.
Section
7.
Fuel
System
GENERAL
Fuel leakage in boats presents fire
-1
and explosion hazards that can
result in severe personal injury
or
death.
For
this rea-
son,
it is important that the material, design, consfruc-
tion and installation of all fuel system components
meet the highest possible standards. Use only pro-
ducts specified
for
marine application.
Make sure all fuel lines are properly supported and
connections tightened securely. Use an approved pipe
joint compound acceptable for use with gasoline fuel at
all thread fittings.
Fuel distribution lines must have as few connections as
practicable, and be protected against mechanical injury
and vibration. In all fuel system installations, cleanliness
is very important. Take precautions to prevent the
entrance of moisture, dirt or contaminants of any kind
during installation.
If
possible, avoid the use of fuels composed of blends of
gasoline and alcohol. Methanol notably can cause cor-
rosion of metals and damage to plastic and rubber.
Some blended fuels may have cosolvents in them to
prevent damage, but the suitability of these fuels is not
fully known at thistime. Fuel containing alcohol can also
cause external paint damage
if
spilled during refueling.
Some states require the use of labels on pumps to indi-
cate alcohol content If unsure, ask the fuel station
operator.
INSTALLATION
Any flexible fuel line installed between the fuel tank and
the generator set must meet USCG requirement
33CFR183.558 and be stamped
“USCG
TYPEA”.
There
cannot be an electrical connection between the hose
end fittings. A bad ground in the cranking circuit will
cause a wire reinforced hose to become hot and ignite
the fuel during cranking. If a metallic fuel line is run into
the generator set compartment, a length of flexible hose
meeting the above specifications must be installed to
absorb vibration from the generator set.
Ignition
of
fuel can cause fire and
severe personal injury or death. Be
sure any flexible fuel line used between the fuel tank
and the generator
set
meets
USCG
requirement
33CFR183.558
and
is
stamped
“USCG
TYPE
A”.
SERVICE
SHUT-OFF
VALVE
PROPULSION
ENGINE
GENERATOR
FUEL
TANK
FIGURE
7-1.
I
I
M-1679
INSTALLATION ABOVE TANK LEVEL
Leakage
of
gasoline in
or
around the
generator
set compartment presents
a hazard
of
fire
or
explosion and can cause severe
personal injury
or
death.
Do
not
permit
any flame,
spark, cigarette, pilot light, arcing equipment,
or
other
ignition source near fhe generator set. The ventilation
system must provide a constant flow
of
air
to
safely
expel all fuel vapors.
The fuel line should be run at
or
above level of the tank
top to a point close to the engine connection whenever
possible to prevent siphoning. See Figure 7-1.The line
should be supported throughout its length with clips
or
straps spaced at no more than 14-inch (355 mm)
intervals.
A
separate fuel line is recommended for the genset. If a
fuel tank is shared, afuel linetee isnotrecommended-A
tee can cause erratic set operation due to fuel starva-
tion. The generator set’s fuel pump has neither the
capacity nor the power to overcome the draw of the
propulsion engine fuel pump.
If the fuel tank fitting is large enough, a second, shorter
dip tube may be installed as shown in Figure
7-2.
The
required fittings can be built by a machine shop. Install
an anti-siphon device at the tank fitting as shown.
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