Follow the Fuel Supply and Return Lines

The Third of Seven Boating Systems Tips

Did you know that diesel fuel is not entirely consumed by your engine? The amount not used by the fuel injection system is returned to your fuel tank. If you have more than one fuel tank it is good to know which tank accepts the returned diesel fuel.

You can get the boat out of balance if too much fuel is in one saddle tank if the other fuel tank has a lower level therefore weighs much less. So its a good idea to manage how much fuel is in the tank which will accept the return fuel volume.

Some boats may have two or more fuel tanks but the generator only uses one of those tanks for supply and return. So you want to know if your boat has a fuel tank equalizer hose to balance the fuel between your tanks.

It is important to know where these hoses are so you do not accidentally close the valves. The valves must remain open to allow the fuel to supply the engine as well as allow the unused fuel to return to it’s assigned tank.

This video is only showing the generator but your propulsion engines also have the same return fuel lines. Got you thinking, huh? Look for our next post discussing your engine cooling system and Restricted Water Flow.