Fuel Tanks & Fuel Line

Marine Fuel Tanks and Marine Fuel Line - Resources & Information

Fuel tanks and fuel lines are important for boats and outboard engines for proper storage and transport of fuel needed to operate the engine. When these parts start to wear down or are maintained regularly, boaters can expect uneven performance, poor fuel economy, and even engine damage.

PartsVu offers a complete selection of Fuel Tanks & Fuel Line from OEM manufacturers and trusted aftermarket suppliers. Whether you need Fuel Line, Fuel Tank Vents & Hold Down Kits, and other outboard motor gas tank and fuel line needs, PartsVu has what you need to get the job done. 

Need help servicing your boat and outboard engine? PartsVu regularly publishes helpful how-to guides and other valuable maintenance information to help boaters service their outboard engines, boats, trailers, and more. Browse the PartsVu Xchange, our outboard maintenance blog, for a wide range of relevant topics and review the FAQ section below, covering everything you need to know about maintaining your boat in confidence.

Fuel Tanks & Fuel Line FAQ

Why are Fuel Tanks & Fuel Line so important for boats and outboard engines?

Some specific benefits of using fuel tanks and fuel lines include:

• Fuel storage: Fuel tanks provide a place to store the fuel needed to operate the boat or outboard engine. This can be especially important on boats, which may be used for extended periods of time and may not have easy access to fuel.
• Fuel delivery: Fuel lines transport the fuel from the fuel tank to the engine, allowing the engine to operate. Fuel lines are typically made of materials that are resistant to the corrosive effects of fuel, such as rubber or plastic, to ensure a reliable and long-lasting connection.
• Fuel management: Fuel tanks and boat gas hose can help the operator monitor and manage the fuel usage of the boat or outboard engine. For example, fuel gauges or fuel senders can be installed in the fuel tank to help the operator track the fuel level and plan for refueling.
• Safety: Properly designed and maintained fuel tanks and watercraft fuel lines can help prevent fuel leaks or spills, which can be dangerous and potentially cause fires or other accidents.

What are the most common fuel hose sizes?

The most common fuel hose sizes are typically measured in inches or millimeters and range from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch in diameter. Some common fuel hose sizes include:

• 1/4 inch: This size is commonly used for small engines and equipment, as well as for fuel lines on small boats.
• 5/16 inch: This size is often used on larger engines and equipment, as well as on medium-sized boats.
• 3/8 inch: This size is commonly used on larger engines and equipment, as well as on larger boats.
• 1/2 inch: This size is often used on very large engines and equipment, as well as on larger boats with high fuel flow requirements.

PartsVu carries these common fuel line size, as well as other sizes like 9 16 fuel hose, 5/32 fuel line, 3/16 fuel line, and 5/8 fuel line.

What's the difference between regular gas tank hose and diesel fuel tubing?

There are several differences between regular gas tank hose and diesel fuel tubing:

Material: Gas tank hose is typically made of rubber or a rubber-like synthetic material, while diesel fuel tubing is typically made of a more durable, heat-resistant material such as polyurethane or nylon.

Compatibility: Gas tank hose is designed to be used with gasoline, while diesel fuel tubing is designed to be used with diesel fuel. Using the wrong type of hose or tubing can result in performance issues or damage to the fuel system.

Pressure rating: Diesel fuel tubing is generally rated for higher pressures than gas tank hose, as diesel fuel is typically more viscous and requires more pressure to flow through the line.

Durability: Diesel fuel tubing is generally more durable and resistant to abrasion and punctures than gas tank hose, as it is designed to handle the more abrasive nature of diesel fuel.

Cost: Diesel fuel hoses are generally more expensive than gas tank hose due to its higher-quality materials and greater durability.

What's the best fuel line for outboard motor?

When selecting a fuel line for an outboard motor, it is important to choose a high-quality line that is specifically designed for use in the marine environment. Some factors to consider when selecting a fuel line for an outboard motor include:

Compatibility: Make sure to choose a fuel line that is compatible with the type of fuel you are using in your outboard motor. For example, if you are using gasoline, choose a fuel line that is designed for use with gasoline.

Durability: Look for a fuel line that is resistant to abrasion, cracking, and UV exposure, as it will be exposed to harsh conditions on the boat.

Pressure rating: Choose a fuel line that is rated for the appropriate pressure for your outboard motor. Consult your owner's manual or a qualified mechanic to determine the proper pressure rating for your specific motor.

Temperature rating: Consider the temperature range that the fuel line will be exposed to, and choose a line that is rated for those temperatures.

