Tying Saddle Tanks with a T?

BigDaddy72 · Nov 16, 2020

I’m trying to not use any hose clamps or rubber fuel line on the saddle tank set up.

The “pair” of switching valves I bought are plastic metric not sae.

So I’ve been looking at manual valves and I really don’t want to go that route.

My question:

Has anyone used a “T” going to the fuel pump and just draw fuel from both tanks at one time??

BigDaddy72 · Nov 16, 2020

Has anyone done it with any success?

I think it will draw from one tank and then suck air anyone done it any suggestions?

AuroraGirl · Nov 16, 2020

i would think if you just monitor both tanks it would be okay. use extra dash space for 2nd fuel gauge

BigDaddy72 · Nov 16, 2020

I haven’t done it to prove it but I think it will take the path of least resistance. That’s why I think it will empty one and then try to pull from the empty one.

Keeping in mind that the pump pulls fuel up through the sending units.

If they both (tanks) had sumps at the back they could be used as transfer tanks but the line would have to be level and that would cause issues with saddle tanks (opposite sides the line would hang down) as well.

I’m afraid my only option is a manual switching valve and a toggle switch for the two sending units (to be able to use the single factory fuel gauge)

Just curious if anyone has tested it and what results they got.

Has anyone used something different for their set up? If so please share.

BigDaddy72 · Nov 16, 2020

AuroraGirl said:
i would think if you just monitor both tanks it would be okay. use extra dash space for 2nd fuel gauge

Thank you very much for your help btw!!

CorvairGeek · Nov 16, 2020

The 3 port valve leaks on my '78. As soon as one tank is empty, you are done. Sometimes fuel will move between them on its own too, while it is just sitting.

AuroraGirl · Nov 16, 2020

CorvairGeek said:
The 3 port valve leaks on my '78. As soon as one tank is empty, you are done. Sometimes fuel will move between them on its own too, while it is just sitting.

Sounds annoying. Bypass or do you want to keep the 2 tanks in use even though it does what it wants

BigDaddy72 · Nov 16, 2020

CorvairGeek said:
The 3 port valve leaks on my '78. As soon as one tank is empty, you are done. Sometimes fuel will move between them on its own too, while it is just sitting.

Pm me I accidentally ordered 2.

I’ll sell you a brand new one cheap cheap cheap!!!

Craig 85 · Nov 16, 2020

BigDaddy72 said:
Has anyone done it with any success?

I think it will draw from one tank and then suck air anyone done it any suggestions?

You would probably have to run an equalizer tube between the bottom of the two tanks to prevent this. The tanks should draw at the same time.

Dave M · Nov 16, 2020

BigDaddy72 said:
Thank you very much for your help btw!!

Here is how l did mine,
https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/fitting-of-twin-gas-tanks.28968/

bucket · Nov 16, 2020

I *think* the only way to reliably run twin tanks with a simple T setup, is to use a high pressure electric pump and a return line setup. The return line would employ a T as well. This way, the pump keeps the return line full of fuel at all times, and the return line itself acts as a balance tube between the tanks, due to the siphon effect.

It's how GM did it on the 00's medium duty trucks with the optional tank on the passenger side.

BigDaddy72 · Nov 16, 2020

I’ve got a -8 fuel system with a 170gph
Mechanical pump on the motor.

I think I’m probably going to have to run a manual valve.

Cool set up on yours though.

BigDaddy72 · Nov 16, 2020

Has anyone run the manual valve set up? (With 2 sending units and a single fuel gauge)

If so any hidden issues?

WebMonkey · Nov 16, 2020

1980 something pontiac gran/d prix.

ran over a muffler on the highway and split the gas tank wide open.

bought 2 round bottomed 5 gallon 'jerry cans'. (screw cap and screw nozzle with yellow vent snapper)
then fit in the trunk on the 'shelf' behind the back seat.

2 hoses shoved down the vents connected to a plastic barbed 'T'.

single hose down through the trunk to an electric switched selector/valve.

valve inserted into the factory fuel line.

switch on the under dash.

ran that way for a month before i sourced a salvage yard tank.

dual tanks in a pontiac gran/d prix

the mechanical pump pulled from both 'gas cans' at the same time.
yes, sometimes there would be a pint of gas in one can with the other dry but never very much.

p.s.
i got the car home by putting gas in an empty antifreeze jug and plumbing the mech pump into it.

BigDaddy72 · Nov 16, 2020

WebMonkey said:
1980 something pontiac gran/d prix.

ran over a muffler on the highway and split the gas tank wide open.

bought 2 round bottomed 5 gallon 'jerry cans'. (screw cap and screw nozzle with yellow vent snapper)
then fit in the trunk on the 'shelf' behind the back seat.

2 hoses shoved down the vents connected to a plastic barbed 'T'.

single hose down through the trunk to an electric switched selector/valve.

valve inserted into the factory fuel line.

switch on the under dash.

ran that way for a month before i sourced a salvage yard tank.

dual tanks in a pontiac gran/d prix

the mechanical pump pulled from both 'gas cans' at the same time.
yes, sometimes there would be a pint of gas in one can with the other dry but never very much.

p.s.
i got the car home by putting gas in an empty antifreeze jug and plumbing the mech pump into it.

Lmbo!!! I love it!

Tying Saddle Tanks with a T?

BigDaddy72

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