Oil, Diesel & Fuel Transfer Pumps

Oil Transfer Pumps, Diesel Transfer Pumps & Fuel Transfer Pumps - Resources & Information

Oil, diesel, and fuel transfer pumps facilitate the transfer of these fluids from storage containers to the engine or other system. Available as either manual or electronic pumps, you can avoid spills and accurately transfer fluids with precision. 

PartsVu offers a complete selection of Oil, Diesel & Fuel Transfer Pumps from OEM manufacturers and trusted aftermarket suppliers. Whether you need a 50 GPM fuel transfer pump, 24 volt inline fuel pump, and much more, 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.

Oil, Diesel & Fuel Transfer Pumps FAQ

Why are Oil, Diesel & Fuel Transfer Pumps so important for boats and outboard engines? 

Some specific benefits of using these types of oil transfer pumps, diesel fuel transfer pumps, and fuel transfer pumps include:

• Efficient and convenient fluid transfer: Oil, diesel, and fuel transfer pumps allow the operator to easily and efficiently transfer these fluids from storage containers to the engine or other system. This can save time and effort compared to manually pouring or transferring the fluids.
• Precision fluid delivery: A tranfer pump can often be adjusted to deliver precise amounts of fluid, which can help ensure that the engine or system is getting the right amount of lubrication or fuel.
• Safe handling: Transfer pumps can help reduce the risk of spills or accidents when handling large volumes of fuel or oil. They can also help prevent the contamination of these fluids by keeping them contained during transfer.
• Compatibility with various fluids and containers: Many oil, diesel, and fuel transfer pumps are compatible with a wide range of fluids and containers, making them a versatile and convenient option for fluid transfer needs.

Overall, oil, diesel, and fuel transfer pumps are important tools to have on hand for the maintenance and operation of boats and outboard engines. They can facilitate the efficient and precise transfer of these fluids, saving time and effort and helping to ensure the proper functioning of the engine or system.

How does an outboard fuel pump work?

An outboard fuel pump is a mechanical device that is used to transfer fuel from the fuel tank to the carburetor or fuel injection system of an outboard motor. Outboard fuel pumps are typically located inside the motor's fuel tank or in the fuel line that runs between the tank and the motor.

Outboard engine fuel pumps work by using a mechanical or electrical motor to drive a pump mechanism that pressurizes the fuel and pushes it through the fuel lines. The pump mechanism may be a diaphragm, a vane, or a rotary lobe, depending on the specific design of the pump.

As the motor runs, the fuel pump draws fuel from the fuel tank and pressurizes it, pushing it through the fuel lines towards the carburetor or fuel injection system. The fuel is then mixed with air in the carburetor or injected directly into the combustion chamber, depending on the type of fuel delivery system used by the motor.

Outboard fuel pumps are an essential component of the fuel delivery system on outboard motors, and are critical for ensuring that the motor has a consistent and reliable supply of fuel. If the fuel pump is not functioning properly, the motor may experience performance issues or may not run at all. It is important to maintain and service your outboard fuel pump regularly to ensure that it is in good working condition.

Can a deisel fuel pump be used for gasoline?

It is generally not recommended to use a diesel transfer pump for gasoline. Diesel transfer pumps are designed to handle the thicker, more viscous nature of diesel fuel, and may not be suitable for pumping gasoline. Gasoline is generally less viscous and more flammable than diesel fuel, and using a diesel transfer pump to handle gasoline could potentially result in a fire or explosion hazard.

Additionally, diesel transfer pumps may not be compatible with the chemical properties of gasoline, which could result in damage to the pump or reduced performance. It is always best to use a transfer pump that is specifically designed for the type of fuel you are handling, to ensure the safety and efficiency of the transfer process. If you need to transfer gasoline, it is recommended to use a transfer pump that is specifically designed for gasoline or other flammable fuels.

What absorbs motor oil?

