Mercedes Mullins
Filling up the fuel tank of a personal watercraft (PWC) is a critical task that requires careful attention to safety. While it may seem efficient to maximise the space in the fuel tank, it is generally recommended to leave some empty space in the tank for safety reasons. This is because fuel expands when heated, and if the tank is completely full, the expanding fuel can cause overflow, leakage, or pressure buildup, leading to potential engine issues and safety hazards. Therefore, it is advisable to fill the tank to about 90% capacity, ensuring that there is room for fuel expansion and preventing spillage.
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What You'll Learn
Avoid overfilling the tank
If you are using a gas pump to fill your PWC, be sure to check that the gas cap is close enough to the pumps to avoid fighting with the gas hose. It is also important to note that if you are filling up at a fuel dock, the pumps may be old and worn out, and the automatic shut-offs may be unreliable. In this case, do not release the nozzle.
If you are using jerry cans to fill your PWC, you can avoid overfilling by ensuring that you do not fill the cans to the brim. Jerry cans are durable liquid containers made of plastic or metal, designed to hold 0.25-5.3 gallons of fuel on average. They can be easily moved and filled by one person. If you are using jerry cans, it is also important to mix the oil and gas thoroughly before filling up your PWC. This can be done by mixing the oil and gas in the jerry can and shaking it up, or by adding the oil first and then the gas, allowing the flow of gas to collect the oil in the hose and mix it as it enters the tank.
Finally, it is important to note that you should never tip your PWC to top off the tank. This can lead to fuel spillage and damage to the PWC. The PWC is designed to be filled upright, so always keep it level when filling.
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Leave some space for fuel expansion
When filling the fuel tank of a PWC, it is important to leave some space for fuel expansion. Fuel expands when heated, and if the tank is completely full, this expansion can cause the fuel to overflow or leak. This can be both dangerous and wasteful. Leaving some space in the tank allows for this expansion without causing leaks or pressure buildup.
It is recommended to fill the PWC's tank to about two-thirds full, leaving a little empty space to allow for fuel expansion. This practice helps to maintain the safe operation of the PWC. It is also important to avoid overfilling the tank, as this can lead to fuel overflow and wastage. Additionally, when filling the tank, it is not necessary to tip the PWC, as this can lead to fuel spillage and potential damage to the vehicle.
The process of filling the fuel tank of a PWC typically involves the following steps:
- Shut down the engine and ask any passengers to exit the PWC and wait on shore.
- Extinguish any open flames or cigarettes.
- Check for the presence of water in the gas separator and remove any traces before refueling.
- Ensure the fuel selector switch is turned to the 'OFF' position.
- Fill the tank with fuel, avoiding overfilling, and leave some space for fuel expansion.
- Tighten the fuel filler cap and check for fuel odors.
- Turn the fuel selector switch to the 'ON' position and restart the engine.
- If equipped with an enclosed engine compartment, operate the ventilation system for several minutes before starting the engine.
It is worth noting that some sources recommend filling the tank completely to avoid air pockets, which can cause the engine to run poorly. However, leaving some space for fuel expansion seems to be the prevailing advice. Additionally, it is generally recommended to refuel a PWC at a roadside fuel station, as the pumps at fuel docks may be old and unreliable, increasing the risk of overfilling.
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Plan your trip and carry enough fuel
Planning your trip and carrying enough fuel are essential aspects of operating a PWC. Running out of fuel is the leading cause of distress among boaters, so it is crucial to prepare and ensure you have sufficient fuel for your journey.
When planning a trip, consider the 'rule of thirds' when determining the amount of fuel required. One-third of the fuel should be allocated for the outbound journey, another third for the return trip, and the remaining third should be kept in reserve. This strategy helps ensure you have enough fuel to complete your trip safely and avoid running into fuel-related issues.
