Splitting a petrol fuel line?

[grenade]

Petrol Eberspacher heater on a boat

I am fitting a petrol Eberspacher heater to my little boat. I chose a petrol heater because I already have a petrol fuel tank for the outboard (I have no inboard diesel). I was hoping for some advice on how to split the fuel line in order to fuel the heater. The fuel tank has a screw on cap that doubles as the pertrol feed for the outboard. Is it possible to get a replacement cap with two feeds? or do I need to get a hose splitting fitting?

Is there any reason not to use a hose splitter (like either the outboard or the heater starving the other of fuel)?

Edit: I originally asked for advice on splitting the fuel line. I think that's been answered now and the simplest solution is a separate tank. However, it seems from other threads, that petrol heaters on a boat are not a good idea.

Is that definitively the case? Is it just a bad idea all together?

 

[lw395]

If it's like a diesel eberspacher, it will object to drawing air with its fuel. So if you ever run the fuel line dry, you will have problems.
I would suggest a totally separate feed line. Possibly a separate tank would be easiest?

 

[grenade]

If it's like a diesel eberspacher, it will object to drawing air with its fuel. So if you ever run the fuel line dry, you will have problems.
I would suggest a totally separate feed line. Possibly a separate tank would be easiest?

You're right. I just got off the phone with a specialist and he told me only to use a Y splitter if it has a tap to allow the fuel to go in only one direction (engine or heater).

I've just now seen another thread which states that noone should ever fit a petrol Eberspacher to any boat because of the possibility of petrol fumes getting into the bilge. Argh!

 

[rob2]

I'm afraid I agree that a seperate tank would be far better. Remote tanks for outboards will not maintain a constant coloumn of fuel as required by the Eber. There are day tanks made as acessories by Eber (10l IIRC). Keep it topped up and your heater will be ready for action without fuss at any time.

Rob.

 

[sailorman]

imho this heater is not suitable for a boat.
So Walt you pour petrol in it , then strike a match & set light to it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7YBaiJMnik

 

[clyst]

Dont think petrol ebers were for marine use . Think they were for vehicles only .Dont think your insurance company would be too happy either .Best run it past them first . sorry to be so negative but a petrol Eber on a boat makes me shudder.

 

[grenade]

I'm gonna drop in to espar since they're only a few miles away and see what they think of the Petrol heater idea...

 

[sailorman]

I'm gonna drop in to espar since they're only a few miles away and see what they think of the Petrol heater idea...

they will not be able to recommend as they then have taken on responsibility for the decision

 

[davidej]

If you are going to use a separate tank, then you might as well go diesel eber.

 

[sailorman]

I'm gonna drop in to espar since they're only a few miles away and see what they think of the Petrol heater idea...

this is a better option
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302186

 

[lw395]

If you are going to use a separate tank, then you might as well go diesel eber.

+1
You can run it on red diesel.

 

[clyst]

+1
You can run it on red diesel.

You sure ??