Auxillary Gas tank install

[HueyPilotVN]

I just went outside as the sun was going down and got some new pictures of the NATO can and also I took some to show that the back is still at least level. It has both tanks full right now.

[HueyPilotVN]

Update on the second fuel tank.

I have put over 400 miles on the Commander since installing the second tank and here are some of the statistics and results.

Last night the two gauges were each reading 1/2 tank, so I have reached the point where the back tank is no longer feeding the front tank automatically due to gravity. I turned the timer on and the back tank transferred gas to the fromt tank. After transfer the front tank is now full again and the back tank has just under 1/4 tank. The shows that the overflow of fuel returned to the back tank.

Based on the remaining fuel I believe that I have a range of between 700, (easy), and 800, (pushing it) miles on the two tanks. Since my tires are larger than stock I actually have another 5% or so different than the computer calculated miles, (so 735 to 840 miles). Even with this range the miles to empty from the computer would still keep you out of trouble. The extra 5 gallons on the back will be for anyone else that needs gas. I am getting between 14 and 15 miles per gallon.

One other intresting fact. The other day while coming back from town, I looked at the main gas gauge and it was full. A few minutes later I heard the warning tone and looked down. The gauge read empty and the check engine light was on. I pushed distance to empty button and it said "0". I knew that I had a full tank. When I got home I did two things. I loosened the gas cap and felt a whosh of air going into the tank. It seemed to have a vacuum in the tank. I also disconnected the ground cable from the battery for a few minutes. I restarted the Commander and everything was back to normal, full tank, no check engine light and a reading of 328 miles to empty. Jake at the gas tank place had said that I might get a vacuum condition in the tanks and maybe that is what happened. It only happened that one time, and I will see if it reoccurs.

After filling it a few times and recording accurate odometer reading I will post more accurate numbers.

[HueyPilotVN]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ahmed
I'm really interested to make such a project.

Questions,

What are those small pipes at the top edge of the tank for?

What is the maximum range for the two tanks combined?

The Aux tank has the same kind of connections as the main tank. The connection at the top include a sending unit for the gas gauge, a pickup tube with a sock type filter, and lines for the transfer pump to send fuel to the main tank as well as return lines from the main tank in case it overfills. For the first 1/3 to 1/2 tank the two tanks have a common hose that allows the gas to gravity fill the front tank. The timer switch can be used to refill the front tank from the aux tank by using the transfer pump.

The maximum range depends on your gas mileage. The aux tank adds a little over 30 gallons to your capacity. I also carry a NATO 5 gallon gas can. It is mostly for helping someone else that needs gas. Good way to make friends on long trail rides.

The fellow that made my aux tank is located in California and is willing to sell the entire kit for out of state use. I think that he has one kit made up and in inventory now. I have no financial interest in his business.

I recall that it cost me $1,000. for the setup. I do not think that Ross is distributing the kit so PM me if you want more details.
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[HueyPilotVN]

In this picture you can see that I did find a chrome ring for my spare. It came with a white disc that I painted with a can of factory matched paint and the NATO can is now OD Green.