Member Since: 18 Jun 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 17
Long Range Automotive Auxiliary fuel tank
I have just had a 110litre auxiliary fuel tank fitted by Opposite Lock Brisbane. The fit and finish are excellent. The system adds a second filler neck to the existing fuel filler so you can choose either or both tanks.
It has a manually operated electric fuel pump to pump fuel from the aux tank into the main tank. The pump switch is combined with a 5 bar fuel gauge.
The pump in the aux tank pumps 2 litres per minute into the main tank. So it will take around 45 minutes to fill the main tank from empty. The pump draws about 1amp per hour.
To save time it is best to pump fuel between tanks while driving so place pump button behind handbrake lever rather than on dash for convenience.
The only way to know when the main tank has been filled by the aux tank is to watch the fuel gauge rise.
If you overfill the maintank the fuel will back up the front filler and return to the aux tank via its filler (some will be lost down the main tank vent).
It is OK to completely pump out all fuel from the aux tank to save weight but occasionally put 10 to 20litres through it to remove condensation. You will know the aux tank is empty by the increase in noise caused by cavitation.
There is an inline filter in the 8mm hose joining the tanks – may need cleaning if pump rate slows.
I am off to Cape York soon for 4 weeks so I will have a good idea how the tank performs when I return.I am no longer seeking the truth, I am now looking for a good fantasy.
Yours is faster than mine! Mine only pumps at about 1.33l/min!Have a nice day!
2010 Cayenne Diesel with PASM & Off Road Pkg
2005 HSE D3 (Sold)
25th Jun 2007 11:31 am
trm
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: brisbane
Posts: 75
i was told to never let the auxiliary tank run dry with the pump operating, as it could burn out the pump, and then you are left with no pumping capability, and a hell of job of replacement.
25th Jun 2007 9:12 pm
outback traveller
Member Since: 18 Jun 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 17
Pumping the tank dry
This information was supplied by Roger from Long Range Automotive.
He did not have a problem with pumping the tank dry. He said that it is obvious when the tank is dry because the pump noise is louder through cavitation. It is then obvious to stop pumping. He said that the pump is self priming and designed for continuous operation so it should prove reliable.I am no longer seeking the truth, I am now looking for a good fantasy.
I was told by LRA not to let it run dry or the world would end!
But the local ARB dude said the pumps are tough as and can be run to around 30mins or more before damage will occur (not that I'm going to try that one).
He said they have to pump up hill so when they get to the last drop it doesn't go through, but keeps falling back to the pump with each cycle, thus keeping the pump moist! Have a nice day!
2010 Cayenne Diesel with PASM & Off Road Pkg
2005 HSE D3 (Sold)
26th Jun 2007 11:15 am
heine
Member Since: 07 Feb 2007
Location: Midrand
Posts: 4054
Hi OT please tell me more about "The pump switch is combined with a 5 bar fuel gauge. " and some pics if possible
I can't describe it any further as I've never actually seen it, but I do have the circuit diagram around here somewhere if you want it.
I don't suppose it would be too hard to fit a sender to your tank and mount a separate gauge. It's handy having the gauge.Have a nice day!
2010 Cayenne Diesel with PASM & Off Road Pkg
2005 HSE D3 (Sold)
26th Jun 2007 11:29 am
heine
Member Since: 07 Feb 2007
Location: Midrand
Posts: 4054
No that's OK thanks - I will try an in-line fuel counter - the tank is a weird shape so I don't think a normal sender unit will work very well
26th Jun 2007 11:57 am
outback traveller
Member Since: 18 Jun 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 17
Reading the posts reminded me of another point that Roger from Long Range Automotive made. He said that to get the all of the fuel out of the tank the vehicle had to be facing downhill while pumping.
In relation to Heine's idea to fit a fuel flow counter, I have experience with a Fuel Mizer fuel flow gauge fitted to my gyrocopter.
A fuel flow meter will not accurately measure fuel left in a diesel tank because of the fuel return line from the engine. To overcome this you have to have a small collector tank between the main tank and in front of the fuel flow impeller and the engine. You then reroute the fuel return line into this tank instead of the main tank. This setup will ensure that fuel from the main tank will only pass the flow impeller once on its way to the engine.I am no longer seeking the truth, I am now looking for a good fantasy.
28th Jun 2007 12:30 am
heine
Member Since: 07 Feb 2007
Location: Midrand
Posts: 4054
Thanks OT - I was wondering how to get around that problem
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Mine only pumps at about 1.33l/min!
