Kicker Motor Fuel Hookup

[fishingbuddy]

I was wondering those of you who added a kicker motor how did you set up your fuel lines. This is what I have and my kicker seems to starve for fuel after a time.

I have the big motor fuel bulb-T fitting with one hose to the big motor -the other hose to kicker with another fuel bulb. I hooked up a portable tank and do not seem to have the same problem of fuel starvation. Do I remove the kicker fuel bulb? The kicker is a 8 hp Merc 2005. When the motor dies I check the kicker fuel bulb and it is not hard.

Thanks

[iffy]

The way I install kicker fuel supply is to install a water seperating fuel filter (spin on) and then bring a line for each motor from the fuel block on top of the filter. There are 4 tapped holes. Two inlet and two outlet. Use one inlet for an inlet from the tank and plug the other inlet. Use one outflow to the main motor and one outflow to the kicker.

To make your setup work, you should install a fuel shut off in each line after your 'T' but before the primer bulbs. Shut the line off that isnt being used.

[Valv]

Iffy is correct, issue is you are sucking air from the motor not used. You main motor might have fuel pump large enough to compensate, but will still suck air.

The kicker's pump is too small and will loose prime. A

3 way valve or shut off on each unused line is the way to go.

Beware that nowadays many boat tanks have multiple hookups to allow a kicker to draw directly from inboard tank.

How old is your boat ?

[fishingbuddy]

2000 Crestliner Sportfish. I only saw one outlet from the tank but will look tonight. I will look at putting in a shut off valve after the T on the big motor fuel line.

Thanks

[marine_man]

iffy hit the nail on the head, and as he more or less said you have two options:

fuel water seperator with at least two connections

t valve so you can select which motor you want to run

marine_man