probably stupid question

[32_d3gr33s]

I have 2 6 gallon gas tanks for my boat, and only 1 hose. is there any sort of y splitter connection so i can have both tanks connected and easily switch to one when the other goes empty?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: probably stupid question

Any kind of brass 3 way valve made for fuel should do. NAPA has them.
But id just use the quick connect on the tank and swap the line from one to the other. Seems about as easy as you can get.

 

[mippel]

Re: probably stupid question

I agree with BiffleFan on the swapping of tanks. That way you know when you have 6 gallons left.

 

[32_d3gr33s]

Re: probably stupid question

last time one went empty, im in the middle of cruising full speed. The boat stops i have to jump up and go to the back, switch the tanks positions (cause the hose isnt long enough) all while the boat is just floating down the river. It be much easier if i just had a switch that my passenger could flip that would select 1 tank or the other...

 

[superbenk]

Re: probably stupid question

Why not get a bigger tank?

http://www.iboats.com/Portable-Tops...6285605--**********.869318604--view_id.238165

 

[32_d3gr33s]

Re: probably stupid question

I bought a 12 gallon but it was too tall to fit under the back of the boat. The 6 gallon barely fits.

You can see in the picture

 

[Bondo]

Re: probably stupid question

last time one went empty, im in the middle of cruising full speed. The boat stops i have to jump up and go to the back, switch the tanks positions (cause the hose isnt long enough) all while the boat is just floating down the river.

Ayuh,... Time your fuel usage Better, 'n switch tanks Before ya run Out....

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: probably stupid question

....those plastic tanks are normally translucent enough to see your remaining fuel level. Can't you train your passengers (and yourself) to glance over the shoulder occasionally to monitor fuel usage?? And, get a longer hose to make switching tanks easier!!!

 

[scoutabout]

Re: probably stupid question

Maybe more hassle than it's worth but that boat looks like it has a fair bit of space up front. Perhaps check into a v-shaped tank of a larger capacity, then run a filler hose up through the deck as well as add a fuel gauge for your dash. As I said though, probably a lot of hassle and may also have weight and balance implications.

 

[superbenk]

Re: probably stupid question

I like the idea of just fashioning a new fuel line that's long enough for both tanks with a quick-connect that you can easily swap. I still find it hard to believe you can't find a larger tank that would fit under there, but if you're not paying attention to your usage/levels, you'll still run out & just be farther from shore.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: probably stupid question

Run empty and have to re-prime you fuel line and carburetor, crank on starter with engine choke on, now your fuel flooded because engine was already warm and your battery is now getting weak, your throwing out the anchor.
I learned the hard way to always switch tanks before you run out, it's not hard to reach back and give the tank a little shake if you can't see through it.
Your tanks are sitting side by side it shouldn't take more than about 60secs. to switch between tanks, I do mine with engine running and don't even have to be fast about it, you'll have time to switch tank positions but you really should get longer hose.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Re: probably stupid question

Switch before you run out and always leave enough gas in the first tank to get back to the ramp.

 

[pugbro]

Re: probably stupid question

Buy another hose...and connect them together with a small piece of copper fuel line and 2 small clamps.

 

[32_d3gr33s]

Re: probably stupid question

Maybe more hassle than it's worth but that boat looks like it has a fair bit of space up front. Perhaps check into a v-shaped tank of a larger capacity, then run a filler hose up through the deck as well as add a fuel gauge for your dash. As I said though, probably a lot of hassle and may also have weight and balance implications.

I was thinking about that. I just wasn't sure if that was a good idea or not. As for monitoring my usage, that was the first time one went empty, the tanks are on a slope backwards so there's still about an inch or two in the back when it disappears from sight in the front, and my passenger was my 8 year old and I didn't really want him shuffling gas tanks around. Anyone point me in the direction for a tank and gauge for up front? Then I could just use the others for backup!

 

[JimS123]

Re: probably stupid question

When I used to run an outboard I kept 3 tanks under the transom well. I liked the 6 gal portable ones best because they were light enough to be easily removed for cleaning, etc.

OMC made a brass 4-way valve (3 tanks plus off) and the kit came with all the connectors hoses and parts needed to do it.

OMC part 174506 for the kit or 171679 for the valve by itself.

I just googled it and found some on ebay cheep.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: probably stupid question

Your looking for one of these:
http://www.tomsbroncoparts.com/product.php?id=1411

Universal fuel tank selector valve, 3-port, 12 volt. Add a toggle switch to the dash and your good to go. As soon as you hear a sputter, flip the switch. But you may still have to pump the primer bulb to get the fuel started on its way into the engine.

It is the typical valve used on dual tank pickup trucks.

 

[32_d3gr33s]

Re: probably stupid question

Your looking for one of these:
http://www.tomsbroncoparts.com/product.php?id=1411

that is pretty much what i wanted!!