Fuel Transfer

[Orla]

I have almost completed the installation of my Reflex stove, Stove installed, 50ltr Header tank installed.
Whats the best way to transfer fuel from my main tank aft to the header tank.
The header tank is about 1m higher than the main tank and the distance between the two is about 10m.
Should i break into the engine supply line and T it off to a valve, then run the fuel pipe all the way to the header tank?
What kind of pump would be best for this installation and where is the best place to fit the pump, at the main tank end, header tank end or somewhere in between.
Should i also fit a filter into the system.
I want this to be a permanent installation.

Doug

 

[ianj99]

I have almost completed the installation of my Reflex stove, Stove installed, 50ltr Header tank installed.
Whats the best way to transfer fuel from my main tank aft to the header tank.
The header tank is about 1m higher than the main tank and the distance between the two is about 10m.
Should i break into the engine supply line and T it off to a valve, then run the fuel pipe all the way to the header tank?
What kind of pump would be best for this installation and where is the best place to fit the pump, at the main tank end, header tank end or somewhere in between.
Should i also fit a filter into the system.
I want this to be a permanent installation.

Doug

I'd plumb in one of those electric lift pumps sold by ASAP and on Ebay for about £20. The flow rate isn't high, so would take a while to fill the tank from empty, but more than adequate to top it up.
They are also, small, quiet, continuously rated and low current.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNIVERSAL...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item20bf842d5a

 

[NormanS]

Why not just fill the 50 litre tank manually? Another way would be to pipe your excess fuel return pipe, from the engine, to the heater tank, but that would also need an overflow return back to your main tank. I did this very successfully on a previous boat.

If you do want to pump fuel from the main tank to the heater tank, using a pump, the pump would be better near the main tank. Pumps are always better pushing than pulling. Thinking about that, you would still need an overflow return, or some sort of float-switch cut-out, so that you didn't overfill the header tank.

 

[SHUG]

Didn't somebody burn their boat out in the Arctic when re-filling the header tank through a leaky deck fitting?
I only quote this to suggest that safety is paramount if you are going to transfer fuel when the stove is on. An adequate overflow-return is essential rather than a simpler cut-offswitch which could fail catastrophically!"!!

 

[Orla]

Why not just fill the 50 litre tank manually

That was the initial plan, but standing on deck every couple of weeks with a gerry can in a Scottish winter doesn't appeal.
I have 600ltrs onboard already so the transfer seems a better idea.

Pump fitted at the main tank end and push the fuel sounds good.

Cheers
Doug

 

[Orla]

Didn't somebody burn their boat out in the Arctic when re-filling the header tank through a leaky deck fitting?
I only quote this to suggest that safety is paramount if you are going to transfer fuel when the stove is on. An adequate overflow-return is essential rather than a simpler cut-offswitch which could fail catastrophically!"!!

Agree dont fancy a cut of switch.
I was planning to just open the valve flick the switch to the pump, when almost full turn of the pump and close the valve.
Is there a need for a fuel return, thats a lot of pipe to fit and route.

Its also why i posted to get all the info I can for the best design possible.
Many Thanks
Doug

 

[NormanS]

Believe me, you'll be distracted by something, and forget to switch off.

 

[peterb]

Belt: Manual switch on pump from main tank to holding tank.

Braces: Float switch to switch off pump if distracted.

Piece of string: Overflow pipe from high point in holding tank down to main tank.

 

[Hadenough]

Believe me, you'll be distracted by something, and forget to switch off.

Been there done that So I now have a push button switch right next to the header tank. It operates an SU pump which draws from the main tank. I switch on the breaker and then stand by the header tank holding the button until the level pipe on the header tank is full. Finger off the button and breaker off till next fill. Just took a bit of wiring half the length of the boat to connect the switch. My header tank is only two litres though for a Taylors drip feed so you may need something with more umph for a 50l tank.

 

[oldvarnish]

Since the OP has already installed a header tank, my experience is not of much value; but I couldn't find room for a second tank and took a supply direct from the main tank, which is below the waterline. I used a low pressure pump recommended by Refleks and supplied by http://www.lockgate.com who seem knowledgable. It simply delivers a dose of fuel to the float chamber on demand.
Word of warning - put a tap in the return line from the heater back to the main tank. In my case, a short period of excessive heel caused my main tank to start emptying back into the cabin via the return pipe - quickly spotted, thankfully.

By the way, if Googling, the correct spelling is 'Refleks'

 

[NormanS]

Been there done that So I now have a push button switch right next to the header tank. It operates an SU pump which draws from the main tank. I switch on the breaker and then stand by the header tank holding the button until the level pipe on the header tank is full. Finger off the button and breaker off till next fill. Just took a bit of wiring half the length of the boat to connect the switch. My header tank is only two litres though for a Taylors drip feed so you may need something with more umph for a 50l tank.

At one time I set up a system with a timer switch, so that I could set the pump to go for, say, 20 minutes. That worked.

The excess fuel return was the best, but may not be much good for His Lordship, if he's tied up for the winter, and not using his engine.