Fuel Line plumbing for kicker recommendations

Karl Konecny

I recently added a kicker to Nowhere Fast. I plumbed in a 'Y' after the fuel/water separator with a line to the main (90 hp Suzuki) and the kicker. Each motor has its own primer bulb. This seems to work OK except that after I run on the kicker for awhile, the Suzuki is difficult to re-prime.

How did you plumb your fuel system for a main and kicker setup?

colbysmith · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2021 1:44 pm Post subject:

I have a main fuel filter in the splash well. It has room for two outlets. So one is plumbed to the Kicker, and one to the Main. I also have a three way fuel valve, ahead of the fuel filter. Off, Main & Aux. I have a small 3 gal tank in my bilge that I run only non-ethanol premium fuel in. (I run regular auto gas with ethanol in my main tank most the summer). I can select the smaller aux tank if I want to run non-ethanol premium thru either the kicker or the main. Or if I have a bad day with gas issues in the main tank. BTW, the kicker actually has the quick disconnect fittings on the fuel line at the main fuel filter, so I can just disconnect it when I want to run it out of fuel. Having the male end of the connector at the fuel filter for the kicker, also allows me to hook up a small electric pump to drain my tank at the end of the season, if I desire to do so. Colby

Karl Konecny · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2021 5:58 pm Post subject:

Thanks Colby, That sounds like a well thought out system. I originally had two outlets on my fuel/water separator but then I added a fuel flow sensor. I wanted all the used fuel to go through it so I could track total use so it is downstream of the filter and the 'Y' is after it. I like the idea of adding an AUX fuel line for a portable tank.

colbysmith · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2021 10:52 pm Post subject:

I forgot to add, I usually don't have any problems starting up either motor after the other one has ran. Last summer I was having some issues, and it turned out that the inline fuel filter inside the kicker's cover had a split in it and was letting air in. The split was at the seam so I didn't notice, until I started checking around. As I pumped the primer bulb on the kicker, I could see fuel squirting out of that split. After I replaced that inline filter, all worked normal again. Is there any chance that there is an air leak somewhere in your system? Colby

Karl Konecny · Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2021 1:28 am Post subject:

I am going to check on that very carefully.

Robert H. Wilkinson · Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2021 10:19 pm Post subject:

I second Colby's advise. First I recommend installing a 3 way valve as he has. This allows you to isolate any problem in 1 line or the other.

Air leaks can be hard to find. A small leak may allow air in under suction and yet not show signs of leaking gas. A small leak can also allow the gas to drain back to the tank when suction stops. Double clamp everything and make sure you use the correct hose for the barb on fittings. Marine hose for an inboard has a liner which uses a different barb. Check the barbs for damage. Sometimes lines are cut off with a razor/knife which can leave a line cut lengthwise in the soft brass which can allow air in even though the hose is clamped tight.

If you have a quick connect fitting on the kicker - check that - also the one way valve in the primer bulb.

Rob

Karl Konecny · Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2021 12:53 pm Post subject:

Thanks, I'm checking into all of that.

journey on · Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2021 1:17 pm Post subject:

Journey On has a 10 hp outboard as a get-me-home motor. To ensure complete redundancy, I use a 3 gal aux tank for that motor. If the main fuel tank empties or becomes contaminated, the 3 gal tank will get us to a gas dock, if not home.

I also have a spare outlet on the main feed. It's use is to bleed the filter after I change it. It can also be used for the small outboard.

Boris