Changing Fuel Tanks (Portable types)

Chuck S

This question poped into my head when replying to another thread and I thought it should be separate.

We have two portable fuel tanks on our 16 Cruiser and I change tanks by manually disconnecting one and connecting to the other. This always results in a tiny fuel spill. Doesn't hurt the boat, but always gets on my hands so I can't ask my wife or daughter to do it.

Is there a convenient way to Y-valve the fuel lines and change tanks that way? I'm sure there is, but what hareware and precautions are needed? I know there are a pair if inlets/outlets at the fuel filter which would be a convenient location.

-- Chuck

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 10:16 am Post subject:

Chuck- The CD-22's have a y-valve between the two separate tanks and the main motor that is simply flipped from port tank to stasrboard tank and does not require any hose disconnecting/reconnecting. All the main suppliers have y-valves in their catalogues.

Another way would be to connect each of the two inlet hoses into the fuel filter and have one outlet hose go to the main engine and the second outlet feed the kicker, if so equipped. This assumes that the fuel filter body has two inlets and two outlets. Switching would be accomplished with two simple on/off in-line valves on the inlet sides. Practice says that it is sometimes necessary to put valves on the outlet sides if it turns out that the main motor pulls in fuel so strongly that it sucks air through the auxiliary's carb system.

HTH Joe.

Chuck S · Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 3:33 pm Post subject:

Anyone got a like to a photo of the Y-valve mounting? Like to keep the arrangement as factory looking as possible.

-- Chuck

Chivita · Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 12:58 pm Post subject:

Chuck,
I posted three photos of the fuel tank selector switch that the factory installed on our 03 Cruiser on the fuel systems photo album. The lines come from the fuel tanks into the back of the switch and are connected with hose clamps. Then there is a quick connect fitting that leads out of the back of the switch and into the fuel filter/water seperator. The fuel filter/water seperator has two output lines that then lead to each motor (we have twin Honda 40's).

This system works well for us, the only problem is locating a new fuel filter as it is not a normally stocked part at West Marine or the other boat supply stores in my area. In order to get a spare filter element I had to go to the C-Dory factory. Yell if I can help more!

Chivita Dave

Captains Cat · Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 2:21 pm Post subject: Fuel Selector

Chuck,

I've got the same switch (valve) on my '94 CD but it apparently was never hooked up. Have twin Honda 45's and each engine is plumbed to one of the tanks (each with it's own Racor filter in the port lazarette). This gives me two completely independent systems and keeps fuel load balanced. Of course when I run out (never have), I would run all the way out unless I had a spare 6 gallon tank (of which I carry two when going out for a long trip). My tanks are 18 gal originals and I'd like to replace them with the newer ones were it not for the $600 price tag! I'd consider taking out my valve if you want an original, don't think I'll ever use it.

Chuck S · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 7:16 am Post subject:

Looks exactly like I'd like.

Now to find a source.......

-- Chuck

Mr. Fisherman · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 5:23 am Post subject: 3 way valve

I had my three way factory valve fail when I was about 28 miles out to sea. I made it back ok by bypassing the hoses.
I found a replacement at West Marine but the positions did not match the factory decal, oh well. It works for me....

Chuck S · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 7:13 am Post subject:

I don't see anything in the West catalog. Will keep looking. I can install a pair of single valves. Maybe I'll check the aircraft catalogs we have Port-Both-Starboard tank selectors on the bottom of the dash of most small aircraft. But if anything can be more expensive than boat parts it's gotta be aircraft! Shocked

-- Chuck