Fuel tank and fuel lines-need help

RestoCreations · #1 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 10:52 AM

I received my tank, but i am a little confused how to make this work.

I currently have a Smith's fuel gauge, but i do not mind switching to a pressure gauge if that is what is needed.

So, here is a picture of the tank. It has
-two 3/8NPT holes in the front for feed lines or a feed line and a return
- a 1/2 NPT hole in the top for???
- a 1/2 NPT hole in the drivers side for a vent and then of course the filler neck.

So, can someone please explain to me how to run the fuel lines and make them work with either the fuel level gauge or the fuel pressure gauge? I assume that i will not be able to use the fuel level gauge with this tank and will need to run the fuel pressure gauge. However, does that mean that i need to run two feed lines or???
I am going to use a holley electric pump 12-801-1 and a mallory fuel pressure regulator part number 4309

Thanks
Chris

Tom Cimino · #2 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 11:11 AM

Looks like there is no provision for the sending unit. There should be a hole in the top of the tank large enough for the sending unit arm and float to pass through. There should be smaller (usually six) threaded holes around the hole to fasten the unit to the tank. That's how mine is set up. I have VDO gauges. Not familiar with Smiths gauges. I'm assuming they are similar.

RestoCreations · #3 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 12:01 PM

Correct, this tank is not made for a sending unit and that is why I am asking how to make it work in its current set up. This is a Kirkham tank, so i am assuming it is set up as the original cars were designed and from what i understand, some did not use fuel level gauges.

xlr8or · #4 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 03:58 PM

In the original format they did not use a fuel level guage. They used a pressure guage. The two front holes are for pickups that feed two separate fuel pumps. The lower one goes to the bottom of the tank and the upper sits a bit higher. You run off the higher one until you lose fuel pressure, then switch pumps to get you to pit road or gas station. The idea is the lower pickup has access to about the last 5 gallons or so.
The top port is for a vent. I don't know about the one on the side unless you used that for the vent and the one on the top for a return line or simply put a cap on it.

RestoCreations · #5 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 04:04 PM

Spoke with Steve and he straightened me out on the confusion.

Feed and return are on the front and then they use a special sending unit from solid state senders called the centroid. Anyway, they are setting me up with what i need. Im glad i do not have to run just a pressure gauge!!!

FatBoy · #6 (**permalink**) 02-10-2011, 11:59 AM

The solid-state level sender unit simply screws into the hole in the top.
That tank is correct with everything you need.

The vent feeds into neck of the filler cap, although it is a little small to be really effective in my experience and filling can be a little on the slow side with frequent blow backs unless you're careful.

Paul

David Kirkham · #7 (**permalink**) 02-10-2011, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RestoCreations

I received my tank, but i am a little confused how to make this work.

I currently have a Smith's fuel gauge, but i do not mind switching to a pressure gauge if that is what is needed.

So, here is a picture of the tank. It has
-two 3/8NPT holes in the front for feed lines or a feed line and a return
- a 1/2 NPT hole in the top for???
- a 1/2 NPT hole in the drivers side for a vent and then of course the filler neck.

So, can someone please explain to me how to run the fuel lines and make them work with either the fuel level gauge or the fuel pressure gauge? I assume that i will not be able to use the fuel level gauge with this tank and will need to run the fuel pressure gauge. However, does that mean that i need to run two feed lines or???
I am going to use a holley electric pump 12-801-1 and a mallory fuel pressure regulator part number 4309

Thanks
Chris

The top hole in the front of the tank is for the fuel return line. The bottom hole is the fuel pickup.

The hole in the top of the tank is for a fuel level sending unit--all our cars come with them now.

The hole in the side is to vent the back of the tank to the filler line.

Let me know if you have any more questions. I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

David