Auxiliary fuel tank?

[Printer Mike]

Since I plan on doing some long distance riding out in the middle of nowhere this year, I was considering adding an aluminum fuel tank that would mount on the rear rack of my Tourer. Because of the height I might avoid a fuel pump.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

[sixshooter]

I added an aux fuel cell to my 97 standard. It is a lot of fun to take back roads and longer trips before hunting a fuel stop. I will try to tell you what I did and try in the next couple of days to get some pictures posted. If I can.

I have large studded saddle bags, I bought a large T- bag made of vinyl with studs. It was cheap and water proof, and looks like leather and matches my saddle bags.

I looked at the tour buddy "beer keg" rear rack strap ons. And many others. I also discounted the complicated belly tank and fuel pump. I wanted It simple.

I bought a 3 gal drag race fuel cell from JEGS.COM. They sell all kinds of fuel cells, valves and fittings.
It measures approximately 10x10 x8 inches, and fits inside the t-bag with room to spare for extra tools, small compressor and a tire plugging kit.

No, I'm not worried about about loss of cargo space. I ride long rides solo. Two large saddle bags and a duffle bag on the passenger seat can keep me on the rode for a month.

I plumbed it through the t-bag, out of the tank with a shut off valve and inline filter. I laid the line along the top of saddle bag under the edge of the seat,into the frame just behind the stock fuel valve.

I tapped into the fuel line forward of  the petcock.

I cut a piece of 1/4 inch plate of aluminum the size of the bottom of the t-bag. Used two 300 lb strength tie down straps to secure the tank to the plate. Then drilled a hole on each side of the tank through the plate and the bag and secured it with 3/8 bolts to a 1/4 inch bar across the bottom of the rack.

The tank has aviation safety foam in side to reduce sloshing and crash safety. It also has a catch bottle, in case of expansion. It also is vented through a one way valve that will close it I lay it on its side.

I prefer this hidden tank over all the other rack tanks. Unless you are looking closely at the bike the plumbing is not something that jumps out at you. I had a lot of fun with the group that I ride with by asking why they were stopping for fuel so often. It was 2 or 3 rides before someone noticed the fuel lines.

What I normally do is use the aux first, then shut the aux valve and open the stock valve.
It is a three gal tank, but with the safety foam takes space, and bike lean at refueling( I can't hold the bike level and refuel the t-bag tank at the same time) I can only get 2.2 gals. in the tank. On back roads at 55 to 60 mph I can get 70 +- 5 extra miles.

Sorry for the novel, writing is not my best subject.

[Printer Mike]

sixshooter, thanks for the detailed description of your mod.!

Looking forward to some pics!

Welcome to the VRCC!!!

[MP]

http://www.tourtank.com/ttproducts.html

Several sizes and types.  They have a bag to enclose.  Can get vented, to put a hose to the bottom, so not slosh all over.  Also, safety valve, so not spill on tipover.

MP

[Robert]

Have you considered the belly tank by RM I have it and I like it. The other thing is since it sits under the frame doesn't take up valuable storage area and still gives you 3 more gallons. I also like the fact that it has a pump which allows me to mount a regular fuel filter in line so no garbage goes to the carbs. The install is easy and he gives you everything you need to do the job with the exception of the welding the bung into the bottom of the tank which I personally was a bit squeamish about but was no big deal at all. Total install less than 2 hours and the hoses that are supplied are way above the quality that I would have expected. I also provided you with 2 other links that may interest you all these and more I considered when I wanted to add a few extra gallons to mine. Almost forgot you can go for the interstate tank that has 7.5 gallons as opposed to our 5.3 too. If anyone thinks the fuel pump is a problem I have worked with these pumps for many years without problems and without failuers, but if one does fail take off the hose from the petcock and run it to the carbs 2 minute deal.
http://www.rmworksinc.com/
http://scootertrailer.net/auxiliary_tank.htm
http://www.rei.com/product/695245

[X Ring]

the interstate tank that has 7.5 gallons as opposed to our 5.3 too.

The Interstate tank holds 6.9 gallons not 7.5

If anyone thinks the fuel pump is a problem I have worked with these pumps for many years without problems and without failuers, but if one does fail take off the hose from the petcock and run it to the carbs 2 minute deal.

I've had one fail but it is rare.  I did try converting it back to gravity feed and discovered that fuel filter doesn't allow enough fuel to flow to run the bike.

Marty

[Robert]

marty thanks for the correction on the tank gallons and did you take the hose off the fuel petcock on the tank and connect it to the fuel line that goes to the carbs?

[X Ring]

I did it in my carport not on the road, Thank God.  Not only was my engine suffering from fuel starvation at idle, I ran into another problem.  When you remove the belly tank vent line from the petcock, the weight of the fuel in the main tank will push fuel down the tranfer line then up and out the vent line.  Nothing like the sight of gas pouring on your engine to almost give you a heart attack.  I grabbed a pair of vise grips and pinched it closed.  

My recommendations are to move the fuel filter closer to the belly tank.  Then you can remove the line from the out nipple of the filter and connect it to the petcock.  Make sure you have something to put over the nipple like a 5/16ths or 3/8ths vacuum cap to keep dirt from entering the filter.  BEFORE you remove the vent line from the petcock, I highly recommend you pinch the vent line closed with a something like vise grips and turn the petcock OFF.  

I am working on another solution that will make it easier and safer to switch back to gravity feed on the road.  As soon as I'm done with it, I'll post it with plenty of pics.

One other thing, if you have a belly tank and the pump goes out when you're on the road, you can replace it with an electric fuel pump from another company like Mr. Gasket.  Make sure you get the lowest rated pump, Mr. Gasket's is #42-S with a red label, and combine it with an adjustable fuel pressure regulator.  The fuel pump's flow pressure is higher than our engines need and will flood it.  You will also need to empty the belly and main tanks BEFORE you pull the pump or you will end up with up to 7 gallons of fuel on the ground.  

Marty