Fuel flow question

This forum is for comments and the exchange of information relating to Trojan Boats and boating. Please do not post used parts or boats For Sale in this area. For general, non-boating topics please use our "General Discussions" section.

Note: Negative or inflammatory postings will not be tolerated.

Moderators: BeaconMarineBob, Moderator, BeaconMarineDon

Post Reply
Agitator
Registered user
Posts: 73
Joined: Mon Jun 25, 2007 11:48 am

Fuel flow question

Post by Agitator »

IN my Trojan F26 with a single 318 I have two fuel tanks. The starboard fuel line is 30" long and goes from the tank to a brass 'T' at the separator. The port fuel line is 94" long and runs from the tank to the same 'T'fitting. The shutoff valves are on the tanks. Using a mechanical fuel pump, would the fuel pump from both tanks evenly? If one tank ran out of fuel, would it pull from the other tank? There is not a balancing line between the two tanks. Seems to me it would pull from the one that offered the least resistant (closest, shortest) and if that ran dry, it couldn't pull from the other because air would be pulled in from the empty tank. Do you guys run one fuel valve open and one closed? What is the correct way to do it?
Thanks
thelast322
Registered user
Posts: 75
Joined: Sun Jan 14, 2007 5:57 am
Location: Upper Chesepeake Bay MD

Post by thelast322 »

I do not have the same boat but I have 4 tanks on the f32. I have best luck pulling off of one tank per one engine at a time. I believe if you were running from both tanks and 1 tank went empty you would pull air into the fuel system creating some erractic engine operation.
From reading your question it sounds like you would throw the boat off balance if you took suction off of the Stbd or port tank separately. Underway may not be a big issue but at a standstill the boat would list. One would have to believe Trojan researched the issue of taking suction off of the two tanks simutansouly. Even though there are two different suction line lengths, i would think once after intial priming of the mechinical fuel pump. The suction pressure would equalize and actually balance the amount of draw to both tanks. I hope this helps. :lol:
"Liberty Call"

1991 F32 Crusaders
celebrating 10+years of ownership
User avatar
guglielmo6160
Moderate User
Posts: 782
Joined: Mon Nov 10, 2008 10:07 pm
Location: cape coral florida

Post by guglielmo6160 »

I would run from both tanks, , keep an eye on the gauges and try not to let the tanks run dry, that would avoid any air issues, you will find that both tanks will not drain equally, its just the way it is,
I have had some issues with this, but finally got it figured out. I installed electric pumps to avoid having to crank the engines for a long time , during a prime situation, but you will find strong opinions on electric vs mechanical. But I like the electric
1983 10 meter express
Post Reply