Mercedes Mullins
Dual tank fuel systems are equipped with two pumps, one in each tank. These pumps can be mechanical or electric. Mechanical pumps are known to continue working even with a bad diaphragm, which can result in gas entering the crankcase. Electric pumps, on the other hand, can serve as a theft deterrent when switched on and off and mounted with a hidden switch. While a single pump is less expensive and easier to install, having two pumps provides redundancy in the unlikely event that one pump fails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fuel pumps in dual tanks | Two |
| Fuel pump type | Electric or mechanical |
| Fuel pump location | Inside each tank or outside the frame rail |
| Fuel pump function | Transfer fuel between tanks and supply fuel to the engine |
| Fuel pump control | Controlled by a switch or the vehicle's PCM |
| Fuel pump considerations | Reliability, failure, and cost |
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What You'll Learn
Electric fuel pumps can be added to dual-tank setups
One method is to use a transfer pump to move fuel from the auxiliary tank to the main tank as needed. This can be done with a manual or electric pump, and it allows you to maintain a single fuel gauge. It is important to consider the plumbing of the two tanks and ensure that the fuel levels remain equal to avoid running out of fuel in one tank. Some users have suggested using a "Y connector" to join the supply and return lines of the tanks, allowing for equilibrium and a consistent fuel level on both sides.
Another approach is to install an electric fuel pump after the valve, either manual or electric. This setup can help prevent fuel from entering the crankcase in case of diaphragm failure. Additionally, electric fuel pumps can serve as a theft deterrent when mounted with a hidden switch.
It is also possible to run two electric fuel pumps in a dual-tank setup. One pump can be used as a transfer pump between the auxiliary and main tanks, while the other supplies fuel from the main tank to the engine. This provides flexibility and ensures a consistent fuel supply.
EFI fuel pump kits are available for dual-tank vehicles, offering a comprehensive solution for upgrading to EFI. These kits include components such as fuel pumps, motorized valves, EFI-rated hoses, and hose clamps. They address the challenges of selecting a fuel source and managing the return-style fuel regulator in dual-tank systems.
In conclusion, electric fuel pumps can be successfully incorporated into dual-tank setups, providing benefits such as redundancy, fuel transfer, and theft deterrence. The specific implementation may vary depending on the vehicle and user preferences, but the addition of electric fuel pumps offers enhanced functionality and control over dual-tank fuel systems.
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$1179.99
Mechanical pumps can be retained in dual-tank setups
One user with a dual-tank setup and an electric fuel pump suggested installing a second electric pump to serve as a theft deterrent. They recommended mounting it with a hidden switch and turning it on and off before and after starting the vehicle. This setup can provide added security for the vehicle.
Another user with a dual-tank system and an electric fuel pump shared their experience, stating that they have two electric pumps. One pump transfers fuel from the auxiliary tank to the main tank, while the other supplies fuel from the main tank to the carburettor. This setup ensures a consistent fuel supply and allows for better control over fuel levels in both tanks.
When upgrading vehicles with two fuel tanks to EFI, several challenges arise. Firstly, a fuel source must be selected, and the return-style fuel regulator must return the fuel to the same tank. Additionally, most vehicles with dual-tank setups have a shared fuel level gauge, which requires simultaneously switching the fuel source, fuel return, and fuel level sender. To address these challenges, EFI fuel pump kits for dual-tank vehicles are available, providing the necessary components for installation and mounting.
While a single pump can be adequate for dual-tank setups, there are benefits to having two pumps. For example, in the unlikely event of pump failure, having a second pump ensures that fuel can still be drawn from the second tank. Additionally, placing a pump close to each tank can reduce strain on the pump and minimise the noise produced.
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Dual-tank fuel systems can have two pumps, one in each tank
EFI fuel pump kits are available for dual-tank vehicles, offering a convenient solution for those seeking to upgrade their fuel system. These kits typically include all the necessary components for a complete dual-tank fuel system, such as a motorized valve for switching the fuel source and return, as well as fuel hoses and clamps.
When upgrading to a dual-tank EFI system, it is important to consider the fuel regulator and return setup. The fuel regulator must be configured to return the fuel to the same tank, and if the vehicle has a shared fuel level gauge, additional considerations come into play. Furthermore, the location of the pumps is a critical factor. Mounting the pumps outside the frame rail, away from the heat of the exhaust, is recommended to prevent overheating and potential damage.
