Gas Tank questions

[bmorris]

I have 2 12 gallon portable gas tanks on my pontoon boat. Can I T them together and run one gas line to the motor, or do I have to run one dry and then reconnect to the other. I have them on opposite sides of the boat and would like them to drain at the same time to distribute the weight

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gas Tank questions

I have them on opposite sides of the boat and would like them to drain at the same time to distribute the weight

Ayuh,... That Won't work...

 

[bmorris]

Re: Gas Tank questions

Ayuh,... That Won't work...

so I have to switch gas tanks then when the other runs out?

 

[ButchC]

Re: Gas Tank questions

You can try something like this http://www.tomsbroncoparts.com/product.php?id=1411
I have one installed and it switches both fuel tank and fuel level sender. Just switch it from one to the other every half hour or so to keep balance.

This is just for low pressure fuel lines.

Butch

 

[bmorris]

Re: Gas Tank questions

that would be much easier than trying to unplug and plug all the time thanks

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Gas Tank questions

If you want to keep it simple for about $18 you can buy a 3 way manual gas valve then just switch by hand once in a while.

 

[bmorris]

Re: Gas Tank questions

I will check that out although wiring for me is no problem been install car audio for 13 years. Can anyone explain why T'ing them together does not work.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Gas Tank questions

I will check that out although wiring for me is no problem been install car audio for 13 years. Can anyone explain why T'ing them together does not work.

Yea, I would like to hear the reason also.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Gas Tank questions

I will check that out although wiring for me is no problem been install car audio for 13 years. Can anyone explain why T'ing them together does not work.

It won't work because the draw on each tank wouldn't be equal, and then if one goes empty or the pickup takes in air, the other won't be able to compensate, or over-ride the air draw. Not sure if the way I said that makes sense...

 

[Beefer]

Re: Gas Tank questions

iboats sells the Moeller Three-way valve (do a search for "Moeller three-way"). Just pick your size, and you're all set. Easier then switching lines, and quick enough that you won't stall during the switch.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Gas Tank questions

I have that same Moeller valve, works great, but honestly the weird thing is no matter how you put the top handle on it doesn't correlate logicallyto where the fuel is coming from or going as you turn it.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Gas Tank questions

It won't work because the draw on each tank wouldn't be equal, and then if one goes empty or the pickup takes in air, the other won't be able to compensate, or over-ride the air draw. Not sure if the way I said that makes sense...

Fuel via pick-up tubes, yes.
What if the connections were via bottom fittings?

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Gas Tank questions

One of the things I've learned on Iboats is you shouldn't have a fuel fitting at the bottom of the tank. If the fuel line or fitting breaks all the fuel in the tank will run out.

 

[bmorris]

Re: Gas Tank questions

Thanks for the responses I will just go with a valve and switch them back and forth