A "run dry" tank system

[NDearyan]

I have been thinking of building a "run dry" tank system. The purpose is to thoroughly empty the fuel tank.



Mine is a 1993, with a manual, cam operated fuel pump.



Add an additional fuel pump, that is battery opperated, between the cam pump, and the tank.



Place a 1 qt container, between the pumps, so that the 1 qt tank remains full at all times, unless you run out of fuel, then the fuel level in the 1 qt container drops, and a fuel level sensor immediatley sounds a buzzer, and a light, which warns the driver to switch tanks. It just seems that it would be good to have a warning before running plumb out!



Is there an "off the shelf" item that would accomplish the same thing?



Thanks,



Nate

 

[Greenleaf]

I'm thinking I wouldn't want a tank to run dry. There is moisture and crud there on the bottom. i do not know how much fuel the pipe will pull out. All of it? Save a quart, or completely dry? I don't think I'd want to try it.



My diesel farm tractor has a sediment/water trap at the very bottom of tank. It's amazing how much water and "yuck" collects there.



-S

 

[NDearyan]

Then it would seem to be a GOOD IDEA to simply drain the tank at least once a year!



Is that logical?



Thx



Nate

 

[Greenleaf]

There is no drain, and to to so one would have to run the tank "way down" like Elvis says, and remove the tank. Guys that have had to do this have commented on the crud in there.



-S

 

[CDegner]

Originally posted by Greenleaf

I'm thinking I wouldn't want a tank to run dry. There is moisture and crud there on the bottom.

I don't think this arguement holds any water as the fuel pickup is in the bottom of the tank anyway. That is going to be the first stuff sucked up anyway.



I think the valid arguement is that it is not good on the old VE to go dry. I don't think I would want to risk it. I doubt there is anything to gain by running the tank dry as you will never get everything out of the tank anyway.



Just my $0. 02.

Carl

 

[Greenleaf]

That's what we are trying to find out..... if fuel is pulled off the bottom or within, say, and inch or so. If it's off the bottom there wouldn't be the findings of junk in the bottom of the tank like some have found.



Nonetheless, I agree w/Carl. It's not worth the risk to run the pump dry. That is my final answer.



Carl, I like that web-site you have. Looks good.

 

[dpuckett]

You engineers cant keep anything simple, can you? :-laf Good grief. Just keep the fuel level up. Tell anyone who borrows it to put down a $1000 deposit on it in case they run it dry and have to buy you a new VE.



Daniel

 

[1stgen4evr]

run dry

My trucks have a factory "low fuel light". I can run at least 20 miles after the light comes on. Is this only on LE trucks?



Also carry an extra five gallons of fuel in a yellow wal mart fuel jug.



1stgen4evr

James

 

[John - K5AWO]

The low fuel light on my '98. 5 CTD lights up and the bonger bongs with 7 gallons remaining out of a 34 gallon tank.

 

[tugboatphil]

I carry 4 cans, James!! For when I'm out in the swamp.



I meant to ask you how you can travel all those miles with a Jack Russell in the cab with you??

 

[1stgen4evr]

with a jack russell

It is close quarters some times but he is "family". So we put up with the problems. He has traveled enough that he knows the routine. If we stop for coffee, he expects a raisin/oatmeal cookie when we get back in the truck.



Bigest problem is the sheading. I had to cut a hole in the heat/ AC tunnel in front of the evaporator so I can vacuum off the core about twice a year. This was caused by leaves and other debris before we got him. But now it is mostly his hair.



We do find that some motels won't take pets so we don't stay at those places. Stayed one place up in the Yukon that required a 100 dollar deposit.



Other than that, he is a good travel companion. He IS possesive of the truck and will act aggressive if anyone gets too close. I don't think he would bite, he just wants to let folks know that it is his truck.



I am not on the road for a while. Mom is very ill and very old. I am staying full time with her till it is done. Spending a good deal of time on the computer and TDR. Good to hear from you. Keeps me sane.



James

 

[dpuckett]

Low fuel light

They are standard on all CTDs. I have gone 100mi on mine a time or two. That was a pucker a new crease in the seat fabric adventure.



tugboatphil-

Next time you're in the swamp, stop in and say hi. :-laf :-laf :-laf



Daniel