It is also important to be mindful of your PWC's fuel tank capacity and the availability of refuelling options along your route. Typically, jet skis can hold 15 to 18 gallons of gas, and refuelling can be done at roadside fuel stations, fuel docks in marinas, or with jerry cans. Filling up at a gas station is often the most convenient option, especially if your jet ski is on a trailer. However, fuel docks can be more easily accessible if your jet ski is on the water, although they may have older pumps with unreliable automatic shut-offs.
When refuelling your PWC, it is essential to avoid overfilling the tank. Stop filling when the gas pump nozzle stops, and do not force more gas into the tank. Leaving a little empty space in the tank is recommended to account for fuel expansion, especially in hot weather. Fuel expands when heated, and if the tank is completely full, it may cause the fuel to overflow or leak, leading to potential safety hazards and environmental concerns.
Additionally, always follow safety protocols when refuelling your PWC. Shut down the engine, ask passengers to exit and wait on shore, extinguish any open flames, and check for water in the gas separator. These precautions help ensure a safe and proper refuelling process.
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Refuel at roadside stations or fuel docks
Refuelling your PWC at roadside stations or fuel docks is a convenient way to ensure your jet ski is fuelled up before you set off on your ride. It is recommended to fill up your jet ski before each ride so that you have fresh gas in your tank.
If you tow your jet ski on a trailer, stopping at a gas station is the best option. This is because it is easier to refuel a jet ski sitting on a trailer than on the water. Gas stations also tend to have better prices than fuel docks. When you stop at the station, make sure the jet ski's gas cap is close enough to the pumps to avoid any issues with the gas hose.
If you store your jet ski in a marina, a fuel dock is a very convenient way to fill up your jet ski. Fuel docks can be found in some marinas, but not all. The pumps at fuel docks are often old and worn out, meaning the automatic shut-offs can be unreliable. Because of this, it is recommended that you don't release the nozzle. You can pay by credit card at most marinas, but some only take cash.
If you are refuelling at a fuel dock, it is important to know the exact tank capacity of your jet ski, as you may need to fill up multiple jerry cans. Jerry cans are durable liquid containers made of plastic or metal, designed to hold 0.25-5.3 gallons of fuel on average.
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Avoid tipping the PWC
When filling the fuel tank of a personal watercraft (PWC), it is recommended to leave a little empty space in the tank and not fill it completely. This is because fuel expands when heated, and if the tank is completely full, the expanding fuel can cause the tank to leak or the fuel pump to malfunction. Leaving some space in the tank also allows for air, which is necessary for the fuel to expand without causing leaks or pressure buildup. Additionally, filling the tank completely helps avoid air pockets, which can cause problems in fuel delivery and engine performance.
To avoid tipping the PWC, it is not recommended to overfill the tank, even slightly, as this can lead to fuel overflow and wastage. Tipping the PWC to top off the fuel tank is both dangerous and unnecessary. The fuel tank is designed to be filled upright, and tipping the PWC can lead to fuel spillage or damage to the vehicle.
The best way to fill the fuel tank on a PWC is to stop at a roadside fuel station. Filling at the fuel docks in marinas or with cans are also options, but it is more convenient and usually cheaper to stop at a gas station. It is recommended to fill up the PWC before rides to ensure fresh gas in the tank. When stopping at a station, ensure that the gas cap is close enough to the pumps to avoid struggling with the gas hose.
If you are filling the PWC with cans or another alternative method, stop filling when the fuel reaches 2 inches from the top. At fuel docks, do not release the nozzle as the automatic shut-offs may be unreliable. Additionally, make sure to move the PWC away from the pump after filling and remove the seat to ventilate the engine compartment.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to leave a little empty space in the tank, as fuel expands when heated. Overfilling can lead to fuel overflow and wastage.
The best way is to stop at a roadside fuel station. Other options include filling at fuel docks in marinas or with cans.
It is important to turn off the engine, ask passengers to exit, and extinguish any open flames. Check for fuel spills and clean them if necessary.
Ensure the fuel filler cap is tightened, and check for fuel odours. Turn the fuel selector switch to the 'ON' position and restart the engine.
Use the 'rule of thirds': one-third to go out, one-third to get back, and one-third held in reserve.
