Westerbeke 9.0 BCG Technical Manual page 25

Fuel System
The generator must have its own fuel supply line; in other words, it must have its own pickup tubes and
primary filter/water separator. Do not tee off another engine's fuel supply. Installations with the fuel tank(s)
at or above the generator with the fuel supply lines to the engine's carburetor routed below the level of the
fuel tank's top must have a means of shutting off the fuel to the generator's engine when the engine is not
running. This installation procedure helps guard against the possibility of gasoline siphoning through this
supply line into the engine through the carburetor, should the carburetor float needle valve stick in the open
position or not seat properly, or should the fuel line rupture between the engine and fuel tank.
This (anti-siphon) shut-off valve can be electrically-operated (with manual override) to open when the gen-
erator's engine is started, or close when it is shut down. A manually-operated valve can also be installed and
should be operationable from the generator's start/stop panel or from the vessel's deck. Installations where
the generator is located above the fuel tank(s), whereby the routing of the fuel supply line to the generator's
carburetor remains above the top level of the fuel tank, do not require this (anti-siphon) shut-off valve. A
manually-operated service shut-off valve should be located between the fuel pickup at the tank and the ser-
vice shut-off valve located at the fuel connection to the generator.
The two illustrations that follow were taken from the Coast Guard publication Fuel System Compliance
Guideline. These illustrations show basic fuel system layouts that incorporate anti-siphon protection.
FUEL LINE ALWAYS ABOVE FUEL TANK TOP LEVEL
TOP LEVEL
NO ANTI-SIPHON DEVICE OR ELECTRICALLY
OPERATED VALVE NEEDED
NOT ACCEPTABLE
FUEL TANK TOP LEVEL
All fuel lines should be routed and supported to prevent leaks from vibration and chaffing. The line should
be supported every 12 - 14 inches. Use as few connections as possible.
The fuel tank's vent should be located so that its discharge route cannot allow water to enter through to the
fuel tank(s). Moisture must not be allowed to accumulate in the vent's line.
19 Westerbeke Generators