2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Think Twice before using the Draw Straw

[rrl989]

I re-worked my rotted tank assy to use the Draw Straw. All is well until I get down to 1/4 tank. Taking turns, etc, it draws air. Starting really difficult with air in the lines. Happened to me 2x now.



I'm going to mod my assy back to OEM with the bottom fuel bowl back in place, I'll cut the Draw Straw short and attach to the oem line. I read about this issue, pretty stupid. I saw it coming, but used it anyway. Nice fitting, but they should have included a way to just connect it to the internal OEM Assy.

 

[HHhuntitall]

I've seen that happen..... it's part of how you deal with it. The FASS systems work pretty good at keeping the air out of it... . but to get the large fuel flow, it's kinda a give and take, since the factory tank doesn't have a sump/bowl area for the draw straw. Semi trucks use a bottom draw on the tank, usually, to avoid this problem. I've seen several types of bottom sumps used, not really anything outstanding... ... It's just kinda one of those things you live with if you want 1/2" lines, I guess. Personally, I try to keep a little more in it, just because of how I drive and the places I go... ... In my personal '97, I have a bottom sump on the bed tank, but if it's less than a 1/4 tank, you have to be mindful and not leave it at a high angle for too long.

 

[seafish]

This one looks outstanding and not TOO expensive--

The Hellmann Fuel Sump — Hellmann Performance - Intercoolers and Custom Fabrication - Richmond Texas

 

[Nyoest]

No doubt it is frustrating to spend money and time to modify something only to have it not perform as it should. That said you would be amazed at the amount of crap in most fuel tanks and you are probably better off not drawing the fuel level really low. I keep my rig half full at a minimum just as a personal rule of thumb.

 

[fox]

I too had trouble with the draw straw. I got fed up with it getting air and went back to stock. It performs fine.

But to be open about it, I found you MUST drill 3-4 1/4 holes around the canister to use the bottom 1/4 of fuel with the draw straw.

It pulls so much fuel the bottom screen/filter can't keep up.

 

[rrl989]

I drilled the extra holes in the bottom, but did I really need to with the same mechanical stock lift pump ?



Does anyone know what I can use to seal the clear Draw Straw poly tube to the smaller OEM black plastic tube part of the old assembly? I want to go back to OEM, but still need the Draw Straw tank fitting.



Thanks

 

[seafish]

Hey guys, just came across a group buy for the Hellamn Billet fuel sump at Competiton Diesel... $150 delivered.

DI Brings You The Hellmann Fuel Sump Group Buy!! - Competition Diesel. Com - Bringing The BEST Together

 

[HHhuntitall]

Hey guys, just came across a group buy for the Hellamn Billet fuel sump at Competiton Diesel... $150 delivered.



DI Brings You The Hellmann Fuel Sump Group Buy!! - Competition Diesel. Com - Bringing The BEST Together

Group buy? As in for the TDR? I looked at that, it's pretty slick..... I'll have to fab some kind of skid plate for it, as well, though. It's pretty vulnerable hanging down there all by itself... . a stump, tree limb, mound of dirt, or some oddend will end up getting it and the tank... ... . :notcool:



I try to keep two tanks in my trucks. I run the bottom tank to about 300 miles towing, and then switch to the back tank so I have some reserve in the main tank. My rear tank has 3/8 lines in it, but I'm not crazy with my tow rigs. I'd presume I could do the same with 1/2" lines... ... but that slick little bottom sump has my cogs turning... . I've got a Fleetguard 212013S dual filter head off a Big Cam Cummins I've been going to install on my '03... ... :mindgrind:

 

[seafish]

Group buy? As in for the TDR? I looked at that, it's pretty slick..... I'll have to fab some kind of skid plate for it, as well, though. It's pretty vulnerable hanging down there all by itself... . a stump, tree limb, mound of dirt, or some oddend will end up getting it and the tank... ... . :notcool:



I try to keep two tanks in my trucks. I run the bottom tank to about 300 miles towing, and then switch to the back tank so I have some reserve in the main tank. My rear tank has 3/8 lines in it, but I'm not crazy with my tow rigs. I'd presume I could do the same with 1/2" lines... ... but that slick little bottom sump has my cogs turning... . I've got a Fleetguard 212013S dual filter head off a Big Cam Cummins I've been going to install on my '03... ... :mindgrind:

Well I hope that this is OK for me to post, but the group buy is on CompetionDiesel.com, not TDR.

I recently joined them to find more info about the HE351VE turbo/Fleece controller upgarde that I am thinking about doing. I have also joined DieselBombers.com and Cumminsforum.com for the same reason.

While the info is not always as succinct or accurate as here on TDR, there is still ALOT of info out there, and joining them was free. You DO have to sift through the more juvenile threads, but that just makes me appreciate TDR even MORE... . :-laf



If you ARE interested in the group buy for the Hellamn sump (NICE peice if you have not checked it out yet) then join CompetionDiesel.com (like I said, no charge, just register and confiurm by email... takes 5 minutes or less), then DO jump on it SOON because they are only looking for the LAST one or two buyers before setting the buy in motion.



Hope this helps... let us know how it turns out!!

 

[HHhuntitall]

Ugh... one more password to remember... . I'll check it out, thanks.

 

[The patriot]

I'd be a little worried about a setup like that in colder climes.

I'd really like to see a manual drain on it also.

Eh, the old owner operator in me.

 

[MasterLow]

Never had the "draw straw" 1/4 tank problem, but my fuel sender did crap out so I upgraded it with this:
Modified liberty fuel module

Still don't have any 1/4 tank issues and have had 0 problems with it.

 

[rrl989]

Never had the "draw straw" 1/4 tank problem, but my fuel sender did crap out so I upgraded it with this:

Modified liberty fuel module



Still don't have any 1/4 tank issues and have had 0 problems with it.

I saw that before the Draw Straw, but I have an early 98, says 98. 5+ only