Questions about fuel tanks

[BGlidewell]

I am in the process of upgrading the factory fuel tank to a titan molded tank. They have been unavailable to answer any questions so I am posting here.



The replacement tank has no baffles and is nothing more than a molded vessel with vent ports, a fuel module port and a filler neck port.



The factory tank has an impression visible below the fuel module that I assume is a sump or catch the keep the module wet while the vehicle is moving and the fuel level is low. The replacement tank does not have this, it's just flat on the bottom. Am I going to get into fuel starvation with this tank at a low level? Does the bottom of the fuel module come into close proximity to the factory tank?



I am realizing a few additional properties required for a fuel tank to work well beyond just holding fuel.

 

[KMcBride]

When I had my tank out on my 05 4wd DRW to install a vent kit there were no baffles. There was a slight depression under the fuel module and I belive 4 small bumps the kept the fuel module in place.

 

[abdiver]

They have been unavailable to answer any questions so I am posting here.

Do you think you should buy from an outfit that you can't get a hold of ? Once they have your money bet they might be even harder to get an answer from

 

[RJOL]

Did you fix the broken vent tube problem?



I don't think the factory tanks have baffles in them. Also, if I remember right, the assembly that goes into the tank (fuel pump, float gauge, etc) has a solid cup like device in the bottom so that it will hold some fuel while going up and down hills. The cup is refilled by sloshing fuel when the tank gets low. The dimple in the factory tank just lowers this a little. I've never had any problems with my Titan, but I don't run it below 1/4 tank very often.

 

[BGlidewell]

Rick, Thanks a bunch, good info. I got a brass fitting from Home Depot that fits the front tank vent bung and I got the service manual so I know how to disconnect the fuel lines. I'm gonna go for it as soon as DTE is down to less than 50 miles. The fuel module fixture in the new tank looks a lot different than the factory tank. Looks like they're using a gasket and steel ring with allen-head fasteners instead of the threaded connection on the module body.

 

[RJOL]

Rick, Thanks a bunch, good info. I got a brass fitting from Home Depot that fits the front tank vent bung and I got the service manual so I know how to disconnect the fuel lines. I'm gonna go for it as soon as DTE is down to less than 50 miles. The fuel module fixture in the new tank looks a lot different than the factory tank. Looks like they're using a gasket and steel ring with allen-head fasteners instead of the threaded connection on the module body.

You're correct... The tank module bolts on just like you said. This new setup creates a good seal. When you get it out of the factory tank, take a look at the pre-filter screen and see if there is any gunk on it. Good time to clean it if it does have some trash on it. If it does, make sure to filter the old fuel if you want to put it back in the tank. I think I just gave it to my brother, with the tank. Had a five gallon can of new diesel on hand to get me to the gas station after I installed the tank. This will also give you a good idea as to what 5 gallons looks like on your fuel gauge. Remember, the DTE will no longer be accurate with the bigger tank. Also... Before you get ready to change the tank, be careful trusting the DTE readings. Some aren't very accurate and I never like to suck the last few gallons in the tank into the fuel system. Any gunk or whatever will be concentrated in it. Five gallons of fuel only adds about 30-35 lbs to the tank. Put a hydraulic jack under the tank, when you take it loose and that should keep it from dropping like a rock (if you have some help to steady it), and allows you to lower it, just a bit, to get the fuel lines off... .

 

[Alaskaskiff]

Rick,



Does this tank hang down noticably lower than the factory one? Also do you notice any clearance issues or other concerns with this tank? Thanks!

 

[RJOL]

Rick,



Does this tank hang down noticeably lower than the factory one? Also do you notice any clearance issues or other concerns with this tank? Thanks!

It does hang, down an inch or so, more then the other tank. My 3500 is a 4X4, so there is plenty of clearance. It also has a metal shield, on the bottom, which should protect it from small objects puncturing it.

 

[BGlidewell]

It does hang, down an inch or so, more then the other tank. My 3500 is a 4X4, so there is plenty of clearance. It also has a metal shield, on the bottom, which should protect it from small objects puncturing it.

Mine came with a plastic sled type shield that is sandwiched between the straps and the tank when mounted.

 

[kbond]

I had a similar concern when I installed the pickup for my FASS in my 06. I just make sure I fill up as soon as my light comes on.

 

[RJOL]

Mine came with a plastic sled type shield that is sandwiched between the straps and the tank when mounted.

They may have changed this. Mine is a metal pan the sits under the tank between the tank and the tank straps...

 

[BGlidewell]

wow. mine is completely different than yours. I guess I need to post some pictures too...

