Re: Want to move gas tank to front
Originally posted by Indymike:<br /> I am having a similar consideration and was thinking it would be easier to move the batteries.<br /><br />Mike
If you move the engine's starting battery very far, make sure you use good thick cables. I've seen it done by soldering the correct size ends onto arc welding cables about the size of your finger. If the cables are too long and/or thin, you might not be able to move enough electricity back to spin the starter. <br /><br />Moving gas, electricity or even air down a line or hose will cause some pressure or voltage drop from resistance. The smaller diameter the line or cable, the more resistance and more pressure drop you'll have. Moving DC voltage over wires has a much higher voltage drop over the same distance than AC, but a big battery and large cables, you'll be fine going 20 feet or so.<br /><br /><br />I've had gas tanks several feet from the engine, and never had a problem using 3/8" copper tubing for as much of the run as possible. Its good & slick inside, and lets the fuel flow real well with little resistance. Plus, its less of a fire hazard and doesn't crack with age as soon as the rubber lines. <br /><br />If the fuel pump is healthy, it'll be fine. If the fuel pump is getting tired, it may not be able to suck gas downstream fast enough for high torque or high rpm situations.<br /><br />I relate it to a car, they have fuel tanks at opposite ends from the engine, and they did OK back in the days of carbs. & mechanical pumps before tank mounted pumps for fuel injection systems. Even with a outboard, the flow rate of the fuel pump is about the same as a V-8 with a 4 barrel carb,,,, and opperates at almost the same pressure.