Some dual-tank setups utilise a combination of mechanical and electric pumps. In such configurations, the electric pump is typically used as a transfer pump between the auxiliary and main tanks, while the mechanical pump handles the fuel supply to the engine. However, it is also possible to use two electric pumps, with one dedicated to transferring fuel between tanks and the other supplying fuel to the engine. This provides flexibility and allows for customisation based on specific vehicle requirements and preferences.
In conclusion, dual-tank fuel systems can indeed have two pumps, one in each tank. This configuration offers benefits such as improved reliability and the ability to draw fuel from multiple sources. Upgrading to a dual-pump system may involve careful consideration of various factors, including fuel regulators, return setups, and pump locations, but it provides a range of advantages that enhance the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle's fuel system.
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Dual-tank fuel systems can have a single pump
Some vehicles with dual-tank fuel systems have a motorized valve that switches the fuel feed, return, and fuel level. When upgrading vehicles with two fuel tanks to EFI, a fuel source must be selected, and the return-style fuel regulator must return the fuel to the same tank. Most dual-tank systems have a shared fuel level gauge.
Some users opt for an electric pump in a dual-tank setup. One user has an electric pump mounted on the frame just before the fuel line goes up to the carb, with a regulator on the firewall. They use the stock tank switch to work the valve and can see the fuel level in both tanks without switching. Another user has two electric pumps, one for transferring fuel from the Aux tank to the main tank and the other for the fuel supply from the main tank to the carb.
One user with a 1985 Ford F-150 XLT experienced an issue where the truck would act up like there was no gas in the tank, regardless of which tank they were using. They switched back and forth between the rear and front tanks, and the issue would resolve temporarily but then recur. This issue could be due to a faulty fuel pump or a faulty fuel switch. Another user with a 1997 Ford F-350 with dual tanks replaced both fuel pumps and all the lines, but the fuel still would not pump. They suggested checking for power to the fuel pumps and considering the fuel pump relay.
In a 1995 Ford F-150, the user replaced the dual tank switch, but the issue recurred after a couple of months. They wondered if they could eliminate the dual tank switch and just use the front tank.
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EFI fuel pump kits are available for dual-tank vehicles
The EFI fuel pump kit for dual-tank vehicles typically includes a TI Automotive (Walbro) 255 LPH inline fuel pump with installation and mounting components. It is recommended to have two fuel pumps in a dual-tank system for added reliability. In the unlikely event of a pump failure, having a second pump allows the vehicle to pull fuel from the second tank. The kit also includes a motorized valve for switching the fuel source, return, and sender, as well as EFI-rated fuel hoses and hose clamps.
It is worth noting that the single pump version of the kit is less expensive and easier to install. However, the dual pump kit offers greater reliability and the ability to switch between fuel tanks seamlessly.
One example of an EFI fuel pump kit for dual-tank vehicles is the Holley EFI 534-39 Dual Tank Fuel Pump Kit. This kit is designed for 1973-1987 GM C/K Series vehicles equipped with dual fuel tanks and Holley MPI/TBI/Terminator EFI systems. It allows for the use of a fuel return line, which is required for fuel injection systems, and ensures that the fuel is returned to the correct tank.
Another option for dual-tank vehicles is the Tanks Inc. PA-Series In-Tank Fuel Pump Module. This kit allows users to retrofit an internal fuel pump into their original gas tank, eliminating common issues with external fuel pumps such as vapor lock and cavitation. The PA-Series fuel pump assemblies come with a female 1/4" NPT fitting on the top plate and use Walbro high-performance pumps, known for their hot fuel handling capabilities and internal bypass channel for improved recovery from aeration.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dual tanks can have internal fuel pumps. Some models have a single high-pressure pump in each tank, while others have two pumps, one in each tank.
To determine if your dual tank has an internal fuel pump, you can check along the frame rail of your vehicle. If there is a pump on the frame, then there is also likely a pump in each tank.
Yes, it is possible to add an electric fuel pump to a dual-tank setup. Some people choose to use two electric fuel pumps, with one used as a transfer pump between the tanks and the other used for the fuel supply to the engine.
