40' MY DC fuel tank(s) set up

[NigelM]

Just bought a 1991 40' DC, however the PO had a heart attack and died suddenly just as we were closing. We never got a chance at a good "handover" so I am hoping to find some help here....

There seems to be 2 fuel tanks, 1 under the master bunk and the other further forward under the rear of the main salon. Our surveyor thinks that one feeds the other (which I don't get as we also have two filler caps), but I don't see where we can switch tanks or transfer fuel from one to the other.

Can someone enlighten me pls?

Nigel
Sarasota, FL

[roundIII]

One tank does not feed the other unless the valves are set that way. There should be valves on the bulkhead directly behind the motors that indicate which tanks are being used. Aft and keel is how they should be tagged. Valve handles should be inline with the fuel line on the tank being used, perpendiculer to the fuel line on the unused tank. Unless the PO changed all of this. You can have all tanks on at all times and then one will feed the other but the keel tank is only about 75 gallons. I keep this as reserve.

RR

[NigelM]

Thanks! This explains a lot and the idea of using the smaller tank as a reserve is good.

[nyrussell]

The aft cabin tank is the main (around 285 gallons or so...) and it makes for a comfrtable bed too. The keel tank is 75 gallons and both are manifolded to a selector switch right under the stairs going into the aft cabin in the ER. Make sure the fuel in the keel tank is clean if you can, If not, talk to Dan on here about cleaning up the fuel.

Noel

Disclaimer, We are just a happy customer!

[NigelM]

Ok.... Spent a couple of hours climbing around the boat and have a much better idea of where everything is now. I don't see how to use both tanks at once, but will empty the keel tank soon and then refill with fresh.

[Beckytek]

If you open all four valves you will be drawing from both tanks. Ron

[nyrussell]

If you open all four valves you will be drawing from both tanks. Ron

????? there is only send and receive aft and keel on ours. No way to draw from both tanks at once.

Noel

[Beckytek]

I have a gasser, may be different for diesel.

[NigelM]

????? there is only send and receive aft and keel on ours. No way to draw from both tanks at once.

Noel

Ditto.

[nyrussell]

Could be, I have only a choice of send and return to a tank. IE send on one side, choose aft or keel and return on the other same choice.

hmmmmmm

[NigelM]

But it would be possible to run each engine off a different tank then (why would I want to?).....

[Walter P]

Be real careful when you adjust your selector valve. Be sure you understand that if you feed from one tank and return to the other there is a real danger of overfilling the tank that the fuel is being returned to and it will spill out through the vent tube. Two situations develop.... one is that at the cost of fuel today, you are literally dumping money into the waterway. The other is that you stand to get a fine for polution. The selector valves can be turned 360 deg, thereby creating another problem if you ever need to remove the handle. You MUST remember to mark it somehow to replace it in the same position otherwise you may think that your working with one tank while in reality you are not thereby creating the two situations outlined above.

Walt