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Surge Tank Low Fuel Level Switch

GTR_JOEY

By GTR_JOEY,
in Engines & Forced Induction

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GTR_JOEY Grand Master

GTR_JOEY

Posted
Posted

Dont know if anyone has thought of this or has actually carried out this modification.

Want my tuner recommends is that i put a low fuel level switch in my surge tank in case the lift pump decides to kick the bucket.

The sensor would be tapped in about half way up the tank and would be wired into a light on the dash to indicate if fuel was starting to get low and therefore potentially saving an engine. Yes i understand that i can get a Air/fuel gauge or a low fuel pressure light but thats more for the pumps inside the tank that feed the rail.

Does this seem like a reasonable idea and if not why?

Also trying to figure out what sensor to use? would a low coolant sensor register petrol and/or E85?

Thanks

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https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/458932-surge-tank-low-fuel-level-switch/
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KiwiRS4T Grand Master

KiwiRS4T

Posted
Posted

Hmm I was going to suggest a mercury tilt switch but it would require some room in the surge tank. What about a flow meter on the line from the lift pump to the surge tank? Or a pressure switch (similar to an oil pressure warning light or maybe even an actual oil pressure warning light) installed in a T off the feed line.

Ben C34 Grand Master

Ben C34

Posted
Posted

my memory may be a bit fuzzy but doesnt that switch kick in when the float sinks too low?

I need something i can tap into the side of the tank as inside the tank is already full of pumps :D

It's a seperate thing. I think it's what you want.

GTRPSI Mentor

GTRPSI

Posted
Posted (edited)

Google "low fuel annunciator", its the same thing as used on aircraft.

Also been looking into it for my surge tank setup.

My way of thinking was to wire it into the Haltec as a engine safe guard, should react faster than you pulling off the throttle, that is if you see the light of course.....

Many factory fuel pump cradles have a separate low fuel sensor fitted, i have not had time to work out which one id be using yet.

Edited by GTRPSI
GTR_JOEY Grand Master

GTR_JOEY

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hmm I was going to suggest a mercury tilt switch but it would require some room in the surge tank. What about a flow meter on the line from the lift pump to the surge tank? Or a pressure switch (similar to an oil pressure warning light or maybe even an actual oil pressure warning light) installed in a T off the feed line.

The flow meter would work well, not sure how the pressure switch would work as the pump isn't really producing much/ if any pressure as far as I can tell.

Ben I'm trying to imagine how it would all work in terms of wiring and mounting up the sensor. The unit is obviously sealed so everything that runs in and out of the tank needs to be easily sealed back up to prevent leaks.

Here's the tank to give you an idea of what I'm dealing with

post-47556-0-43767900-1439289951_thumb.jpgpost-47556-0-51087300-1439289970_thumb.jpg

GTRPSI Mentor

GTRPSI

Posted
Posted

Look at the 2 links below...

http://www.aeu86.org/forum/showthread.php?pid=151308

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=low+fuel+light+thermistor&biw=1920&bih=920&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CCQQsARqFQoTCMC-1_vsoMcCFYfNgAodMoEMUQ

You would simply need to mount it with a hose clamp to the height you want it at, somewhere along the cradle shaft into the surge tank on on a pump if its in there.

GTR_JOEY Grand Master

GTR_JOEY

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hey guys, thanks for the replies

Ill have to ask the tuner about an engine cut off, ill probably just position it somewhere in my eye line to keep things simple.

I've managed to get a 3 pin digital sensor that is used on generator fuel tanks. Once I hook it all up ill report back

KiwiRS4T Grand Master

KiwiRS4T

Posted
Posted

Its easy to organise an engine cut off but you are better off without it as depending on how far up (or down) the catch can you put the sensor you should easily have enough fuel to get back to the pits rather than get stranded out on the track.

jangles Veteran

jangles

Posted
Posted

Hmm I was going to suggest a mercury tilt switch but it would require some room in the surge tank. What about a flow meter on the line from the lift pump to the surge tank? Or a pressure switch (similar to an oil pressure warning light or maybe even an actual oil pressure warning light) installed in a T off the feed line.

You forgot a simple flow switch.

Thats what id be using on the line into the tank.

Joey, If you're worried every time your ~5l tank uses 2.5l you might as well have a 3l tank.

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