Getting new tanks - where does return go?

[ohiohatteras]

Well....the funds won't allow for a diesel repower this winter, so I am going to just have the fuel tanks replaced. However, I do plan on a diesel repower in the future, so I want to have a return port added to my new tanks for the diesels.

Could somebody please educate me on where to have the return port located on the tank? I am thinking that it should not be too close to the pick up for fear of causing air or gunk to get stirred up.....but I may be wrong?

Any info is much appreciated!
Thx
T

 

[yachtsmanbill]

My supplies, returns and fills are all on the same plate on each tank. The only disadvantage to this I feel, is returning warm fuel too near the pick up. The opposite end would probably help keep the fuel cooler unless you run for 12 hours non stop. ws

 

[captddis]

It is a good idea to get tubes that go halfway down into the tanks on the returns. It helps prevent fuel drainback and hard starting.

 

[TedZ]

IMHO all entries and exits in fuel tanks should be on the top. That way if you break a line or a fitting you do not dump 100 gallons of fuel in the bilge, harbor etc.

Ted

 

[smoothmove]

I was asking the same question a couple of years ago about returns and was told that the return specs vary depending on the engine manufacturer. If you are having the tanks made, the solution is simple. Have returns put at both ends of the tank. the cost is nil at this point. You may want to put in an additional access hole too. That could come in handy if you ever need to clean want to clean the tanks or transfer fuel.

Eric

 

[Banshee36]

My old hatteras was already plumbed for diesels, it had the returns in the top of the tank. I think they were in the same spot as the pick up tubes. you can use them as a template. it worked fine with the cummins.
JW

 

[34Hatt]

Returns should be at the opposite end and side of the pickups. Also as said tubes should be half way down on returns. This is the tubes so the entry is still thru the top so a leak is of no concern.
The reason is too have less air in the fuel it gives it time to settle down.

 

[BUSTER]

Returns should be at the opposite end and side of the pickups. Also as said tubes should be half way down on returns. This is the tubes so the entry is still thru the top so a leak is of no concern.
The reason is too have less air in the fuel it gives it time to settle down.

I have never seen a Hatteras factory installation where the suction and return fittings were not on the same top plate. For that matter,momentarily leaving the marine environment,I have never seen a truck or heavy equipment fuel tank that was not identically plumbed?

 

[Bird's Nest]

There is a good picture of the retun supply vent set up on a new glass tank by Tom Slane in my (Bird's Nest) Gallery... check it out. In the picture the return lines are right next to the supply lines. The tank he put in was 400 gallons and they feed 370b Cummins.

 

[34Hatt]

I have never seen a Hatteras factory installation where the suction and return fittings were not on the same top plate. For that matter,momentarily leaving the marine environment,I have never seen a truck or heavy equipment fuel tank that was not identically plumbed?

I guess you need to see my tanks Hatteras original and this is the way it was done. Also go to boat Diesel and search they all recommend this is the best way. May not be the only way but it make a lot of sense think about the way you want your fuel to flow. We all talk about polishing fuel as the motors run do you want to recycle one corner or the hole tank!

 

[ohiohatteras]

Hmmmmmm???? Can't seem to get a consensus!

 

[34Hatt]

Hmmmmmm???? Can't seem to get a consensus!

We all talk about polishing fuel as the motors run do you want to recycle one corner or the hole tank!

I think the above statement should answer your question. It makes sense all around. Or you can search this on boat diesel and also see it is the preferred way