Duel Fuel tanks

[azzmack]

Hi All,
I'm currently running 2 6gallon tanks in my boat because a bigger tank really dosn't fit very well....
My question is this; can i join the 2 tanks? Can i run a hose from the first tank to the second, then to the engine?
Will it still draw fuel ok? Any other issues anyone might anticipate?
Cheers,
Aaron

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Duel Fuel tanks

You can run two lines to a T connection to a single line. Most equip the T connection with a valve for one tank or the other.

Here is a view of what people use http://www.iboats.com/Seasense-Dual...3971476--**********.970105208--view_id.685928

 

[dingbat]

Re: Duel Fuel tanks

You need a 3-way fuel valve.

http://www.iboats.com/Moeller-Three...5592342--**********.038476845--view_id.391858

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Duel Fuel tanks

If you connect the tanks together, w/o a valve, the first one to empty will cause air to enter the fuel line, making it impossible to use the fuel in the second tank.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Duel Fuel tanks

Not only that, but the two tanks will not sit perfectly level nor will they be at the exact same height so filling both tanks will cause the higher one to back-feed the other possibly overflowing the lower tank. Yes -- 1/2 inch difference can spill lots of fuel. It takes a couple seconds to swap fuel lines. Keep what you have.

 

[mudslinging79]

Re: Duel Fuel tanks

have you seen the one west marine sells, fits under the outboard up against the back end. dont remember what the dimensions are, but its a 12 gallon tank

 

[d.boat]

Re: Duel Fuel tanks

You need a 3-way fuel valve.

http://www.iboats.com/Moeller-Three...5592342--**********.038476845--view_id.391858

This is the valve I use, and it's mounted to the transom.

Tanks --> T Valve --> Water Filter --> main fuel line to engine w/ primer bulb. Note, the primer bulb is after the T valve (as is the filter).

My setup is with permanent tanks, but if I were using 2 portable tanks, I'd rig it up the same way, with plain (no primer bulb) hoses to the tanks, with quick connects for the tanks if possible.

 

[freetime99]

Re: Dual Fuel tanks

Re: Dual Fuel tanks

The 3 way brass fuel valve that West Marine sells works well. I have a 15 Whaler set up with it mounted to the side of the battery box, each 6 gal tank feeds to it, then to a primer bulb ,then to the motor. When the indicated tank starts to run dry, just turn the valve and the other tank comes on-line. You can switch it quickly enough that the engine never shuts off.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Dual Fuel tanks

Re: Dual Fuel tanks

The 3 way brass fuel valve that West Marine sells works well. I have a 15 Whaler set up with it mounted to the side of the battery box, each 6 gal tank feeds to it, then to a primer bulb ,then to the motor. When the indicated tank starts to run dry, just turn the valve and the other tank comes on-line. You can switch it quickly enough that the engine never shuts off.

But........ Worst Marine does not have a fraction of the knowledge, support or forum like we do here and we sell the valve.