Adding external tanks to fuel system

[Razorbill RIBs]

As thread above....have an inboard tank, but want to increase range with some atop deck plastic tanks.....for a long journey (don't want to be faffing about with Gerry cans).

Have a 150 Opti and a water separating filter on the transom.....would like a system where i can switch between the main tank and the plastic (s) without any disconnection etc.

Has anyone got anything similar /have any pics /details of the kit required?...and where to buy?

Was told the Opti doesn't like connectors (other than barbed type) as it restricts fuel flow and can damage injectors.....is this correct??

Any advice appreciated as always

Dan

[bedajim]

Originally Posted by Dan Worth

As thread above....have an inboard tank, but want to increase range with some atop deck plastic tanks.....for a long journey (don't want to be faffing about with Gerry cans).

Have a 150 Opti and a water separating filter on the transom.....would like a system where i can switch between the main tank and the plastic (s) without any disconnection etc.

Has anyone got anything similar /have any pics /details of the kit required?...and where to buy?

Was told the Opti doesn't like connectors (other than barbed type) as it restricts fuel flow and can damage injectors.....is this correct??

Any advice appreciated as always

Dan

How many inlets does your filter have?

[Downhilldai]

You could use an 'L Port Changeover Valve' on the inlet of your filter. This will enable you to swap the inlet from the inboard tank to the loose tank(s) with a 90 degree turn of a lever.

http://www.asap-supplies.com/search/...-nickel-plated

[Jizm]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

You could use an 'L Port Changeover Valve' on the inlet of your filter. This will enable you to swap the inlet from the inboard tank to the loose tank(s) with a 90 degree turn of a lever.

http://www.asap-supplies.com/search/...-nickel-plated

As it's an opti it will probably need the 2" ones

[kwil]

Hi Dan

That is exactly what I have done, just be carefull that you use 3/8 fuel lines and not the smaller 5/16 meant for small outboards also make sure you use portable tanks that have suitable sized pickups. My engine is only a 115 which is the biggest recomended for portable tanks, but I still altered everything to be 3/8 fittings. I got the parts from ASAP as has already been suggested, attached is a piccie of the installation in mark one version, I have since replaced as much as possible with stainless and all new hoses.

Keith

[Razorbill RIBs]

Fab, thanks guys....Brad, that looks just the ticket!

Uncle Al, sorry to have missed your call, day off with Barney today and he had taken my phone off the table!

So, bearing in mind the regular loose type tanks could be an issue (and as Unlce Al said, may draw in air and damage injectors etc) so, what type of tank could I use? Ebay has plastic tanks for underdeck use....presume these wouldbe okay strapped down securely on deck (can utilise the floor dowls we use for the removeable jockey seats for fixing straps etc)....

Something like this? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FUEL-TANK-PLAS...item1e5eed0301

Any other suggestions appreciated!

Thanks, Dan

[HUMBER P4VWL]

I remember Jono Garton's old orange rib just had a standard 25L fuel tank connector on the spare inlet of the fuel filter that took standard tank fuel line connectors. As long as you can shut off your main tank, it should work.

We have two 75L tanks in the console and have a switch to choose off/port/starboard. By turning to off and connecting to the spare inlet connector (I intend to purchase) it should work.

I imagine it to be a bit cheaper than the £130 2" ball valve!

[Jizm]

Originally Posted by Dan Worth

Something like this? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FUEL-TANK-PLAS...item1e5eed0301

Any other suggestions appreciated!

Thanks, Dan

I used a smaller one of those in my old boat, pretty good and you can even buy a mechanical guage to to fit in the sender hole, save messing with electrics etc. if it's a temporary thing.

[Razorbill RIBs]

Originally Posted by Jizm

I used a smaller one of those in my old boat, pretty good and you can even buy a mechanical guage to to fit in the sender hole, save messing with electrics etc. if it's a temporary thing.

What HP Jizm? Opti?

[willk]

I have this system in place, two 23L plastic tanks, one each side feeding to a filter via a fuel switch valve and onward to an engine.

I keep mine there as a reserve fuel system. During long hauls, I don't use them.

Some food for thought, Dan: Will you use the deck tanks first or last? If first, you will be watching them as they run low and have to switch 'em early in case you airlock, leaving about 4-5 liters in each one.... If you use them last, same problem but you've already sucked the main tank dry

If you use jerry cans, you can top up the main when possible and not worry about switching. There's very little faffing with jerry cans if you use a couple of jiggle siphons to fill them into the main tank/s (i.e. no spillage). Top tip - if using jiggle siphons, run the lift side through a length of light plastic pipe - keeps the suction point low in the can