Auxilary

shirehorse · 02 August 2008, 15:16

Could somebody please tell me if you run your auxilary engine off the main tank do you have to run a seperate fuel line or can you tee off the main engine feed, and if so where and how? cheers IAN.

Poly · 02 August 2008, 15:46

shirehorse, bearing in mind that many engine problems are fuel related a separate tank would probably be better and certainly using a separate fuel filter.

Neil Harvey · 02 August 2008, 16:21

Is your main engine four stroke? Or is it autolube? If either questions answer yes, and the aux is not 4S, you will have a problem running the aux off the main tank. I'll be running a seperate tank if for no other reason than this, although as Polwart says, since so many problems can be fuel related, a seperate tank is a good idea anyway.

shirehorse · 02 August 2008, 16:38

Both engines are four stroke they are both yamaha, i could split the main fuel line before the filter and run seperate filters for each, just not sure if this will cause a problem for one or the other or both.

Neil Harvey · 02 August 2008, 17:31

ok, that makes life easier then.

Don't know about the ins and outs of doing it though.

Tim M · 02 August 2008, 17:40

I'd have both. Set it up so you can use your main tank, then if your emergency tank runs out, you can use the main tank. Can't really loose if all else fails and your stuck in the middle of no-where.

Limey Linda · 02 August 2008, 17:54

My set up is: quick disconnect for the aux. fitted to the second output from the cartridge filter connected to the main tank.and I carry the aux. tank full also. This way I have the choice of using the portable tank as a reserve for the main tack ( dump it in) or as alt. supply for the aux. Only thing to remember is to dump the portable tank into the main tank every time you fill up so you always have fresh fuel in it.
Hope this helps.

shirehorse · 02 August 2008, 18:23

This sounds great Limey Linda and Tim M so there is no problem having two pipes off one, my fear was one may drag air or cause some sort of suction loss.

Limey Linda · 02 August 2008, 19:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by shirehorse

This sounds great Limey Linda and Tim M so there is no problem having two pipes off one, my fear was one may drag air or cause some sort of suction loss.

I should have added that I fitted a fuel valve between the quick disconnect and the cartridge filter so if required I can isolate each branch of the system. The only way one branch can impact the other is if the non return valve in either of the primer bulbs fails. Carry a spare primer bulb, a knife and screwdriver and a couple of hose clamps.

Downhilldai · 02 August 2008, 22:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

My set up is: quick disconnect for the aux. fitted to the second output from the cartridge filter connected to the main tank.and I carry the aux. tank full also. This way I have the choice of using the portable tank as a reserve for the main tack ( dump it in) or as alt. supply for the aux. Only thing to remember is to dump the portable tank into the main tank every time you fill up so you always have fresh fuel in it.
Hope this helps.

I have this set-up, with a shut off valve on both filter outlets. My aux. also has an integral tank.
Oh and I keep a spare fuel filter cartridge on board, just in case.

barracuda · 02 August 2008, 22:50

as stated before you should have an auxiliary tank as well.

Bigmuz7 · 02 August 2008, 23:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

I'd have both. Set it up so you can use your main tank, then if your emergency tank runs out, you can use the main tank. Can't really loose if all else fails and your stuck in the middle of no-where.

Agreed and much with other posts too

My Aux has its own tank which gets stored and refreshed separately and annually

then I can also draw from the main if needs be using a pump

Plus .. I keep a bit of rowing practice

al40 · 08 August 2008, 16:05

I've got a seperate aux tank and a spare adapter for the aux so I can connect the main fuel line to the aux if I really needed to. 10L Aux tank is a lot of miles tho! I reccon 3-4 hours per gallon at 5 knts.

Good advice re emptying Aux tank into main. I also have a complete pipe (ie with primer bulb) to go from aux tank to main engine so I empty this every 4 weeks or so just by running the main engine from it. Haven't really seen any issues with water in the fuel yet on Aux tank (got one of those "MR Funnel" water seperating fuel filters).