•
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that any outboard
manufactured after January 1, 2009, must use low permeation fuel hose
for the primary fuel hose connecting the fuel tank to the outboard.
•
Low permeation hose is USCG Type B1‑15 or Type A1‑15, defined as not
exceeding 15/gm²/24 h with CE 10 fuel at 23 °C as specified in SAE J
1527 ‑ marine fuel hose.
EPA Pressurized Portable Fuel Tank Requirements
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires portable fuel systems
that are produced after January 1, 2011, for use with outboard engines to
remain fully sealed (pressurized) up to 34.4 kPa (5.0 psi). These tanks may
contain the following:
•
An air inlet that opens to allow air to enter as the fuel is drawn out of the
tank.
•
An air outlet that opens (vents) to the atmosphere if pressure exceeds
34.4 kPa (5.0 psi).
Fuel Demand Valve (FDV) Requirement
Whenever a pressurized fuel tank is used, a fuel demand valve is required to
be installed in the fuel hose between the fuel tank and the engine. The fuel
demand valve prevents pressurized fuel from entering the engine and causing
a fuel system overflow or possible fuel spillage.
The fuel demand valve has a manual release. The manual release can be used
(pushed in) to open (bypass) the valve in case of a fuel blockage in the valve.
a -
Fuel demand valve ‑ installed in the
fuel hose between the fuel tank and
the engine
b -
Manual release
c -
Vent/water drain holes
Mercury Marine's Pressurized Portable Fuel Tank
Mercury Marine has created a new portable pressurized fuel tank that meets
the preceding EPA requirements. These fuel tanks are available as an
accessory or are provided with certain portable outboard models.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE PORTABLE FUEL TANK
•
The fuel tank has a two‑way valve which allows air to enter the tank as
the fuel is drawn to the engine, and also opens to vent to the atmosphere
if internal pressure in the tank exceeds 34.4 kPa (5.0 psi). A hissing noise
may be heard as the tank vents to the atmosphere. This is normal.
•
The fuel tank includes a fuel demand valve that prevents pressurized fuel
from entering the engine and causing a fuel system overflow or possible
fuel spillage.
a
c
b
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FUEL AND OIL
eng
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