Size: Make sure to choose a fuel line that is the appropriate size for your outboard motor. A line that is too small may restrict fuel flow, while a line that is too large may allow fuel to slosh around and create a hazard.

There are a wide variety of fuel lines available on the market, and it can be challenging to determine which one is the best choice for your outboard motor. It is always best to consult your owner's manual or a qualified mechanic to determine the proper type of fuel line to use in your specific motor.

Why should I use clear fuel line on boats?

There are several reasons why clear fuel line may be used on boats:

Visibility: Clear fuel line allows you to see the fuel flowing through the line, which can be helpful in diagnosing problems or verifying that the fuel is flowing properly.

Easy to inspect: Clear fuel line makes it easy to visually inspect the line for any debris or contaminants that may be present in the fuel.

Durability: Clear fuel line is typically made of a durable, UV-resistant material that is resistant to cracking or breaking due to exposure to sunlight or temperature fluctuations.

Compatibility: Clear fuel line is compatible with most fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and ethanol-blended fuels, making it a versatile choice for use on boats.

Ease of installation: Clear fuel line is generally easy to install and does not require any special tools or equipment.

Overall, clear fuel line can be a useful option for boats due to its visibility, durability, compatibility, and ease of installation. It is important to use a high-quality clear fuel line that is specifically designed for use in the marine environment to ensure that it can withstand the harsh conditions found on boats.

How do I use Star-Tron Fuel Additives to maintain my marine outboard engine?

Have a problem starting your outboard motor consistently? By adding Star Tron to your fuel tank before starting your engine, boaters experience a cleaner and more reliable startup.

After bringing your boat out of storage for the season, adding a fuel stabilizer clears out accumulated gum and carbon deposits leftover from the previous season. By regularly using Star Tron, boaters will experience less vibration, less bogging down at high RPMs, and fewer rough starts.

Consistent performance is the name of the game when it comes to enjoying a worry-free time out on the water. Adding Star Tron helps your engine over the long haul, avoiding performance issues such as underperforming RPMs, bogged-down engines, rough idles, and degrading components (such as fuel lines) due to the ethanol content.

When it comes time to winterize your boat until the next season, Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment helps preserve your engine’s components, as well as stabilize fuel for use when you’re ready to take the boat back on the water next season.

Is winterizing my outboard important?

While it’s always a bit more fun to pull out your boat than to put it away, properly winterizing your outboard engine should be mandatory for all experienced boaters. Winterizing helps avoid engine damage and will facilitate a smoother start to the beginning of next season - after all, no one wants to wait to get back on the water!

There are several important steps you should take when storing your MerCruiser outboard lower unit to ensure that it’s properly winterized.

Flush Your Engine - Thoroughly flush your MerCruiser engine to remove any salt buildup if you are a saltwater boater, or accumulated mud and grime if you are a freshwater boater. Failure to remove this debris from your MerCruiser lower unit leads to corrosion in the engine. And if you’re a saltwater boater, leftover salt crystals in the lower unit can act like sandpaper to your internal engine components.

Stabilize Your Fuel System - Fuel starts to go bad within 30 days of sitting in your fuel system. It is vital to use a fuel stabilizer when your boat will be sitting unused for more than two or three months. Adding the amount of fuel stabilizer directed on the product’s packaging to your fuel—for instance, 1 ounce of Mercury Quickstor Fuel Stabilizer for every 5 gallons of marine fuel ensures proper winterization for more than 3 months. 

Fog Your Engine - Fogging oil is a wax-based oil that coats the engine to prevent corrosion.

Change Out the Lower Unit Oil - It’s recommended by marine mechanics to change your gear lube before storage to make sure that there is no water in the lower unit’s oil. Any water in the oil could freeze, expand, and crack your lower unit. Additionally, old oil is more likely to gum up oil passages and corrode components due to changes in its chemical composition through regular use. Last, consult your owners manual for which oil is appropriate for your engine.

Disconnect Your Battery - Disconnect your battery and spray CRC Marine Battery Terminal Cleaner on your battery terminals.

Where can I learn how to winterize my fuel tanks and fuel lines on my boat?

PartsVu has plenty of resources for everything you need to know about how to winterize fuel tanks and fuel lines for your boat and all models of popular outboard motors. Start with the following guides and be sure to use the search bar to find plenty of other useful guides to maintain your boat in confidence:

Winterizing Mercury Outboard Motor—Mercury Marine Essential Maintenance

Winterizing Outboard Motor—Yamaha Essential Maintenance

Boat Winterization in South Texas?

How to Winterize a MerCruiser Sterndrive