2 Tanks & a Pump

[backroad]

I wuz just wunder'N. Has anyone out there ever run 2 fuel tanks with a switchover valve?



I'm about to get smoke on my Ford/Cummins swap and the Ford has 2 tanks instead of the single tank of the 1st generation Dodge. I'm trying to figure out if I can actually run out one of the tanks and switch over to the second tank and at the same time turn on an electric fuel pump to pick up the prime? Is the electric fuel pump strong enough to push fuel through the VE pump and to the injectors without having to stop and reprime the system.



I'm considering installing something like a Holley red or blue fuel pump in line. Someone out there must have gone through this before. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[MAX A/C]

Backroad-

I have two separate tanks, as installed by Aero Tanks. Switchover is done by two manual valves, one for the delivery line and the other for fuel return. Both have to be moved at the same time, otherwise you'd be drawing from one tank and returning to the other--bad news if the other is full. There is no electric pump; none needed--the current lift pump is enough to "pick up a prime" even after running out of fuel (at least always has been for me. )



I have suddenly run out of fuel going down the road because I wasn't paying attention to the guage. I switch valves while driving and the engine comes back to life shortly. No prime needed. I usually switch before running out, of course--also while driving with no prime needed.



I had an '84 Ford with the dual tanks and the electronic switch valve, and used it in the same manner as described above. But I like my current manual valve better... no 'lectronics to go out as the Ford had and left me stranded once.



Scott

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

My 1991 Ford 7. 3 superduty has two tanks with electric switch. Since the fuel gauge didn't work on one of the tanks I used out of that one first and watched the trip odometer for time to switch. Didn't always remember to watch the odo and the engine would stumble so I hurriedly switched the tanks and it would pick right up and go. Works that way with the 7. 3 anyway.



BTW, the 7. 3 has puked, pitted cylinder I think. Would you recommend transplanting a 5. 9? this is a work truck with dump bed, snowplow, one year old E4OD, and new tires all around. Love the truck, hate the engine!



Trent

 

[backroad]

I quess that my my would e to just make sure that I switch the tanks over before they actually run out. I'm probably going to go ahead and add on the Holley electric pump anyway and just runnout a tank deliberately anyway. Inquiring minds wand to know.



As far as whether or not I would recommend the Ford/Cummins Swap, I don't actually know yet. My Ford has not made SMOKE yet, but soon. I've owned a couple of Cummins Turbo Diesels and I dearly loved the engines, but I truly thought that the trucks themselves were too much like a shoebox, Pretty tinny... . I love my Fords. I do have to say, that on my conversion, I've done everything the absolute hardest way possible.