Generator Utility Platform

[thataway]

The Hondas have a fuel pump, and when you use the modified cap, the negative pressure in the generator fuel tank will pull from a fuel source. There is a limit as to how high the tank top is above the auxillary fuel tank. Peoples results have varied, but I try and not have it over 12" below.

[gulfcoast john]

Schuster,

If I wanted to run my generator off the boat fuel tanks, I would start with a 3 way valve in the fuel line to the engine AFTER the filter and primer bulb at the transom (you’d cut the hose to install it). Once the primer bulb is full, the gas is right there and doesn’t have to be pumped up out of the tank by the Honda fuel pump...as Bob notes, you don’t want to exceed 12 inches, 6 inches would be better. And the tank has to be BELOW the level of the cap on the Honda. The valve would select sending gas to the generator or engine, not both (or use a different valve) and sized to your fuel hose.

https://www.westmarine.com/moeller-3-8inch-fnpt-3-way-fuel-valve-brass-9398926.html?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=%5BADL%5D%5BPLA%5D%20Engine%20Systems&utm_campaignid=458244126&utm_adgroup=Fuel%20Systems&msclkid=f20ba0c143b219dd49d2c76ef934ebf8&utm_term=4576992036547433&utm_content=Fuel%20Systems

I might plumb that through the transom. Then connect it to the custom Honda cap.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/112022744132?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338590836&toolid=10044&customid=1d8aa3863bb51c96a438c42980f2b40b&gclid=1d8aa3863bb51c96a438c42980f2b40b

I think Dale’s clever innovation was to divert gas from the tank after the filter and primer bulb, rather than from the boat tank itself.

You’d need to be VERY careful with your valve positions. Hope something here is helpful.

John

[ssobol]

I had my Honda 1000 gen hooked up to the spare outlet port on my Racor filter mounted at the transom. It did not work well.

The Honda gens have a built in elevated fuel tank (in normal operation). The amount of lift they can provide for fuel delivery is quite limited.

[Schuster]

Thanks John and Bob. I believe if I tap into the the fuel line near the racor filter that I may be able to keep the rise near 12". If I find a 90 degree hose barb to cap adapter it would help to minimize the rise also. I'm considering a quick disconnect rather than a valve to reduce fittings and hardware.

SSBOL I haven't looked at the racor filter yet for outlet ports yet but i may have to experiment a bit to see if I will have troubles drawing enough fuel. It could be that the 2000i draws a little better vacuum than the 1000 model.

[thataway]

That 12" is from the fuel level, not from a hose, top of the tank or filter. Generally drawing from the fuel tank on C Dorys does not work well.

[ssobol]

[clayhubler]

Maybe this is a dumb comment but could you plumb the generator with a fuel line with inline primer bulb and use it to fill the internal tank on generator? You would need a vent still on that cap fitting but you could just pump the gas in. That would eliminate the need to carry and pour gas into the generator. You would have to pump it in but those generators don’t use that much fuel.

[Schuster]

Clay, I have considered just putting a squeeze bulb in line, but the tank holds near a gallon of fuel so that's a lot of pumping from the bulb. I figured if it doesn't work I'll just carry a gallon with me to refill with.

The vented cap brings up another question. If the replacement cap with the hose barb isn't vented would that cause a vapor lock and the generator to not run properly?

[-Waypoint-]

A low pressure fuel pump might be the missing link when used in line with the modified generator fuel cap. As the generator tank empties the pump will keep positive pressure on the line. The pump will stop running when it reaches 6 psi.. No need for a switch because this is a diaphragm pump.

Does anyone have a link to the generator fuel cap for the Honda EU2200? I might try this on my boat. (I have the fuel pump)

https://www.amazon.com/Clatoon-Universal-Electric-Carburetor-Motorcycles/dp/B0DGQFTH1G/ref=sr_1_13?crid=1R2PG84X17DR6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VMLtK14F6KSLxamAkynnX7UzZ5PkY7UWhKM2S8LJRZ4vQsVrJyAhY0h6tvuMQ8Lj2UAWj9-QmaY0FXTpfFsHCTliOKPKS8-HgUuedn7at6AjR2QF3xtX-Zkmu2EHfBjOaVfBKGnBsP5VhhQEEyQ9j6knvOBqHKzBMvrnW4gu6SO2sPindjfvK810yOLmM06_mxsq5wmGpid_wY6c5w59MaLnsESOlkbfKIiwYJgxRVE.eYjHuCH8IjVuZ-P8EqmfU4x_fnl5mbuC0e099TMI45M&dib_tag=se&keywords=12%2Bv%2Bfuel%2Bpump%2Blow%2Bpressure%2Binline&qid=1739642926&sprefix=12%2Bv%2Bfuel%2Caps%2C243&sr=8-13&th=1

[ssobol]

[thataway]

The problem with the fuel pump, unless you have a second container, you will pessurise the generator fuel tank. It is not rated for 6 PSI. You could use the pump to fill the generator's tank manually. I have such a setup, self (contained unit) that has a Racor filter, the pump and a battery. I use this to transfer fuel and to polish fuel. The unit is kept off the boat, I don't want a pressurized fuel system in the cockpit of a C Dory--I consider that a potential fire hazard or explosive hazard.

I do carry a 1 or 2 gallon fuel tank to refill the generator tank. That is kept in the splash well, secured behind a SS tubing which holds the generator platform.

[clayhubler]

Yes, I was thinking more along the lines of using the bulb for filling the internal tank. I would rather pump the primer bulb for a minute or two compared to carrying extra gas cans and trying to fill the generator. Less chance of spilling fuel.

[thataway]

I have never had a problem refilling the generator tank. However for safety, I stop the generator, and use a funnel to pour the gasoline into the generator tank.

My best friend had about 20% whole body 3rd degree burns after a butane/propane cartridge did not seal and the entire content leaked rapidly into the room and ignited/exploded. He tossed the burning cartridge out the door and in the process of the sustained the burns, but saved his house. He was in a burn center for 3 months. His wife and I were at his side every day; There was fear of mental damage-fortunately did not occur and he did require hemodialysis for his kidney failure. He had multiple skin grafts.

When I was 10 years old Howard Keel's "Sea Hawk" a classic wooden boat exploded and burned only a hundred or so feet from my dad's boat. It was the night before the first Transpacific race after WW II. There was a propane leak and the wife lit a cigarette: Boom!! Etched on my mind for all of this time is the sight of his wife fleeing the boat with some of her clothes afire. Someone nearby grabbed a blanket and rolled her up, so she minimal injures. The boat burned to the waterline that night. Fortunately some quick thinkers pushed the boat off the dock and the shore boat got a line with a grappling hook aboard Sea Hawk and pulled out further, so no other boats were ignited., It took the fireboats over half an hour to arrive. I have seen half a dozen boats explode and burn in my boating life time. The one accident many of us are not really prepared for.

[NORO LIM]