Evinrude 115 1998 fuel tank options

[Ben Clegg]

Hi
I have a 115 SPL on a 17 foot Fletcher , currently I am running fuel from 3 X 25 Ltr (6.6 Gallons) tanks that are linked together so switching over is simply a manual valve operation. I don't currently have a fuel gauge so never know when the fuel will run out until it actually stalls because of starvation (not ideal I know)
I have room for 1 complete tank of 75 liter (or slightly bigger) capacity and the question I have is this
What do you think would be the best option

1. Replace the 3 tanks with one and connect a fuel gauge
2. Replace 2 of the 3 tanks with 1 run a fuel gauge and leave the 3rd tank as backup (if I miss the fuel gauge going low, or a failure of the gauge)
3. Leave things as they are (if it ain't broke don't fix it type of thing)

The good thing about option 3 is ...........I know exactly how much fuel I have to get me back to port, but is the current method damaging my engine from fuel starvation every time the tank runs empty?
Thanks in advance for your inputs

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Evinrude 115 1998 fuel tank options

I myself would go with option 2....just dont forget it and let it set and get stale.

 

[toddschubert]

Re: Evinrude 115 1998 fuel tank options

I second option 2. It's what I have and works well. I just run down 6 gal reserve once in a while and keep a little stabil in it. Seafoam rather
Small errors in oil mix can add up in larger tanks... Oh you have vrO I believe if so never mind

 

[Ben Clegg]

Re: Evinrude 115 1998 fuel tank options

Small errors in oil mix can add up in larger tanks... Oh you have vrO I believe if so never mind

Mine is not VRO so small errors apply......thanks for the tip that's a good point

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Evinrude 115 1998 fuel tank options

Ben, How about installing the 75L tank, and keeping a 25l as a spare? That motor can burn thru a 50L tank in a couple of hours, easily.

 

[mekkamaz]

Re: Evinrude 115 1998 fuel tank options

Ben, How about installing the 75L tank, and keeping a 25l as a spare? That motor can burn thru a 50L tank in a couple of hours, easily.

Yeah, I have a 115 Johnny and a 80 L tank, with fuel gage and a see-thru fuel gage that I rip off and old tank, so If my sender fails, I can see how much gas is left directly in the second float or, removing the cap and measure with a stick...(old fashion way)...and I use a 25L spare just in case....So This works fine for me and a very similar engine...run perfect for 6+ hours of fishin? (not running WOT a lot, of course!! just Cruise)..

 

[toddschubert]

Re: Evinrude 115 1998 fuel tank options

That motor is very fuel efficient relatively speaking just a note
What about balance of the boat with tank placement. Can you keep a reserve and still keep a good balance?
Just another consideration

 

[Ben Clegg]

Re: Evinrude 115 1998 fuel tank options

Ben, How about installing the 75L tank, and keeping a 25l as a spare?

Chris that would be ideal but the boat is only 17ft so more room really.

 

[Ben Clegg]

Re: Evinrude 115 1998 fuel tank options

Option 2 is my best bet I think.........................................I have to get it made up now but will let you know how I get on (with pictures)
Cheers

 

[mekkamaz]

Re: Evinrude 115 1998 fuel tank options

Chris that would be ideal but the boat is only 17ft so more room really.

Mine it?s a 16 Ft and tank is below front seats....very well balanced...