Trojan Boat Forum

can you guys verify what position the valve should be in to run off both tanks?

I swear I'm running off the starboard tank in both positions. I switched it last year just to see how it worked and I think I left it in the wrong position. I moved it the other way this year, gassed up the stb tank to even things off and now think that tank is an 1/8 lower than the other after being even.

Now I'm overthinking a seemingly simple device

Bob

The valve
There should be multiple valves in a crossover system... unless yours is simplified then I would say your valve should be off to prevent flow from both sides.
Let's not forget that fuel will flow with the least suction effort... so if two tanks are connected it will tend to draw from only one.
What does your valving system look like?

In my setup, the starboard engine can draw from the starboard tank or the rear tank while the port engine can draw from the port tank or the rear tank. So if you want the starboard engine to draw from the starboard tank you would turn on the valve from the starboard tank (valve lever in-line with the hose) and turn off the rear tank (valve lever perpendicular to the hose). Yours may be different, but maybe you can correlate that to what you see on your setup?

On my F32, if the valve handle is in line with the fuel line, the valve is open. If the handle is at 90 degrees to the line, the valve is closed. Also re your one tank being 1/8 lower -- you don't say how much running you have done on it since fill up, but one other thing to consider is that each engine will probably use fuel at a different rate... I use about 10% more on one side than the other. So any chance your 1/8 tank difference is just differences in consumption by engine?

I agree with the captain. The handle on the "crossover" valve should point to the direction of flow. If it's not in line with or pointing to a hose, chances are there is no flow. Probably a difference of consumption as mentioned, also consider the genny if applicable. Oh, and make sure no leaks anywhere!

Bob, should have (3) valves for fuel system. (1) port, (1) starbrd and (1) crossover mounted in the center hatch. Any valve that is turned vertical is closed, horizontal is open. I try to run (1) tank per engine with cross over closed and open cross over to balance levels. Yes I always seem to use more on the starboard tank also, twin engines mpg is never the same.

If you have a genset, it draws straight from the starboard tank in the 10M midcabin.

Gen set does draw from starboard but also has a shut off valve on manifold

no genset though. I checked and all three valves are in the open position same as a seacock when opened.

I have to attribute the difference to each engine. Once I get it filled up I'll really be able to tell.

Bob