Creating A Temporary Fuel Tank For Your Motorcycle

how to make a temporary fuel tank for motoctcle

Creating a temporary fuel tank for a motorcycle can be challenging, but it is possible. There are several options for making a temporary fuel tank, from building your own to buying a pre-made one. The design, style, and capacity of the tank are important considerations, as well as the materials used, such as steel, aluminum, or plastic. It is also crucial to ensure that the tank is securely hung by a rope or chain to avoid any accidents. Additionally, the vacuum line should be plugged to prevent leaks, and the tank should be vented to allow unrestricted fuel flow.

Characteristics and Values Table for a Temporary Fuel Tank for a Motorcycle

Characteristics Values
Materials Steel, aluminium, copper, hardened plastic, polyurethane
Design Style, capacity, function
Construction Welding
Vacuum line Plug the vacuum line to prevent leaks and maintain air/fuel ratio
Height Tank should be raised higher than the carbs to utilise gravity
Venting Tank should be vented to allow unrestricted fuel flow
Suspension Hung by a rope, chain, or attached to handlebars
Shut-off Ability to turn off gas flow
Examples Lawn mower gas tank, coffee can with hose, K&L 1-gal bottle

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Use a lawn mower gas tank or a coffee can with a hose

If you're looking to make a temporary fuel tank for your motorcycle, one option is to use a lawnmower gas tank or a coffee can with a hose. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, source a suitable container for your fuel. A lawnmower gas tank is an excellent option if you have one available, as it's designed to hold fuel and may already have the necessary fittings. Alternatively, you can use a coffee can or any other metal or plastic container that's fuel-safe and of an appropriate size. Ensure that your chosen container is clean and dry before proceeding.

Next, you'll need to acquire a hose that's compatible with fuel. Polyurethane gas line hose can be purchased from a bike or lawnmower shop, or you may be able to repurpose one from an old lawnmower. Ensure the hose is long enough to reach from your container to the motorcycle's engine, with some extra length for manoeuvrability.

Now, you'll need to securely attach one end of the hose to your container. If you're using a lawnmower gas tank, it may already have a fitting that you can connect the hose to. Otherwise, you may need to use a clamp or another secure method to ensure the hose is tightly fastened and won't leak.

With your container and hose assembled, you can now fill the container with gasoline. Be careful not to overfill it, and ensure that any spilled fuel has time to evaporate before you start the motorcycle.

Finally, hang the temporary fuel tank above the motorcycle's engine, ensuring it's raised higher than the carbs. You can use a rope or chain to suspend the tank, but be sure it's secure and won't fall onto the hot engine. Now, start the motorcycle and let gravity do the work, feeding fuel through the hose to the engine. Remember to have a way to turn off the fuel flow when needed.

By following these steps, you can create a functional temporary fuel tank for your motorcycle using a lawnmower gas tank or a coffee can with a hose. As always, exercise caution when working with flammable liquids and take the necessary safety precautions.

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Ensure the tank is raised above the carbs, allowing gravity to do the work

When creating a temporary fuel tank for a motorcycle, it is important to ensure that the tank is raised above the carbs. This allows gravity to do the work of delivering the fuel to the carburetor. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Firstly, hang the temporary fuel tank above the bike's handlebars using a rope or chain. This ensures that the tank is positioned higher than the carbs. It is crucial to secure the tank properly to prevent it from falling onto the hot engine, which can be dangerous.

Next, run the vacuum line from the temporary tank straight to the carb inlet. The vacuum line is only necessary if your tank has a vacuum petcock. By plugging the vacuum line, you prevent interference with the air/fuel ratio for the carb. Additionally, ensure that the temporary tank is vented to facilitate unrestricted fuel flow.

You can build your own auxiliary tank using a spare fuel jug made of hardened plastic. This DIY approach can be more cost-effective than purchasing a pre-made auxiliary tank, which may be expensive and potentially unreliable. With a few modifications, such as using a dremel, custom gasket cutting, and tubing, you can create a functional temporary fuel tank.

When hanging the temporary fuel tank, consider placing it on a cart or workbench near the motorcycle. This setup allows you to run the fuel hose directly down to the carbs, ensuring a steady fuel flow. Remember to suspend the tank securely to avoid any accidents.

By following these steps and ensuring the temporary fuel tank is raised above the carbs, you can effectively utilize gravity to deliver fuel to your motorcycle's carburetor.

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Use a rope or chain to hang the tank to avoid it falling onto the engine

When making a temporary fuel tank for a motorcycle, it is important to consider how you will secure the tank to the bike to prevent it from falling onto the engine. One effective method is to use a rope or chain to hang the tank. This approach ensures that the tank remains securely suspended above the engine, eliminating the risk of it falling and causing potential damage or safety hazards.

