T fiting instead of valve for twin fuel tanks?

[jrcanoe]

Would there be any problem with using a T fitting rather than a selector valve for twin tanks? I would prefer motor to draw from both tanks to keep weight even.

[grady]

Without a pump in the tank. It would always draw from the one with the least resistance. Also when one ran empty it would draw air instead of fuel from the other tank.

Possible yes but it would take a lot of engineering.

Unless the tanks are above the engine then gravity is your friend.

[Tomfoolery]

On an extended sail on a single tack, one tank will drain into the other, and possibly overfill it. Even with the hoses looped high - if there is no air in them, they will transfer fuel.

[Ponaldpe]

Would there be any problem with using a T fitting rather than a selector valve for twin tanks? I would prefer motor to draw from both tanks to keep weight even.

A 'T' fitting would work it is used on big truck all the time, draw from one tank "T" two tanks together, but as already said heeled over will put all fuel to the low side tank. That happens on big trucks too when parked on the road side with draw tank on the uphill side you can run out of fuel. I would at the least put an on/off valve on one tank, that is what is on the truck Now.

[mrron_tx]

It does sound like a cool mod.....but I have to agree it would be more trouble that it's worth . Personally I like to know that when I run out of fuel in one tank.....I still have twelve gallons to burn before the dinghy has to pull Me in....and I am glad to say.... that is one thing that hasn't happened....yet Ron.

[Highlander]

It does sound like a cool mod.....but I have to agree it would be more trouble that it's worth . Personally I like to know that when I run out of fuel in one tank.....I still have twelve gallons to burn before the dinghy has to pull Me in....and I am glad to say.... that is one thing that hasn't happened....yet Ron.

Mmmm Wish I could say the same !!

J

[mrron_tx]

It does sound like a cool mod.....but I have to agree it would be more trouble that it's worth . Personally I like to know that when I run out of fuel in one tank.....I still have twelve gallons to burn before the dinghy has to pull Me in....and I am glad to say.... that is one thing that hasn't happened....yet Ron.

Mmmm Wish I could say the same !!

J

Just give Me enough time Ron.

[grady]

Put a check valve in each tank,line to keep fuel from back feeding the tank. Problem solved on the transfer.

[jrcanoe]

Put a check valve in each tank,line to keep fuel from back feeding the tank. Problem solved on the transfer.

Thanks I like the idea of two check valves it solves the problem I didn't think of the high side tank over filling the low side when sailing and they are cheaper than a valve I'd have to switch back and forth to keep things even. My one 6 gallon tank on the port side when full counters the battery on starboard but when empty boat lists to starboard and with twin 9 gallons I think the boat would list even more when one was empty. I plan on adding a second battery on port.

[jrcanoe]

Thanks for all the replies. I decided to put a valve on each tank then a check valve. Then I can choose port tank, starboard tank or both.

[Stevenhigbee]

Since your goal is equalizing the weight, you could put a T on both tank outlets, with a line directly connecting the two tanks with a valve between them, then open it while you are level. Check valves would stop fuel from flowing between the tanks and equalizing. But the easiest solution is do to nothing, and just alternate between the two tanks. The solution you have decided on, I don't see how it improves on the selector valve.

[jrcanoe]

Since your goal is equalizing the weight, you could put a T on both tank outlets, with a line directly connecting the two tanks with a valve between them, then open it while you are level. Check valves would stop fuel from flowing between the tanks and equalizing. But the easiest solution is do to nothing, and just alternate between the two tanks. The solution you have decided on, I don't see how it improves on the selector valve.

I did find a selector valve that will do both but it and also a transfer hose leaves open the possibility of overflowing the leeward tank while sailing if me or one of the kids forgets to shut off the valve. I know there is noway to idiot proof anything; That God just builds a better idiot. But I can try. I think the motor will draw pretty much evenly from both tanks while motoring and I could shut off a tank and let the other catch up if necessary.