Do fuel tanks cross feed and equalize?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by JC1971, Apr 1, 2022.

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  1. JC1971

    JC1971 Road Train Member

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    I was fueling at Love's. Got 40 gallons into the driver's side. Went to the satellite pump and the nozzle broke off. Will the fuel levels equalize? If not, will the fuel pump shut off if the tank runs dry so it doesn't burn out?
     
    JC1971, Apr 1, 2022
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  2. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    It should even out eventually.
     
    AModelCat, Apr 1, 2022
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  3. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    yes they will equilize. if your sending unit is in your drivers side tank the gauge will read higher it really is until both tanks equilize.. or just back up and go find another pump to use
     
    D.Tibbitt, Apr 1, 2022
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  4. Six9GS

    Six9GS Road Train Member

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    FYI, it isn't practical, or really doable for that matter, to fill both tanks from one side if that is what you are asking. Depending on the specifics of your truck and how much it has to equalize, half and hour to hour for them to level out is about the ballpark figure. It won't happen in 5 minutes.
     
    Six9GS, Apr 1, 2022
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  5. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    Just yeet the hose across the catwalk and fill the other tank from the ###. Most of them are long enough to reach if you hold em in place.
     
    Arctic_fox, Apr 1, 2022
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  6. Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    True. It's not that difficult to fuel both tanks from one pump. I run local and we fuel at the "mom and pop" station down the road that does not have satellite pumps. I (we) have doing the catwalk toss since forever.
     
    Voyager1968, Apr 1, 2022
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  7. JC1971

    JC1971 Road Train Member

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    Intertrashonal. Fuel tank is on the side in the middle of the tractor. Hose won't reach. I have enough to reach next fuel stop. Was just wondering if one tank will run dry if it doesn't get filled.
     
    JC1971, Apr 2, 2022
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  8. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    ya works great at a little mom pop place that has long hoses.... now try it at a pilot, j, loves, ta or petro and see that turns out
     
    flood, Apr 2, 2022
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  9. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    They’ll equal out, from gravity. Parked, running, idling, doesn’t matter. One thing to keep in mind. If ever parked on an angle, with low fuel, the higher one can run low enough to lose its prime, as it flows into the lower Tank. The Truck won’t run. If that ever happens, turn the empty tank off. Drawing from the Tank that has all the fuel. Then Drive 50 miles with fingers crossed, saying prayers to the nearest fuel stop open on Sunday Morning in the middle of Mississippi, the one you were headed to last night when you stopped for a 10 minute nap.
     
    Rideandrepair, Apr 2, 2022
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  10. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    It won't run all the way dry as fuel is still being returned to that tank. But they will equalize after a while.
     
    kemosabi49, Apr 2, 2022
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