Regan Brown
Connecting a kicker motor to your main fuel tank is a convenient way to avoid carrying a separate fuel tank. The most common method is to run two lines off the fuel water separator, but you can also put a 'T' in the fuel line to each motor. If you have a single main motor, you would have one RACOR, with one fuel line from your fuel tank/shutoff valve into the RACOR, and two fuel lines out of the RACOR (one to the main engine and one to the kicker). It is also important to note that you must use a valve to seal off the fuel to the kicker when the main motor is running to prevent damage to either motor.
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What You'll Learn
Using a 'T' connector in the fuel line
When connecting a kicker motor to your main fuel tank, one of the methods you can use is a T-connector in the fuel line. This method is a good option if you don't want to carry a separate fuel tank for your kicker motor.
To do this, you will need to install a T-fitting (also known as a Tee) in the main fuel line. This will create a junction where fuel can be diverted from the main line to the kicker motor. The T-fitting can be made from brass, and you will also need stainless steel clamps to secure the connection. It is recommended to install the T-fitting after the existing fuel filter in the main line. This ensures that the fuel flowing to the kicker motor is clean and free of contaminants.
When installing the T-connector, it is important to consider the size of the fuel line for the kicker motor. If the kicker has a smaller fuel line, you may need to use a reducer fitting at the T-connector to ensure a proper connection. Additionally, make sure to keep the primer bulb inline with the kicker motor to maintain fuel flow.
Some users have reported success with this method, stating that it provides a good estimate of hours per gallon for the kicker motor, leading to fuel savings. However, it is important to note that you may need to seal off the fuel to the kicker when the main motor is running, and vice versa, to prevent damage to either engine due to air being sucked through the fuel lines.
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Using a valve to seal off fuel to the kicker
When connecting a kicker motor to your main fuel tank, it is important to consider the potential issues that may arise and how to address them. One crucial aspect is sealing off the fuel to the kicker motor when it is not in use to prevent any damage to the main motor. This can be achieved by using a valve, specifically a three-way valve, which offers a safe and effective solution.
A three-way valve provides the ability to isolate the fuel systems of the main motor and the kicker motor, ensuring that they operate independently and avoiding any potential issues with fuel contamination or air intake. This setup allows for the easy disconnection of the fuel line to the kicker motor, enabling its use with a portable tank if needed.
To implement this, you can utilise a brass three-way valve with a standard marine quick-connect fuel fitting. This setup provides the flexibility to disconnect the fuel line and use it with a smaller jon boat or a portable tank. It is important to note that some kicker motors may have weaker fuel pumps, so ensuring the ability to disconnect and use a portable tank can be beneficial.
Additionally, consider the placement of the valve. If you frequently switch between the kicker and the main engine, you may want to mount the valve in a location that is easily accessible without having to open hatches. This will make it more convenient to operate the valve as needed.
By incorporating a three-way valve into your setup, you can effectively seal off the fuel to the kicker motor when it is not in use. This not only protects your main motor from potential damage caused by air intake but also provides the flexibility to utilise a portable tank if needed. Remember to consult experts or seek additional advice if you have specific questions or concerns about your unique setup.
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Using a separate fuel filter
You can put a 'T' in the main engine line after the existing fuel filter. You might need a reducer fitting from the 'T' if the kicker has a smaller fuel line. Keep the primer bulb inline with the kicker.
One user reported that they had issues with the bulb of their 6-horse closing shut, hard startups, and dying once the air temperature rose. They bought another separate fuel line and strapped the original 3-gallon Nissan tank on the rear deck, and the motor acted like new.
Another user reported that they have a Suzuki DF 70 and a Yamaha F-8 Kicker (both 4 strokes) hooked to the same filter (different ports). The kicker has a Chrysler quick connect, so they can disconnect it and use a 3-gallon tank if they get bad gas.
If there is not a second fuel pickup, be sure to use a valve. You can use a brass 3-way and install a standard marine quick-connect fuel fitting on one port. This enables you to easily disconnect the fuel line to the kicker and use it on a portable tank on a smaller Jon boat.
If the run to the main tank is far and the main tank is low in relation to the kicker, the fuel pumps on some small kickers may not have the power to pull fuel through the filter/separator. In that situation, the tee would have to be before the filter.
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Using a fuel/water separator
Some users recommend using a T with a valve. If you use just the check valves on the primer bulb and one malfunctions, you could suck air into the line and blow your motor. You can also use a metal T instead of a plastic one, as the latter is more likely to malfunction.
If you have a fuel/water separator with two outlets, you can connect one to the kicker and one to the main motor. If you don't have one, you can install a Tee and then add an aftermarket separator and then run the outlet to the kicker since your main already has a separator installed.
Some users have also suggested pulling the second pick-up from the tank and cutting off the pick-up tube by 10-20%. This is because if you get water or contaminants in your fuel, it will usually be in the bottom 10% of the tank. However, be aware that you will not be able to run the kicker if you are on the last 10% of your fuel supply.
If there is not a second fuel pick-up, be sure to use a valve. You can install a standard marine quick-connect fuel fitting to easily disconnect the fuel line to the kicker and use it on a portable tank on a smaller boat.
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Using a separate tank
If you have a separate tank, you must use a valve to seal off the fuel to the kicker when the main motor is running. This is because the main motor may suck air from the kicker, possibly damaging it. Vice versa, the kicker could be damaged by sucking air from the main motor.
You can use a three-gallon bladder for a full day's fishing. This is a sufficient amount of fuel, and it's also portable. If you have a built-in tank, be careful not to forget to fill it up, as it may not be readily visible.
If you want to connect a kicker motor to your main fuel tank using a separate tank, you can follow these steps:
- Check if there is a second fuel pickup in your tank.
- If there is, put in a separate line all the way from the tank.
- If there isn't a second fuel pickup, use a valve. For example, a brass 3-way valve with a standard marine quick-connect fuel fitting. This will allow you to easily disconnect the fuel line to the kicker and use it on a portable tank.
- If the run to the main tank is far and the main tank is low in relation to the kicker, you may need to put the tee before the filter. This is because some small kickers don't have the power to pull fuel through a long distance and a filter/separator.
Frequently asked questions
The most common method is to run two lines off the fuel water separator. If you don't have a fuel and water separator, it is recommended to get one as it will prevent future problems.
The simplest way is to put a 'T' in the fuel line to each motor. The 'T' should be a stop cock to just direct fuel to the motor that is running.
It is recommended to have a separate tank for your kicker motor. This is because if the main tank gets contaminated, you can use the separate tank as a backup.
It is important to have a valve to seal off the fuel to the kicker when the main motor is running. This is to prevent the main motor from sucking air and possibly getting damaged. Additionally, check if there is a second fuel pickup and put in a separate line from the tank.
