Twin fuel tanks - uneven pull

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Gang O' Iboats,<br /><br />I have been struggling with something that I need some help noodlin' on. Bought a new for me 2001 Bowrider last year. 23' 6.2 Bravo 1. It has twin 27 gallon tanks mounted under the gunnels. It had a fuel tank valve on it that was for either the port or starboard tank but could not be set to both. When running it noticibly listed if I ran one down more than a 1/4 below the other. My last boat was set up the same way with one major difference, it had no valve just a tee. I rigged the first one myself and carefully measured the two fuel lines to the same length and it pulled fairly even. The only issue was if I had ever run out of fuel in one tank the only way to isolate the other would be vise grips on the empty line. Clearly not the right way to do it, but would have worked in a pinch. <br /><br />Anyway, with this newer boat, I decided that reaching under the hatch to switch tanks every so often was a pain and replaced the existing valve with one that allows either tank, both or off; cost me $85 and the design is very nice. I have checked other threads on this issue and everybody says you can't do it, but even flow from two tanks has previously worked for me, so I am convinced it can be done. I carefully measured both fuel lines and mounted the new valve. It still pulls from the port side first . . . I end up giving up on the both setting when I start noticing the boat listing and switch to the starboard tank.<br /><br />I am wondering now if what is causing this uneven pull is the anti-syphon valves. I am thinking that my last boat may not have had them installed and that is why it worked so well. I have seen other set-ups with elctric tank valves which I definitely don't want. I've heard of trouble with them and don't want to go that way.<br /><br />Any thoughts? Should I just give up and keep switching? :confused:
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: Twin fuel tanks - uneven pull

The valve must be closer to one tank than the other.<br /><br />Liquid, like electricity, always takes the path of least resistance.
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: Twin fuel tanks - uneven pull

DJ,<br /><br />I understand, but again, I carefully measured the two hoses. Let's assume that that is not the issue (though it still could be). Location of the valve in relation to the two tanks should not matter right? Any other ideas?
 

mattttt25

Commander
Joined
Sep 29, 2002
Messages
2,661
Re: Twin fuel tanks - uneven pull

i would get rid of the antisiphon valves and try again. can't hurt, right?
 

Boomyal

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 16, 2003
Messages
12,072
Re: Twin fuel tanks - uneven pull

Originally posted by mattttt25:<br /> i would get rid of the antisiphon valves and try again. can't hurt, right?
I second the motion QuietCat.<br /><br /><br />Hey Mattttt, when ya gonna fix yer Avitar?
 

dajohnson53

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
1,627
Re: Twin fuel tanks - uneven pull

Originally posted by Boomyal:<br /> <br />Hey Mattttt, when ya gonna fix yer Avitar?
Yea Matttt, I am unable to view your picture because I'm.... hey wait a minute!
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: Twin fuel tanks - uneven pull

Roger guys. It'll be a couple weeks before I run it again, I'll let you know. Thanks.
 

magster65

Commander
Joined
Sep 1, 2002
Messages
2,573
Re: Twin fuel tanks - uneven pull

My Tolly did the same thing. <br /><br />I don't know what caused it because... I never fixed it.<br /> :)
 
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