Fuel Primer Bulb?

Question

Big splash time approaches and the boat is ready enough to think about transferring fuel from the supermarket petrol pump to the boat's inboard fuel tank.

5 gallon jerrycans are heavy and the fuel filler is high on the transom, so spillage may be a danger.

I figure the safest way is to purchase a 6 gallon plastic outboard motor tank (Tempo) and use this to transport the fuel, then use the siphon method to decant the fuel from one tank to the other by placing it on the stern of the boat and running a line into the fuel filler.

Rather than sucking on the end of a hose to siphon (not good), I thought of buying a 3/8ths inch outboard fuel hose kit with a primer bulb to siphon the fuel. A fairly lengthy process but one which seems to be the cleanest and safest way.

Question: will a primer bulb given a decent head of fuel (30 cm plus) allow the siphon action to commence and continue or will the internal valving be too strong for the given head of fuel to overcome?

Answer 1

any chandelry shop will sell you a safe fuel syphon for a few pounds.

Answer 2

Would it be possible to prime it into a container first and then remove the bulb when you get a flow

option 2 would be to buy a little pump that can be ran off a cordless drill ,

Answer 3

Be sure to remove the engine connector fitting from the fuel line,as it has a non-spill valve in it that has to be opened by a gizmo on the engine.

Answer 4

I have a pontoon and it is hard to fill from the ground using cans. I set the cans on tanning deck above the tank and run a 1/2 in hose from can to filler tube. I have a small plastic tube I also insert a little way into can. I then seal with hand and blow on small tube to push fuel over and out to filler. Once it starts I stop blowing. Sure saves money and no gas in mouth

Answer 5

The primer bulb will not give enough lift for the fuel, try a syphon pump obtainable in7litre or 16litre available from most car shops ie halfords, I have used the 7litre pump with great sucess, cost of 7litre about £6. Another method is a Dinghy bailer pump which will pump 1lire per stroke, cost approx £19.85 obtainable from Towsure (www.towsure.com) or compass (www.compass24.com) ref 698526 @£13.95.

Answer 6

Not quite sure why you are doing this, I just take my boat into the filling station and fill up directly.

Two twenty gallon tanks using your method would take ages.

Answer 7

go to wal-mart and get that little hand pump siphon that they sell  $8  it's little but puts out a big bang, and it pumps really quick.  It's an orange pump and about six inches tall, but have long hoses with it.  It also works great for changing your oil in the boat.  It was the best $8 I spent on my boat in years. I bought one at home and use it to fill my lawn eguipment from my cars.  I promise you'll love it.  good quality, and works great.

Answer 8

Just type Whale pump into search, you have various site with either 12 volt or manual options.

Answer 9

Yes. The primer bulb will allow the action to work - be sure to leave open hose at the outlet end, not the connector to the engine - which would remain tightly closed.

This is, nevertheless a very costly way to achieve the refuel. Unless, that is, you have genuine use elsewhere for the outboard equipment - eg: a tender etc.

Just use the much cheaper and easier to carry and with better 'head' - jerrycan, with a syphon hose (either the sort you get from D.I.Y., stores etc. or just a length of fuel hose with a bulb in it.)

Though a really good funnel would be much better still - and much faster; and you can get them with filters incorporated for extra defence against impurities.

Whatever the method, be very sure to operate a system - or "regime" - whereby everyone around and inside the vessel is made aware that fueling up is taking place and no naked lights (including the operation of switches - better still, keep the main battery switch OFF) are allowed until the process is safely completed and all fumes evacuated from the vessel.

Tip: before you open up the filler cap fitting, chuck a bucket of water over it, across the deck - petrol and diesel fuels float on water, so if there is any spillage, it does not mark the deck. (Particularly important on teak).

Take care and enjoy the season.

Answer 10

Should work fine, but slow. Check local auto parts places if you want also. They make a siphon hose that by moving the hose up and down starts the siphon.