There are several materials that can be used to absorb motor oil, including:

1. Absorbent pads and rolls: These are made from materials like polypropylene or cellulose, which are highly absorbent and can quickly soak up oil spills.
2. Clay-based absorbents: These are made from bentonite clay, which is highly absorbent and can effectively soak up oil spills.
3. Oil-only absorbents: These are made from materials that are specifically designed to absorb oil and other petroleum-based substances, but not water. They are often used in marine environments to prevent oil spills from contaminating the water.
4. Boom barriers: These are floating barriers that are used to contain and absorb oil spills in bodies of water. They are made from materials like polypropylene or polyurethane, which are highly absorbent and can effectively soak up oil.
5. Sorbent socks: These are long, tube-shaped absorbents that can be placed around oil spills to contain and absorb them. They are made from materials like polypropylene or cellulose, which are highly absorbent and can quickly soak up oil.

It's important to use the right type of absorbent material for the specific type of spill you are dealing with, as some materials may not be effective for certain types of spills.

What's the difference between a manual oil transfer pump and an electronic diesel fuel pump?

Manual oil transfer pumps and electronic diesel fuel pumps are two different types of pumps that are used for transferring oil or diesel fuel, respectively. There are several key differences between these two types of pumps:

1. Power source: Manual oil transfer pumps are powered by manual labor, typically through the use of a hand crank or lever. Electronic diesel fuel pumps, on the other hand, are powered by electricity, typically through the use of a motor or battery.
2. Transfer method: Manual oil transfer pumps use a physical mechanism, such as a plunger or diaphragm, to transfer the oil from one container to another. Electronic diesel fuel pumps (such as the Sea Choice 12v Duralift Electronic Fuel Pump) use a motor-driven pump mechanism to pressurize the fuel and push it through a hose or pipe.
3. Transfer rate: A manual oil transfer pump will generally have a lower transfer rate than an electronic diesel fuel pump, as they rely on manual labor to power the transfer process. Electronic diesel fuel pumps can transfer fuel at a much faster rate due to the use of an electric motor.
4. Portability: Manual oil transfer pumps are generally more portable than electronic diesel fuel pumps, as they do not require a power source. Electronic diesel fuel pumps may be more difficult to move or transport, as they require a power source to operate.
5. Cost: Manual oil transfer pumps are generally less expensive than electronic diesel fuel pumps, as they do not require a power source or complex pump mechanism. Electronic diesel fuel pumps may be more expensive due to the cost of the electric motor and other components.

How do I choose the right marine fuel for my outboard engine? 

Using the right marine fuel for your boat’s engine is essential for reliable and optimal performance on the water.

Because different makes and models of boat engines require different fuels, using the wrong boat fuel can cause significant damage to internal engine components as well as your boat’s fuel system.

For many boat owners, it’s common to feel a bit unsure as to which type of marine fuel is right for their engine(s). Choosing between different ethanol levels, mixing oil with fuel, and even using diesel can be downright confusing.

Ethanol-free gasoline is produced in a few different octane levels. REC-90 is marketed for boaters and for use in other small engines. It’s an ethanol-free, 90-octane unleaded gasoline blend designed for use in marine and small engines that ethanol found in other gasoline blends can damage.

Ethanol-free gasoline does not come with the corrosive effects of gasoline containing ethanol. You can expect the best performance and lifespan of your boat’s engine from this type of boat gas.

As one of the most widely-available and inexpensive marine fuels, E10 is safe for most boat engines. E10 stands for “10% ethanol content” gasoline. Ethanol was introduced to reduce hydrocarbon emission pollution without substantially affecting performance.

What is the Problem with Ethanol in Marine Fuel?

As a general rule, avoid marine fuel with ethanol or high-ethanol content (anything above 10% ethanol) whenever possible.

Ethanol attracts water and moisture from the air through the fuel tank vent system. This happens due to a process called “phase separation.” When this moisture accumulates at the bottom of the fuel tank or throughout the fuel system, the engine’s performance is dramatically reduced, corrosion forms through oxidizing internal components, and dilutes the gasoline.

To prevent phase separation, boaters have a few methods:

• Install a 10-micron water-separating fuel filter between the fuel tank and the boat engine to keep water and other contaminants out.
• Use a fuel stabilizer in every tank of fuel, either when storing the boat long-term or between fill-ups.