Question re: RCI fuel tank fuel pick-up

[TQJ CJ5]

For those that have installed the standard 9x12x30 RCI fuel cell, can you describe the design of the fuel pick-up inside the tank?

I ask because I want to purchase some Walbro In-tank fuel pick-up's to add on to the single one in the RCI fuel cell. However, there are multiple options to choose from (see below). I'm leaning toward getting one with a bleed hole and one without just so that I have a few corners covered in the event of fuel starvation with off camber/steep ascents/descents.

Thank you in advance.

Terry

 

[zip1]

It's a straight piece of aluminum 1/4" tube that goes to about an inch from the bottom without any screen

I utilized the the same walbro pickups in both of my fuel cells. They work great, I had to drill a hole and utilize some fittings, but it was an easy install. I used two, one in each corner at the back end of the cell. I used the top & bottom one for my install, make sure you get the right hose for inside the tank, walbro sells 6" pieces

Sorry, I didn't take any pics of the install, or I'd be sharing them

 

[GaryTJ]

You could always do as the planes do. flexible hose with a weight at the end to shift it to the low spot.

 

[TQJ CJ5]

zip,

1/4" tube? The bulkhead fittings on the tank are -8AN. I would think the pick-up tube would be closer to 5/16 or 3/8 for consistency

when you say you drilled a hole, can you elaborate? also, what fittings were necessary?

Thank you for your quick response

Terry

 

[JOOP]

I have one of the RCI tanks. But it comes fully assembled, so I had no need to tear it apart.

 

[zip1]

I have one of the RCI tanks. But it comes fully assembled, so I had no need to tear it apart.

I didn't like the pickup location, plus I've mine installed in a raised box in the back of the jeep. The 90 degree AN fitting were just to big to fit. The only installed fitting I utilized was the return. It seems to work very well so far

 

[TQJ CJ5]

Zip,

Thank you the pic is very helpful.

Is copper tubing the best material for in-tank installation? I ask strictly because I don't know. Would aluminum tubing work also?

If I wanted to utilize the mfr pick-up tube but just tee off of it, any suggestions on what type of tee I should be looking for (material-wise)?

Terry

 

[zip1]

Zip,

Thank you the pic is very helpful.

Is copper tubing the best material for in-tank installation? I ask strictly because I don't know. Would aluminum tubing work also?

If I wanted to utilize the mfr pick-up tube but just tee off of it, any suggestions on what type of tee I should be looking for (material-wise)?

Terry

Copper tube is what walbro suggested, all there rubber hose lengths were only 6"s, and I couldn't find any local

 

[JOOP]

Ok I see what you have going on here, but I see a problem.

asuming the left side of the drawing is the front of the tank and thr right side is the rear.

Now if the tank is tilted forward and the fuel is low enough to create an air bubble under the first pickup, your still not going to get any fuel...... :kiss:

Correct me if I'm wrong but I dont think you'll get any fuel on a forward tilt, with low fuel.

 

[TQJ CJ5]

based on the way my cell is sitting in the rear of my Jeep, the pick-up, return, and rollover vent are on the top. I'm planning to set up my multi-point fuel pick-up's so that both the front and rear are able to get fuel

Terry

 

[zip1]

Ok I see what you have going on here, but I see a problem.

asuming the left side of the drawing is the front of the tank and thr right side is the rear.

Now if the tank is tilted forward and the fuel is low enough to create an air bubble under the first pickup, your still not going to get any fuel...... :kiss:

Correct me if I'm wrong but I dont think you'll get any fuel on a forward tilt, with low fuel.

The views are labeled front & top, the pickups are located along the bottom rear. But you're correct in that if it were very low on fuel that on a descent the pickups would not pickup fuel. As for a an air bubble, if you read about these pickups they are designed to hold fuel in there screen to prevent this somewhat

I'm considering on routing another pickup to the front to address your thoughts also. Currently the walbro pickup doesn't have a 90 degree one offered. So, I'll need to give it some more thought as to application

 

[TQJ CJ5]

guess what, the pick-up tube on my tank is 1/2" diameter.

so...I'm going to add my own bulk-head fitting (-6AN) and run the 5/16 crap off that with 2 of the Walbro multi-point fuel pick up's (one in the front and one in the back). note: even though 5/16 is really -5AN, it'll work on the -6AN (snug, but it'll fit - may just need a little extra assembly lube)


it always seems to be 1 step forward 2 steps back....

oh well, at least I like working on my rig (for now that is). of course, havin' cold :beer: in the fridge a few feet away is helpful