In a message dated 5/6/03 6:16:26 AM, abrahams@structurex.net writes:
Here is another idea on pumping gas to a small outboard.
Use a fuel hose with a good bulb and cut off both end connections. Match
the flow direction on the bulb and put suction into gas container and other
end in tank opening. Squeeze a few times and you are done.
I saw this in a sailing magazine and it works.
Ken Abrahams
It does work, but it can be improved upon. I have used a variation of this system for six years, and have found it to be as safe as can be considering the limitations of the internal tank engine. I have posted all of this several times before, but if you haven't seen: Here is what I have: 1) A Tempo three gallon above-deck fuel tank w/fuel gauge and integral hose/bulb (permanently attached to tank). 2) An approved brass fuel shutoff valve at other end of tempo hose. 3) A short length (6") of fuel hose after the shutoff valve. During refueling: a) I remove the Honda's cap (has a captive leash, so it doesn't go anywhere) b) insert end of hose well into tank c) open shutoff valve d) squeeze bulb to fill (after a while, you know how many bulb squeezes will fill your own tank) e) close shutoff valve f) tap end of hose (short hose past valve--doesn't hold much gas) into tank e) close Honda cap and coil up refueling hose. I think this system is preferable to having a loose hose that requires keeping one end in the large tank while refueling with the other end. Even in rough water, I rarely spill anything using the method above. Also, the above system is entirely closed, and no fuel drips into the cockpit during or after the fueling process. The small amount of fuel between the bulb and the shutoff will drain back to the large tank (in other words, you don't need to worry about that section of hose pressurizing in the sun). Since I do considerable sailing (motoring) in Washington State and British Columbia, the ability to transfer unused fuel to my truck via the bulb pump has proven invaluable (they don't allow portable gas tanks on either the WS or BC ferries!). A seemingly ideal system would be to somehow bypass the internal tank cap removal altogether. A friend tried to hook his pump hose directly to the cap of the motor's internal tank, but gave up after various prototypes failed to meet the dual requirements of replenishing the fuel and venting the tank without spewing fuel everywhere. I have read about someone installing an inline 'Tee' between the tank and the carburetor, but this would likely only work for refueling, not running, as most internal tank engines use gravity, and not a pump, to fill the carburetor bowl. It may not work at all on some engines, as the additional pressure of refueling might lever the float/needle valve open and flood the carb. I am enough used to my system that I no longer seek alternatives. Scott Grometer, M15 #478 'bebe'