Sylvie Willis
Reserve fuel tanks are an essential backup for vehicles, providing a small volume of fuel to allow the rider to reach a petrol station. In most cases, the main and reserve settings draw from the same tank, but through different outlets. The reserve setting usually draws fuel from the bottom of the tank, where foreign particles and water can accumulate, causing engine sputtering. Therefore, it is advisable to refill the tank regularly and not drain it completely.
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What You'll Learn
- The reserve tank is a small volume of fuel that allows the rider to reach a petrol station
- The main and reserve settings draw from the same tank, but through different outlets
- The reserve setting allows access to all the fuel, including the main supply
- The petcock draws from two different levels in the tank, depending on its position
- The reserve setting can be used to draw out moisture that has condensed at the bottom of the tank
The reserve tank is a small volume of fuel that allows the rider to reach a petrol station
The reserve tank is accessed by adjusting the fuel selector or petcock valve to the 'reserve' position. This setting draws fuel from a lower outlet in the tank, allowing the rider to deplete the remaining fuel. In most cases, the main and reserve settings draw from the same tank, but through different outlets. The main setting draws fuel from an upper outlet, while the reserve setting accesses fuel from a lower outlet, ensuring the rider can make use of all the fuel in the tank.
Riders are advised to refill the tank before the fuel level reaches the reserve outlet to prevent any issues with substances that may have accumulated at the bottom of the tank. These substances, such as water, sand, or rust, can cause problems if allowed to flow downstream in the fuel system. By refilling the tank regularly and not depleting the reserve fuel unnecessarily, riders can avoid drawing these particles into the carburetor.
Additionally, learning to switch to the reserve setting while the vehicle is in motion is a valuable skill. This allows the rider to provide gas to a sputtering engine before it dies, eliminating the need to pull over or restart the engine. The reserve setting can also be used temporarily after filling up to draw out any moisture that may have condensed at the bottom of the tank.
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The main and reserve settings draw from the same tank, but through different outlets
In most cases, the main and reserve settings draw from the same tank, but through different outlets. The main outlet is located a short distance above the reserve outlet. When the fuel selector is set to the 'main' position, the fuel will flow from the upper outlet and stop when the fuel level drops below it. When the selector is switched to 'reserve', the lower outlet is utilised, allowing the tank to be almost entirely drained of fuel.
The reserve setting provides access to the remaining fuel in the tank, rather than a separate reserve tank. This means that riders can deplete both the main and reserve fuel supplies. It is important to note that using the reserve setting can draw particles from the bottom of the tank into the carburettor, which may cause issues. To avoid this, it is advisable to refill the tank before the fuel level reaches the reserve outlet.
The ability to switch to the reserve setting while the vehicle is in motion is a valuable skill. This allows a sputtering engine to regain normal operation without the need to pull over. Some riders also turn the petcock to 'Reserve' after filling up to draw out any moisture that may have accumulated at the bottom of the tank. However, it should be turned back to 'ON' or 'Main' to ensure access to spare fuel.
The use of gasahol or fuel with ethanol can help absorb condensation in the tank. Additionally, filling the tank after each ride minimises the formation of condensation. It is worth noting that some older vehicles and those with metal tanks are more susceptible to water accumulation, which can mix with solid particles and cause blockages in the fuel system.
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The reserve setting allows access to all the fuel, including the main supply
The reserve setting on a fuel tank is designed to provide access to a small volume of fuel, allowing the user to reach a refuelling point. In most cases, the main and reserve settings draw from the same tank, but there are two outlets for the fuel. These outlets are positioned at different heights within the tank. When the fuel selector is set to the 'main' setting, the fuel is drawn from the upper outlet until the fuel level drops below it. At this point, the selector can be switched to 'reserve', which draws fuel from the lower outlet, allowing access to the remaining fuel in the tank.
The reserve setting typically provides access to the entirety of the fuel supply, rather than a separate, dedicated reserve tank. This means that when the selector is on 'reserve', all or most of the fuel can be utilised, including the main supply. This is because the lower outlet is positioned closer to the bottom of the tank, enabling the fuel to be drawn out until it is depleted.
It is important to note that while the reserve setting provides access to the remaining fuel, it is not advisable to deplete the tank completely. This is due to the accumulation of water and solid substances at the bottom of the tank, which can cause issues if allowed to flow into the fuel system. These substances can block the fuel line or damage the carburetor or fuel injection system. Therefore, it is recommended to refill the tank before or soon after reaching the reserve level to avoid these potential problems.
Practising switching to the reserve setting while the vehicle is in motion is a useful skill. This enables the rider to provide gas to a sputtering engine before it dies, eliminating the need to pull over. Additionally, some riders utilise the reserve setting after refuelling to draw out any moisture that may have condensed at the bottom of the tank. However, it is crucial to remember to switch back to the 'main' setting to ensure there is spare fuel available when needed.
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The petcock draws from two different levels in the tank, depending on its position
The petcock draws fuel from two different levels in the tank, depending on its position. When the petcock is in the ''ON'' or 'main' position, it draws fuel from the upper part of the tank. In this position, a small volume of fuel is available, allowing the rider to reach a petrol station. When the petcock is turned to the 'RESERVE' position, it draws fuel from the bottom of the tank. This allows access to all or most of the fuel in the tank.
The reserve setting does not always indicate a separate tank. In most cases, the main and reserve settings draw from the same tank, but through different outlets. The outlet used for the main setting is located a short distance above the outlet for the reserve setting. When the fuel level drops below the upper outlet, the flow of fuel stops. By switching to the reserve setting, the lower outlet is utilised, allowing the remaining fuel to be drawn from the tank.
It is important to note that the reserve setting should not be used needlessly as it can draw particles from the bottom of the tank into the carburettor. Additionally, leaving the petcock on reserve at all times can result in using all the available fuel without a backup. Riders may temporarily switch to the reserve setting after filling up to draw out any moisture that has condensed at the bottom of the tank. However, it should be turned back to the ON or main position to ensure spare fuel is available.
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The reserve setting can be used to draw out moisture that has condensed at the bottom of the tank
The reserve setting in a fuel tank is a handy feature that allows access to a small quantity of fuel, enabling the rider to reach a petrol station. While the main and reserve settings typically draw from the same tank, the reserve setting accesses fuel from a lower outlet, allowing the rider to deplete the remaining fuel.
One important use of the reserve setting is to draw out moisture that has condensed at the bottom of the tank. Over time, water can accumulate in fuel tanks, especially in older vehicles and those with metal tanks. This moisture, combined with solid particles such as sand or rust, can cause operational issues if allowed to flow downstream in the fuel system. By switching to the reserve setting, riders can access the condensed moisture and deplete it along with the remaining fuel, preventing water-related problems.
It is recommended to switch to the reserve setting occasionally to address any condensed water in the tank. While this may cause the engine to sputter initially, it will quickly resume normal operation. However, it is crucial to be cautious when using the reserve setting, as it can deplete all available fuel, leaving no spare fuel in case of emergencies.
Additionally, it is important to note that using fuel additives like gasahol can help mitigate the issue of condensation. Gasahol, a blend of gas and ethanol, can absorb condensation to some extent, reducing the need to frequently switch to the reserve setting. However, regular maintenance and good driving habits are essential to ensure the optimal performance of your vehicle.
By understanding the function of the reserve setting and its ability to draw out moisture, riders can effectively manage their fuel supply and maintain the overall health of their vehicles.
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