fuel tank replacement

[chefmango]

I would like to replace the fuel tank on my Beneteau First 345 however I have run into a couple of issues. 1. the engine is a Volvo 2003 with no fuel pump, it is a suction feed to a racor seperator then to a primer pump and fuel filter so . .. 2. the current tank output barb is on the bottom of the fuel tank presumably to provide a gravity feed to the suction system. Every tank I have seen on the market has the pickup mounted on the top. Question is: Is the suction feed strong enough to pull fuel up and then over to the engine.Thanks in advance.
Chefmango

 

[arf145]

Well, to my way of thinking that primer pump is in fact the fuel pump. The setup you described is exactly what I see in the two Yanmars I have experience with. I'm sure some Volvo knowledgeable person can answer the question of the strength of the lift pump.

 

[JoeWhite]

Mine is on the top aswell. I would think it is possible to add an electric fuel pump after the primary filter and provide power while cranking the engine. This will fill the fuel line with fuel then it is not needed as the fuel will flow by gravity as before. You can conduct this experiment by removing the fuel sender from the tank and inserting a fuel hose and connecting the other end to primary fuel filter input, and adding a fuel pump after the primary filter. This is only an experiment to test.
Let us know how it goes.

 

[dlochner]

Diesels have 2 fuel pumps. One is a low pressure pump that provides fuel to the high pressure pump. The first pump is often called a lift pump. On the bottom of the pump is a little lever used to draw fuel from the tank to bleed the system.

The high pressure pump is often called the injector pump. It is a more complicated pump. It’s job is to provide high pressure fuel tothe injectors so they get a good spray pattern.

 

[DArcy]

Just run the fuel line to the top of, and down into, a Jerry can about the same height as your fuel tank. You will find out very easily if your pump can manage.