Bigger Fuel Tank Pickups
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 779
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis MN
Bigger Fuel Tank Pickups
I'm going to need more than the stock 3/8" fuel pickup. What's the best way to do this? Since my fuel pump has 2 1/2" inlets, I was thinking one in the front, one in the back of the tank. Should I just make a hole and braze 2 1/2" fittings in? Or should I do a sump like Monty?
What's the best way to do this?
What's the best way to do this?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 1
Re: Bigger Fuel Tank Pickups (ddn)
I see you have not recieved any replies so I thought I would tell you what I am going to do.I am going to replace the line in the pickup/sending unit with 1/2 tubing and flair as much as possible the bottom end of the tube.Then will take another piece and split it to add on in the tank side of new tube to keep it from bending because of slosh ect.Have seen Aluminum tubes actually bend during hard aceleration in 8-9 second Drag Boats.Times we certainly won't be running but while I am in there,I'm bracing it!
When guys are welding on gas tanks for whatever reason be it full of water or Argon and especially the somewhat porous aluminum tanks,I'm outa there!
When guys are welding on gas tanks for whatever reason be it full of water or Argon and especially the somewhat porous aluminum tanks,I'm outa there!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Bigger Fuel Tank Pickups (ddn)
I silver soldered 2 half inch barbed inserts into the lowest part of my tank.
Silver soldered is extremely strong, requires a temperature of 1200 degrees and has a high silver content. It flows in like regular solder but is far stronger.
I properly vent the tank before welding, soldering or whatever remove all cover plates and stick the shop vac into it on blow if possible, if not vacuum. It can be left on as little as 5 minutes but I like 30 minutes. This long is not necessary but I am in no hurry. After this weld away or whatever.
Silver soldered is extremely strong, requires a temperature of 1200 degrees and has a high silver content. It flows in like regular solder but is far stronger.
I properly vent the tank before welding, soldering or whatever remove all cover plates and stick the shop vac into it on blow if possible, if not vacuum. It can be left on as little as 5 minutes but I like 30 minutes. This long is not necessary but I am in no hurry. After this weld away or whatever.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
Re: Bigger Fuel Tank Pickups (ddn)
ddn,
Consider an "aeroquip" bulkhead fitting on the bottom of the tank, In a million years I would NEVER use a torch anywhere near a gas tank (unless it was full of water). ...redvetracr
Consider an "aeroquip" bulkhead fitting on the bottom of the tank, In a million years I would NEVER use a torch anywhere near a gas tank (unless it was full of water). ...redvetracr
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Bigger Fuel Tank Pickups (redvetracr)
My son had a job at a rad, gas tank shop, Redi rad and they daily fixed leaks. I have done this a few times and never had a problem. If vented properly you will not have a problem. 30 minutes with a shop vac is safe.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 779
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis MN
Re: Bigger Fuel Tank Pickups (redvetracr)
redvetracr: How would you install that? Just drill a hole and screw it in with a nut? How would you seal that?
This tank has been empty for 10 years, I'd be impressed if it blew up! :)
How about a bulkhead fitting on the front and back of the tank?
This tank has been empty for 10 years, I'd be impressed if it blew up! :)
How about a bulkhead fitting on the front and back of the tank?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
Re: Bigger Fuel Tank Pickups (ddn)
ddn,
I can assume you know what a "bulkhead fitting" is?? Where you put it depends on what kind of racing your into, for drag racing i think it should be at the back at the lowest spot in the middle and for road course two fittings near the back but each far out from center. IT might be more important how big the hole where the sender is, you need a flat spot (on the bottom) to drill the hole but you need "access" to get a wrench or a deepwell socket on the fitting (to tighten). You can get a plastic washer to seal when you tighten the nut. This is the same deal used on a "fuel cell' they just come out the top. You could do it out the top with a bulkhead also just use a push on fitting with a piece of rubber hose and a fuel cell "sock" inside the tank with the rubber hose laying on the bottom.The only downside would be there is nothing to stop the rubber hose from moving around. ...redvetracr
I can assume you know what a "bulkhead fitting" is?? Where you put it depends on what kind of racing your into, for drag racing i think it should be at the back at the lowest spot in the middle and for road course two fittings near the back but each far out from center. IT might be more important how big the hole where the sender is, you need a flat spot (on the bottom) to drill the hole but you need "access" to get a wrench or a deepwell socket on the fitting (to tighten). You can get a plastic washer to seal when you tighten the nut. This is the same deal used on a "fuel cell' they just come out the top. You could do it out the top with a bulkhead also just use a push on fitting with a piece of rubber hose and a fuel cell "sock" inside the tank with the rubber hose laying on the bottom.The only downside would be there is nothing to stop the rubber hose from moving around. ...redvetracr
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Re: Bigger Fuel Tank Pickups (redvetracr)
Interestingly the 69's have the pickup on the bottom of the tank so ( once the tank is empty ) you can pull the sender and pickup out, weld to your hearts content without fear of explosion :D:D
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Lake Hughes CA
Re: Bigger Fuel Tank Pickups (427V8)
Interestingly the 69's have the pickup on the bottom of the tank so ( once the tank is empty ) you can pull the sender and pickup out, weld to your hearts content without fear of explosion :D:D
