batteries and fuel tanks....

psychopic · 15 May 2007, 13:32

Hello all,

My fuel tank is mounted in the jockey console, and is filled via an external filler, and it is also vented to the outside of the console. I wanted to put the battery in the same console, but was concerned that one day there may be a spark and a very big bang..... Anybody else got the battery in the same console as the fuel tank?

J

Nasher · 15 May 2007, 13:38

Strangly, Myself, Hightower and Pete7 were discussing this last night at the church.

My personal feeling is that the two should never be mixed.

If there are any joins at all in the fuel pipework within the console there is the potential for leaks. Fuel evaporating into vapour within an enclosed space where there is also the potential for a spark sounds like a recipie for disaster to me.

However I do understand that many have this set up and have not had any explosions.

Nasher.

PeterM · 15 May 2007, 13:53

I have this set up with battery ( in box ) in console along with one of the 25l tanks. It was set up this way by the avon dealer so I have to assume its OK if its all vented ( which it is) . All jetskis have the tank & battery in the same place (there really is no option in them & I have only ever heard of one problem somewhere in the US. Realistically has any one ever known of a spark from a battery igniting vapour (apart from the cases where hoses / connections/tanks were not looked after at all ? ) - I will be pleased to hear of any................If there are any stats/accident reports on it it would be interesting reading

I am ready to be proved wrong & go into panic mode .......

Hightower · 15 May 2007, 17:21

I know that several people here have fillers and tanks and primer bulb and fuel filter/water seperator in their console.

I guess that there could be a risk of explosion if fuel was spilled in an enclosed console with battery, switches and general electrical gear close by (Fuses, bulbs etc) and thats not counting any hyrogen that could build up from the charging of the battery/s.

What I will be doing is to have a fuel fill in the side of the consol with hoses and fittings within the console. I am undecided as to whether or not to install the fuel filter and seperator there as well. In theory everything should be OK providing that the console in suitably vented, this I intend to do!

Just a thought!...How do conventional fuel level senders work?

A wire round around a shaft with 12 volts passing into it, another strip rubbing along it also with voltage running though it. This is mounted within the fuel tank!

A BIG bang..... Yes or No?

psychopic · 15 May 2007, 20:14

thanks guys, i think i'll put the battery in the console with the fuel tank then. Will definately put the battery in a box though...

Simon B · 15 May 2007, 20:38

Remember the battery can evolve explosive gases too unless its one of the gel types like Optima (ferrociously expensive) So vent the box, and yes, I've heard of more batteries going pop than console demolition.

A battery in the same space as the fuel tank was I think a fairly normal configuration late 80's - to 90's. If it wasnt relatively safe fuel would not be piped around the power head in the way it its at tother end. So unless you can find a stautue declaring its illegal then your probably ok.

ian parkes · 15 May 2007, 22:45

My battery is in the console next to the tank in aplatic battery box .

The only time I can see a spark being produced is when disconecting and re connecting the battery or if you needed to use jump leads or a charger .

The tank is vented to outside so if the tank lid is on properly and there are no fumes or spills from recent filling up It should be pretty safe .

Its not ideal but what choice is there on a smaller rib with a single console space .

bedajim · 17 May 2007, 12:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

I know that several people here have fillers and tanks and primer bulb and fuel filter/water seperator in their console.

I guess that there could be a risk of explosion if fuel was spilled in an enclosed console with battery, switches and general electrical gear close by (Fuses, bulbs etc) and thats not counting any hyrogen that could build up from the charging of the battery/s.

What I will be doing is to have a fuel fill in the side of the consol with hoses and fittings within the console. I am undecided as to whether or not to install the fuel filter and seperator there as well. In theory everything should be OK providing that the console in suitably vented, this I intend to do!

Just a thought!...How do conventional fuel level senders work?

A wire round around a shaft with 12 volts passing into it, another strip rubbing along it also with voltage running though it. This is mounted within the fuel tank!

A BIG bang..... Yes or No?

I put my primer bulb in the rear pod and the filter etc on the Aframe with the filler/breather on the side of the console

James

psychopic · 17 May 2007, 13:05

hey bedajim that looks like a nice setup. quick question, that black flexible cable conduit you are using, where did you get it from, can you get it online?

BogMonster · 17 May 2007, 17:00

mine has the battery right next to the fuel tank right under my butt and I am not at all happy about it but I don't have the time - or the proper mega insulated battery cable - to shift it at the moment as it would mean rewiring right back to the outboard

when I bought it the tank breather pipe leaked like a sieve and there was petrol sloshing round under the seat, not really the best situation

Hightower · 17 May 2007, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedajim

I put my primer bulb in the rear pod and the filter etc on the Aframe with the filler/breather on the side of the console

James

Did you buy the filler moulding from Osprey if so how much was it?

I can't mount my fuel filter like that. I'm not having a conventional A frame. I'll mount it to either the transom or in the console.

bedajim · 18 May 2007, 07:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Did you buy the filler moulding from Osprey if so how much was it?

I can't mount my fuel filter like that. I'm not having a conventional A frame. I'll mount it to either the transom or in the console.

No came from Outhill £50 ish