in March - if only we lived in the states!!

MarieK
MarieK
22-01-2006, 11:50
Morning guys,
As you know I fitted the fuel flow transducer in the fuel line I would also like to fit an inline water seperator a glass type one so I can see at a glance if any water has accumulated but before I do this I am a bit concerned that these extra elements will have an adverse effect on the fuel flow through the line - i think the correct term is back pressure what are your thoughts?

Thanks
MarieK
ChrisP
22-01-2006, 12:05
Won't be a problem, I have a fuel/water separator and filter in mine with the fuel flow head. The head on mine is fitted between the engine and filter.
MarieK
22-01-2006, 12:40
Ok cool next question is have you any advice on which fuel filter/water seperator to go for?

MarieK
MarieK
23-01-2006, 20:10
Would one of these be suitable?

http://marinestore.co.uk/page/mrst/PROD/fuel-filters/PL46556/
Salar
23-01-2006, 22:25
Would one of these be suitable?

http://marinestore.co.uk/page/mrst/PROD/fuel-filters/PL46556/

Thats the kinda thing I have on the fuel feed from my tank to the engine, but its diesel. You would need to check that particular one is OK for petrol.
MarieK
20-03-2006, 20:21
Hi guys

I have just got one of these

http://marinestore.co.uk/page/mrst/PROD/fuel-filters/PL46556/

It has an inlet and outlet of 1/4" what connector do I need to screw into the inlet and outlet so this will connect with a standard mercury fuel hose?

Thanks
MarieK
MarieK
20-03-2006, 20:22
I knew id find a way to post a technical question in the main boat fishing forum again!!!
ChrisP
20-03-2006, 20:37
Standard fuel hose barb will do the job.
MarieK
20-03-2006, 21:28
Will it screw into the inlet and outlet 1/4" fitting?
ChrisP
20-03-2006, 21:53
Yep that is the standard thread, the outlet end of the barb comes in various sizes, 1/4 3/8 and 5/16 the 3/8 or 5/16 will fit your merc hose.
MarieK
20-03-2006, 21:54
Thanks dude much appreciated.
MarieK
21-03-2006, 21:02
Is NPT thread the same as BSP?

MarieK
ChrisP
21-03-2006, 21:23
Strictly speaking the BSP is a finer thread with a different pitch angle. For 10 of the NPT threads you would get 10.5 of the BSF on the same fitting, I think BSP are a 55degree threadform and NPT are a 60 degree.

But they are sometimes mixed in smaller sizes with the addition of a wrap of PTF tape especially where they are screwed into soft materials.

The correct answer is no they are not compatable.
fisher 1
24-03-2006, 16:46
Whats best with this type of filter.
To fit before or after your fuel bulb,or does'nt it make a difference?
I ask because i have one to fit myself when i can source some suitable barbs for it.
MarieK
24-03-2006, 23:18
I think it would need to be before the fuel bulb - Chrisp will know the definitive answer - as for the barbs I have been having a bit of trouble finding them - they arent as common as you might think and the few places I have found on the web are out of stock!! Going to try some local places tomorrow.

MarieK
ChrisP
24-03-2006, 23:31
I have mine before the bulb, don't know if it makes any difference though.

Tempo are the main supplier to chandlers for fuel fittings.
Direct link to their site:

http://www.tempoproducts.com/2004/connectors2.html