Using a rope or chain provides a simple and versatile solution for mounting the temporary fuel tank. It allows for easy adjustment of the tank's height and position, ensuring it is raised higher than the carbs to facilitate gravity-fed fuel flow. This setup also helps maintain a safe distance between the tank and the hot engine, reducing the risk of fuel leakage or other potential issues.

When hanging the tank, it is crucial to select a sturdy rope or chain that can bear the weight of the tank and its contents. Ensure that the hanging mechanism is securely attached to both the tank and a stable part of the motorcycle frame. Consider using additional support, such as hooks or clamps, to distribute the weight and further secure the tank in place.

By using a rope or chain to hang the temporary fuel tank, you can work on your motorcycle with peace of mind, knowing that the tank is safely suspended and will not accidentally fall onto the engine. This simple precaution helps prevent potential damage to your motorcycle and ensures a safer working environment.

Remember to also consider other aspects of temporary fuel tank setup, such as venting the tank for unrestricted fuel flow and properly managing the vacuum line, as mentioned in other responses to this query. Overall, taking the time to securely hang the tank and address these additional considerations will result in a safer and more effective temporary fuel tank solution for your motorcycle.

By following these precautions and instructions, you can confidently create a temporary fuel tank setup that is both functional and secure.

[Note: As this is a general guide, always ensure you follow specific safety guidelines and procedures for your motorcycle make and model.]

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Buy or build an 'auxiliary tank' with a spare fuel jug and a petcock

If you want to buy or build an auxiliary tank with a spare fuel jug and a petcock, there are a few options available. You can purchase an auxiliary fuel tank online, such as the Porotmotor Auxiliary Fuel Tank, which comes with a petcock and has a capacity of 2L. This option is convenient as it is a ready-made solution that you can simply connect to your motorcycle. It is made of sturdy and hard-wearing material, ensuring durability and leak-free performance.

Alternatively, you can build your own auxiliary tank using a spare fuel jug and a petcock. This option, as suggested by a user on Reddit, involves purchasing a spare fuel jug made of hardened plastic and a petcock, which can be sourced from Amazon for approximately $10. With a few tools like a dremel, a custom-cut gasket, and some tubing, you can create a functional auxiliary tank. This approach may be more cost-effective, but it requires more time and effort for customization.

When building your own auxiliary tank, it is crucial to ensure that the tank is securely suspended above the motorcycle during use. Hanging it by a rope or chain at a height higher than the carbs allows gravity to do the work. Additionally, remember to plug the vacuum line to prevent any issues with the air/fuel ratio for the carb.

Another option is to look for a junk plastic tank from a lawnmower or small engine repair place. These tanks often have a manual petcock already installed. You can then purchase some polyurethane gas line to complete your setup. This option may be more affordable and convenient if you have access to these resources.

Whether you buy or build an auxiliary tank, always prioritize safety. Ensure that your setup is secure and stable to avoid any accidents or fuel leaks.

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Use polyurethane gas line from a bike shop for a good test tank

If you're looking to create a temporary fuel tank for your motorcycle, one option is to use a polyurethane gas line from a bike shop. This can be a good choice for a test tank, as polyurethane gas lines are flexible and can make tight bends. They are also clean and fast-flowing, providing a constant flow of fuel during engine operation.

When selecting a polyurethane gas line, it's important to choose one that is suitable for gasoline. Some polyurethane hoses may be labelled "For Race or Off-Road Use Only" and may not be approved for street-legal motorcycles. Additionally, some hoses may not be compatible with modern gasoline additives, so it's important to do your research before selecting a hose for your temporary fuel tank.

You can find polyurethane gas lines at motorcycle shops or online retailers. When purchasing, make sure to get the correct size and length for your needs. It's also a good idea to look for a hose that is reinforced with rubber for added durability. Some hoses may also come with additional features like different colour options or fuel filters.

To set up your temporary fuel tank using a polyurethane gas line, you'll need to raise it above your motorcycle. This can be done by hanging it with a rope or chain or suspending it above the bike. Ensure that the tank is higher than the carbs so that gravity can do the work of feeding fuel to the engine. Don't forget to vent the tank to allow unrestricted fuel flow and plug the vacuum line to prevent any leaks.

With these steps, you can create a functional and safe temporary fuel tank for your motorcycle using a polyurethane gas line from a bike shop.

Frequently asked questions

Materials such as steel, aluminium, copper, hardened plastic, or even an old coffee can sealed with silicone can be used.

If your carb has a vacuum line, run the line from the temp tank straight to the carb inlet. Ensure the temp tank is raised higher than the carbs so gravity can do the work. The tank will also need to be vented to allow unrestricted fuel flow.

The vacuum line that normally goes to the petcock will need to be plugged so it does not affect the air/fuel ratio for the carb.

You can forego the connection to your temp tank by plugging the vacuum line to prevent a vacuum leak.

Remember to hang the tank by a rope or chain to avoid it falling onto the hot engine. Also, ensure you have a way to turn off the gas flow from the temporary tank.

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