Elec fuel swith

kale · #1 (**permalink**) 11-04-2008

H i Im wanting to clean up my fuel system with an elc fuel selector like one on a pick up truck ,this having two tanks. I want to get rid of the hodg -podge of the previous owner by installing an elc switch. It must be compaible with a in line and return line for both tanks I found one at a auto parts store but it said not for marine use. Any ideas out there thanks KG

chucklesR · #2 (**permalink**) 11-04-2008

You just want a switch that you can press and in doing so it will switch you from one tank to the other? Marine rated, is, in my opinion, over-rated. Anti-corrosion sprays can make it last for years, and then you can replace it, sparking issues can be solved by sealing it in liquid tape. Diesel isn't gas, it doesn't have the same problem with ignition isolation.

I'm assuming you have a diesel truck with two tanks, a switch in the cab that let's you select between them?

I would think you would have to pretty much rip out what you have and replace it, hose and valve wise.

I have a two tank system, after this winter on the hard it will be launched with two completely interchangeable fuel supplies, each independent (two pumps, two primaries, two secondaries, one valve at the input, on at the return. If there is something out there that lets me make that switch of tanks electrically I'd like to see it.

kale · #3 (**permalink**) 11-04-2008

Yes, there is a swith all late model trucks have them ,the swith lets you draw out of one tank or the other. What i want to do is incoporate this into my boat system but being diesel it has to have the retun lines coinciding with the tank being used I just want to get rid of the system of turning a supply line and making sure the retun line valve is on acording to the tank being used i have already pumped 20 gal of fuel in my bilge becaule retun was not properly turne to tank being used kg

chucklesR · #4 (**permalink**) 11-04-2008

Ouch on the 20 gallons in the bilge - are your valves not co-located. Mine are within 10 inches of each other, and visually obvious when out of sync. Perhaps that's all you really need is to re-plumb, or like I said earlier, ignore the marine rated part.

kale · #5 (**permalink**) 11-04-2008

Yes i think i can replumb, as the previous owner dosnt even have a system , the valves are not corelated what so eve.r I will figure out by repumbing and have the pointy ends of the handles at least point to the tank being used. There is one below the cockpit and one below the saloon floor , which will be organized for and aft. I just bought this boat last spring and sailed it out of tampa to ft myers over nite off shore. I have no experience with the systems other then trial and error. Thats when i put the fuel in the bilge., as the old owner passed away and family knows very little about it. I have been on the road for last 6 monthe and will be going back home next week im anxious to get to work on her, to use this winter. thanks for the info, chuck. kale

timebandit · #6 (**permalink**) 11-04-2008

How about this---
Click here: Pollak MOTOR-DRIVEN FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE : JC Whitney: Auto Parts & Accessories

badsanta · #7 (**permalink**) 11-05-2008

Some diesels have a return line. If you dont switch them also you might run off one tank with your return going to the other and You could overfill it.

kale · #8 (**permalink**) 11-05-2008

hey time bandit , I had a fuel switch like the one in jc whitney catalog in my hand at the auto parts store. Im sure ill need the 6 ports, but cant quite figure out the ports, 2 for in, 2 for return, and I need one for out, to the engine. Where is 6th ? or maybe Ill just plug it. Im sure im going to install this system as it will clean up my engine compartment considerably and while at it im going to put in a duall primary filter systm for a quick change .thanks kale

timebandit · #9 (**permalink**) 11-05-2008

I am guessing the other ports are for venting late model truck's fuel tanks smog systems.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kale

hey time bandit , I had a fuel switch like the one in jc whitney catalog in my hand at the auto parts store. Im sure ill need the 6 ports, but cant quite figure out the ports, 2 for in, 2 for return, and I need one for out, to the engine. Where is 6th ? or maybe Ill just plug it. Im sure im going to install this system as it will clean up my engine compartment considerably and while at it im going to put in a duall primary filter systm for a quick change .thanks kale

kale · #10 (**permalink**) 11-05-2008

Time Bandit, No i figured it out, 2 ports for in take from tanks, 2 ports for return to tanks, 1 port to engine supply, and one port retun from engine. Thus 6 ports being used, Im going this route. ill give up date how well it works, kale