Do fuel tanks cross feed and equalize?

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

  1. s0231198

    s0231198 Light Load Member

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    That is pretty much what we have said about our new trucks, even though it's only a single 120 gallon tank, when it reads half a tank, you could put in either 50 or almost 90 gallons! There was no rhyme or reason to why it did that, so it was always just a crap shoot, although didn't really have to worry too much as we never drive enough during day to use a full tank of fuel and usually went home with a full tank.
     
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  3. aussiejosh

    aussiejosh Road Train Member

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    Yes that's because it will take time for the forces of gravity to equalize. The higher tank will exert enough pressure to force the diesel fuel back into the lower tank thus it will eventually equalize. :cool:
     
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  4. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    My passengers side tank isn’t drawing fuel. Vents clear. Lines between tanks and shutoff are only a few yrs old. Must be the valve itself. Problem just popped up out of the blue. Tank is full to the top, as if it’s still getting return fuel, just not drawing any. Won’t equalize.
     
  5. Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

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    Peterbilt? They're notorious for this. Never had one that I didn't have to fiddle with shutoff valves to get equal draw down.
     
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  6. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    2001 Freightliner. The valves never been changed. I’ve always heard they’re a problem. Some suggest replacing it with just a Tee. I like being able to shutoff either if needed. I think a new valves about $200. I’ll try what you said tomorrow.
     
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  7. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I had a 97 FLD that did the same thing. On the left tank. I noticed that the fuel gauge was going up while driving down the road and when I got out to look fuel was overflowing out of the tank. Was some crap in the tank blocking the outflow. Looked like some kind of gasket material and I'm sure someone put it there intentionally. Truck had been a Swift truck before I bought it. Ended up having to pull the tank and have it cleaned.
     
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  8. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    I think that’s the problem. I dropped a small plastic bottle in it a while back. It’s probably melted
    around the pickup. I’m hoping I can take the pick up tube out, and remove it. Right now the tanks very full. Still returning fuel.
     
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