Aux Fuel Tank Setup- Need Help

[Dkevdog]

I picked up an old TransferFlow tank recently, the in-bed toolbox job. Needs some work but it is definetly worth salvaging. My questions start here. The tank was setup previously without a pump, it just had a two three way valves installed in the floor- like the old Fords. I don't want to do it that way. Instead, I want to install a transfer pump of some sort, and use it to transfer fuel into the main tank when it's needed. I also want the setup to be removeable- there are times I must have full use of my bed, so I was thinking of some sort of quick connect setup designed for fuel use. The tank did not come with a guage either, guess I'll need to look into that.



So any ideas?? Do I need a filter between the aux tank and the main one? Any pump suggestions?



TIA



Kev

 

[The patriot]

We use the Evertight type connectors at work. I believe the ones we have are made by Dixson.

I did a search on the net, but cant come up with anything. Maybe I'm using the wrong wording.

I think the 3/4" size would work for what you want it for. I believe that would require 5/8" hose.

Just be sure to use some bailing wire on the cams... just to be safe.

If you need a picture, I can send one.

There's a surplus place that illflem mentioned a while back... surpluscenter.com?

I think I saw a 12 volt pump there pretty reasonable.

Eric

 

[willyslover]

call Transfer Flow. . they are in Chico,Ca... . maybe the computer pump control isn't to bad $$$

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

If the tank is real clean, you don't need a filter. However, a bulk tank filter like Fleetguard offers is a good idea. check out www.transferflow.com or call 800-442-0056.

 

[JBlock]

Why not use the Bed Tank Primary

With all the lift pump problems around, maybe you better off to use the transfer flow tank in the bed as the fill to the lift pump as primary and pump from the main tank to the Transfer flow, Kill two problems with one solution.



JB

 

[Dkevdog]

Thanks for the suggestions. The Pump is pretty easy to come by. Could I not use quick connect hydraulic fittings? Anybody see a reason why not? I'm now trying to figure out how to create a failsafe transfer system, and still have it be removeable. Any suggestions on that?



Kev

 

[illflem]

Kev, I've used hydraulic quick couplers for many things besides hydraulic fluid including diesel many times with no problem. Thing is there has always been more pressure than you'll be dealing with. With your tank removed with fuel in it you may have to tie the line up so the quick coupler is above the fuel level or it might drip, make sure you have enough hose to do it. You may want to invest in coupler plugs made of metal that fit the same as a coupler instead of the plastic ones, Napa sells them.



I've made hose reel swivels with a male and female quick couplers, sure beats the ridiculous price you'll pay for a swivel and work excellent.



Surplus Center most likely has the pump and valves you need for unbelievable prices. No website, you have to call and request a catalog 800-488-3407

 

[The patriot]

http://www.surpluscenter.com/

 

[illflem]

Thanks Eric, good to see Surplus Center has finally moved in the 21st century.



Here's a nice looking pump for $27, only does 3gph but that's at 90 psi, I'll bet at low pressure it will do much more.

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2003062013485192&item=2-1204&catname=engines



and another that does6 gpm, but says not for flammable liquids, is diesel a flammable liquid?

I know you can buy diesel only fuel pumps for half the price of one that will also pump gas.

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2003062013545595&item=2-1186&catname=engines

 

[Dkevdog]

Thanks for the links Bill- That second pump looks to a pretty good contender assuming it can handle diesel. Diesel is more flamable than motor oil, but I would guess that it would work for Diesel .



I was alsoy thinking of one of the Carter pumps like so many guys are using for lift/push pumps. Only slighty more money than that second pump.



As far as connecting it to the main tank, I would assume I could splice in to the fill neck somehow. It would sure be nice to have something automated like the Transferflow system uses. But I'm on a budget(read CHEAP) and can certainly get something going for much less!



Kev

 

[Joe G.]

Kev,



When I installed my tank I splicd into he vent tube next to the filler. Then, after all that, I found out that there is a tube sticking out of the top of the sending unit that is intended for an aux tank. It's just a smooth tube so I guess you would need a compression nut to attach a line to it. It has a little black cap on it now. This might be different on your '01, but it's worth checking.

 

[Dkevdog]

Thanks for the tip Joe , ordered a fuel pump, and guess I'll just go the manual route until I can come up with a variable signal voltage device like you were talking about in the other thread.



Kev

 

[CJBoggs]

Kev,



When I set up my aux tank I used these quick couplers (Parker NS series) and I think they are 3/8", but I would probably go 1/2" to reduce restriction if I were to do it again: http://www.parker.com/quickcouplings/Hydraulic/NS_Series.PDF

These fittings are nice in that both sides seal and have planar mating surfaces so that there is no spillage in your bed when connecting or disconnecting. I have seen some that are cheaper (in Northern catalog) but I cannot speak of their quality. I think these ran me around $5 for the males and $15 for the females. Technically speaking, it is better to use the Viton seals for fuel use, but I have had no problems with the standard seals in my fittings. More slick Parker fittings can be seen here: http://www.parker.com/quickcouplings/



My system uses the Northern Hydraulic portable diesel pump with a couple slight mods (remove handle and hardwire):

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...PHOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=47671&categoryId=0



It is safe for diesel and pumps around 5gpm. The system runs one 1/2" fuel line connected to a nipple welded low into the filler neck.



Pics of the hardware can be seen here:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=67265



I built a fuel sending unit into my tank that I purchased from JCWhitney. The sending unit is made by Datcon (I believe) and is the 240 ohm type. I believe this is the same type sender Chrysler uses, but I have not hooked mine to the instrument cluster. This type of sender would be relatively easy to retrofit into a tank.



One major redesign I am considering is running the system with a switching valve. I have already eliminated the front mount transfer pump and put a carter 15psi pump right by the primary tank and am considering replacing the Northern pump on the aux tank with another Carter. I will then have to plumb a second line through the bed for fuel return. This would then yield a redundant fueling system incase one of the transfer pumps failed--just switch to the other tank/pump combo. I have a Pollak P/N 42-300P (JC Whitney) switching valve that will facilitate this.



I had considered the electronic fuel level monitoring/switching approach, but was never able to find an IC that would work. That is one of the reasons I am considering the switching valve. Sorry for the long reply, but I hope some of this helps.



Chris