Genset Fuel Line into Bus Fuel Tank

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · May 07, 2009, 08:55:19 PM

I am trying to figure out how to run my genset fuel line into the bus fuel tank. Does anyone know how to plumb it where the input and return fuel lines enter the bus fuel tank? I could just run a fuel line thru a drilled hole in the overflow fitting with a grommet, but I am afraid that may leak. Looking for ideas.

Thanks,
Gary

Dreamscape · May 08, 2009, 04:12:34 AM

I have contemplated the same thing to give me more room in my bays. I'm going to cut a separate hole for the pickup tube, keeping it higher than the original to leave fuel for the Detroit, cut a hole for the return, using JB weld for sealing the fittings. Any holes in this theory? Maybe I'll get lucky and have plugs already in the top of the tank to do this, dunno.

~Paul~

JackConrad · May 08, 2009, 04:56:26 AM

Gary,
On your MCI there is space next to the fill spout (above the full fuel level) on the end of the tank that can be used. Install fittings in a small piece of 1/8" aluminum plate, then drill a hole, using as hole saw, large enough for the fitting to pass through and screw the plate to the tank after applying sealant. since this is above the fuel level, you are only sealing against sloshing. This method will also work on the other end of the tank, although that end is more difficult to access. This method can also be used in the aux. fuel tank if you have one. Here is a photo of the plate installed in the side of an aux tank near the top. Supply goes down approx 3/4 of the way to the bottom (leaving 1/4 tank reserve), Return just dumps back into tank on backside of the fitting. Jack

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · May 08, 2009, 10:31:37 AM

Jack,

Thanks so much this is a great idea. Now, how do you plumb the pickup line inside the tank? Do you use fuel line or do you us copper tubing which is heaver and will sink into the fuel? Or do you start with a short piece of flexible fuel line and use an 18 inch or so piece of copper so it will dangle into the fuel? Or will fuel line with a metal filter submerge itself into the fuel rather than float on top? Of course the Onan has a filter built in so do you not use anything on the end of the pick up line?

I really appreciate the help.

Gary

Jriddle · May 08, 2009, 04:30:01 PM

This is what I did. http://users.cwnet.com/~thall/fredhobe3.htm

John

jackhartjr · May 08, 2009, 06:26:45 PM

Both Jack's and John showed photos with hosed held on with clamps. Would you not want a connection that can't come loose?
Just askin'!
Jack

Skykingrob · May 08, 2009, 07:36:15 PM

Gary
Follow this link, see the pics and read the narrative on Gumpys' site.
http://www.gumpydog.com/bus/MC9_WIP/Mechanical/Fuel_Pickup_Tube/fuel_pickup_tube.htm

Rob
91 LeMirage Xl 40
<issouri

TomC · May 08, 2009, 10:14:26 PM

I lucked out when I pulled my fuel tank to install the extra pickup and return for the generator, the tank already had two 5 bolt access plates. I used one to mount my fuel gauge sending unit and the other drilled the two holes and made my own pickup and return. Has worked well for 14 years. Good Luck, TomC

JackConrad · May 09, 2009, 04:27:51 AM

Quote from: Gary's MC8 Moose Creek Motorcabin on May 08, 2009, 10:31:37 AM
Jack,
Thanks so much this is a great idea. Now, how do you plumb the pickup line inside the tank? Do you use fuel line or do you us copper tubing which is heaver and will sink into the fuel? Or do you start with a short piece of flexible fuel line and use an 18 inch or so piece of copper so it will dangle into the fuel? Or will fuel line with a metal filter submerge itself into the fuel rather than float on top? Of course the Onan has a filter built in so do you not use anything on the end of the pick up line?
I really appreciate the help.
Gary

Gary,
I tapped the aluminum plate and screwed a 1/4" close nipple through it. I then screwed a 90 degree brass fitting on the nipple on the inside of the plate and attached a piece of copper tubing to the nipple. The copper tubing ends approx. 1/4 of the tank depth from the bottom of the tank. Return is done the same way, only just the 90 degree fitting. By installing a flat washer before installing the fittings, the fittings tightened against the aluminum plate. I also used sealant on all threads and the washers. Jack

CAROLINABOY · May 09, 2009, 06:10:35 PM

how do you get the trash out after you drill the holes ?

JohnEd · May 09, 2009, 06:32:02 PM

The debris from drilling is steel shavings. They will settle in the bottom of the tank and NEVER be picked up by the fuel line. The vert pull is 3 feet or so and it won't lift with the flow rate of the fuel. Now if you are really anal about this get one of those magnets that they use to retrieve nails from trash. Sweep the bottom of the tank that has been drilled and fish out the shavings. You might also consider simply dropping a strong little magnet in the tank where it will capture any loose ferrous metal and hold it forever. Like the magnets they put in differentials and most of those are embedded in the drain plug. Fuel tank have a drain plug?

2 cents,

John

Jriddle · May 09, 2009, 07:23:27 PM

I just had a vacuum near drill bit when drilling.

Jack
The hose will go bad before the hose will come off.

John

busshawg · May 15, 2009, 11:11:31 AM

I put lots of grease on my drill bit, drilled a little, cleaned the bit, put more grease on the bit and repeated this procedure several times until the I had the hole. The shavings stick quite well to the grease instead of falling in the tank. Go slow so the shavings do stick instead of go flying.

Grant

busshawg · May 15, 2009, 11:13:35 AM

If your tank is liek mine and is aluminium a magnet won't do you any good , but if it's steel John's idea is excellent.

Grant