 

[RJOL]

I think, when I bought mine, it was their first production run. They had made tanks for other brands, but not for Dodge. They told me that the tank I got was one of the last of that run. Yours might be shaped a little different, but they hold about the same amount of diesel (58 gal+-). It sounds like the way the fuel module fits on the tank is the same (ring, gasket, any bolts).



Did you ever get them to respond to you, or are they still just as hard to get a hold of?

 

[BGlidewell]

Did you ever get them to respond to you, or are they still just as hard to get a hold of?

Not a peep.

 

[BGlidewell]

I got the new fuel tank in but the venting is not plumbed right. The factory fill-tube has about a 12" drop. With the new tank having much more capacity, the new corresponding fuel tank holes are higher so when connected, the vent lines form a trap since there is a dip in the vent line now. My dad advised me to remove the filler neck and shorten it to make the lines straight. Dodge wants $40 for a new filler neck so this is a low risk to revert.
#ad

questions for the extremely knowledgeable:

The factory tank had 3 1/4" atmospheric vents and 1 3/4" fill-spout plumbed vent.
Why does the OEM tank have so many vents??? These vents are just 90 degree connectors with nothing on them. (There is no restriction or filters in either direction on these vents)

The new tank has only 2 connectors at its two high spots plumbed with 1/2" hose. Will the fuel cap ventilate to keep a vacuum from forming in the tank if I TEE these off to the fill-spout vent?

Thanks for any help!

 

[RJOL]

I just hooked the vent lines up, in mine, without any modifications. I think I had to shorten the filler hose a little and I do remember that the angle of the new tank filler and the filler hose made the hose crimp just a little. I though this might give me some problems when filling the tank, but it hasn't. I can get the full 57-58 gallons in it and it doesn't seem to get any air lock in the system...

 

[cj hall]

Titan tank

Hello

I just installed mine a month ago



We shortened the fill hose and made sure it was a down hill I have a fass pump so it was cut a long time ago.

The vent is done the same way the two vents from the highside of the tanks hook in to the stock vent tube you will need to have a 3/4 x 1/2 x 1/2 tee this should be brass,steel, alum , abs (black),nylon. pvc should not be used the diesel fuel and it dont like each other.



As far as baffels the stock tank does have one its on the fill neck rollover valve. the titan has none I have ran my truck on 1/8 of of a tank and have had no problem with starvation of fuel,the fuel press gauge does show low pressure but I have not felt it in the engine.



I could take some pictures of the set up but you can't see anything. One other thing if you are going to all this work put in a bigger dip tube there is no way the pump can PUSH/PULL plenty of fuel thru the one on the fuel sender unit. the dip tube needs to be in the stock basket in the tank just like the oem one there is a small amount of fuel stuck in there so the pump never runs dry.



hope this helps

i have one more 58 gallon titan tank if any one needs one also have a tranfur flow steel tank for a 2004 long box

cj hall

 

[BGlidewell]

Thanks a lot guys, I hooked everything back up last night (70 degrees here) and we'll see how it goes today. I really appreciate all the help!

I used nylon connections and fabric covered 3/4" fuel line. The fabric helps keeps the line open if it bends.

I put 55 gallons in before fuel came up the filler neck. I liked the way this tank looked and the fact that it was plastic. I hope it works out in the long run.

I would not recommend using this tank unless you don't care about the lack of any customer support whatsoever and having to hunt for parts to complete the installation. The straps used to hang the tank where packed loose inside the tank and had to be fished out. Since the tank is quite long and wide, this allows for a lot of movement during shipping that could scratch the inside of the tank and create debris. These straps were just like the factory straps only longer and a bit wider. They were a bit difficult to get on in the front due to the decreased clearance between the drive-shaft hanger fixture. I think they would have fit better if they were built like RJOLs in his picture connecting on the bottom corner.

I ended up disconnecting the electrical connection with the tank dropped a bit and the fuel lines with the tank on the ground and the lines pulled off the frame with the brake line out of the loom. Those connections are aptly named quick connect, but they are a bear to get off. I tried the tywrap trick but all I ended up with was a tywrap behind the connector. Just using my fingers did the trick. I could not have completed this without the help of members here and this site. I especially am thankful for the instructions provided by Spooled-Up @ www.innertruck.com which helped me a lot in understanding how to get the factory tank off.

 

[RJOL]

Glad you were able to get this in. You'll forget all about the problems when your cruising 500 miles down the road and not worried about where to get diesel. It will take a little longer to forget what 55 gals of diesel cost, when you fill it up at one time. Fill your tank when it is half empty and it won't seem like it cost as much... :-laf



I agree with your comment about lack or support from Titan and the substandard packing/instructions. I will never recommend this company again without letting others know of this issue...