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View Full Version : How to not use an aux tank in multi tank LPG system



dom14
23rd March 2017, 09:51 PM
Hey Guys,

I have a dual tank setup fitted exactly as in the below diagram with the AMR hydro valve.

http://www.amrgas.com/hydrostatic-tee-valves#prettyPhoto[123]/0/

I'm wondering if there's a way to "temporarily" isolate the aux tank from the filler line(blocking it),
so when I fill, it will only fill the main tank.
I don't wanna install a separate filler at this stage, but rather looking for a method like a shut off valve that I
can turn to shut the fill line to the aux tank(just like the shut off valve on the supply line).

Can I use a shut off valve from the supply side to accomplish this?

Throbbinhood
24th March 2017, 10:36 AM
I believe some land cruisers had a single filler, with like a plunger moved a flap to choose between the two tanks. Not sure if it's an option for you but could be worth looking into.

dom14
25th March 2017, 12:52 AM
I believe some land cruisers had a single filler, with like a plunger moved a flap to choose between the two tanks. Not sure if it's an option for you but could be worth looking into.

Thanx mate, but I've got no idea what you meant by the above.

threedogs
25th March 2017, 06:58 PM
Ive only ever used Brown Davis Aux tanks each had there own filler
You had to manually transfer fuel from the Aux to the main at the
press of a button

dom14
26th March 2017, 01:27 AM
Ive only ever used Brown Davis Aux tanks each had there own filler
You had to manually transfer fuel from the Aux to the main at the
press of a button

Yeah, I can plumb a separate filler valve point, but i wanna avoid it 'cos, it's lot simpler and easier to plumb a mechanical stopcock sort of thing to the filler line of the aux tank or even electrical one, so I can sort of operate it via a switch from the dash. There is a stopcock on the supply line on the tank, just before the electric solenoid valve, and that's the kind of thing I'm really interested in, if they are available. I reckon I can fit a solenoid valve similar to the one just before the LPG converter/vaporizer, but i prefer a manual one for safety and simplicity.
You can only decant from main tank to the aux tank, right? Gas would only flow until the pressure is equalized on both tanks.

threedogs
26th March 2017, 08:24 AM
No I could only "decant" from Aux to the main

garett
26th March 2017, 12:10 PM
not sure why your trying to not use one tank but you could turn off one of the service lines and it wouldn't empty.
other wise i don;t recommend opening lines etc your self.

dom14
26th March 2017, 12:54 PM
not sure why your trying to not use one tank but you could turn off one of the service lines and it wouldn't empty.
other wise i don;t recommend opening lines etc your self.

The idea is to keep the aux tank as an aux tank, so I can fill it only when I need to fill it for longer trips.
Aux tank is internal. Since I don't use it unless I go on long road trips, it just sits there and takes up the room inside
the rear of the vehicle.(Not to mention that I'm not too comfortable having an LPG tank inside the car all the time :) )

I like either,
1)Remove the aux and fit it back when I need it or
2)Plumb the aux in a way so it can only be refilled on demand

Separate filler is too much hassle, I prefer a simpler solution.

I've opened the LPG plumbing lines way too many times.
It's quite safe, as long as I know what I'm doing.
All the accidents we hear were from guys mucking around with LPG system without having much of a clue.

dom14
26th March 2017, 05:41 PM
not sure why your trying to not use one tank but you could turn off one of the service lines and it wouldn't empty.
other wise i don;t recommend opening lines etc your self.

And I generally make sure the tanks are empty and no LPG in it before I open LPG plumbing lines.
Situations where that is not an option, I make sure the I wear face mask or eye goggles & thick gloves.
And I always shut the gas supply line at both tanks. The only hazzard is the little bit LPG trapped in between the
tank & shut off solenoid under the engine bay just before the vaporizer, which can be used up by running the engine for few minutes.
Any plumbing opened from the tank obviously need the emptying the tanks unless I'm desperate to end up in hospital Intensive Care.
I'm actually pretty well versed on how to deal with LPG in terms of recommended safety protocols.
I'm just short on the knowledge of fittings and parts that are usually LPG techies are aware of it.

Throbbinhood
29th March 2017, 10:49 AM
Thanx mate, but I've got no idea what you meant by the above.

From memory, they have one fuel nozzle hole. But there is a plunger (lever). Push in it fills the main tank, pull out it fills the sub tank.

abw
29th March 2017, 11:40 AM
Maybe something like this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FORKLIFT-MAIN-SERVICE-VALVE-3-8-male-outlet-to-LPG-SERVICE-TAP-1110964-/272312144796 (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/705-53470-19255-0/1?campid=5336709507&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fitm%2FFORKLIFT-MAIN-SERVICE-VALVE-3-8-male-outlet-to-LPG-SERVICE-TAP-1110964-%2F272312144796)
Just a simple shutoff valve. you would have one on the inlet and one on the outlet of your auxiliary tank. would that work?

dom14
29th March 2017, 05:55 PM
Maybe something like this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FORKLIFT-MAIN-SERVICE-VALVE-3-8-male-outlet-to-LPG-SERVICE-TAP-1110964-/272312144796 (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/705-53470-19255-0/1?campid=5336709507&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fitm%2FFORKLIFT-MAIN-SERVICE-VALVE-3-8-male-outlet-to-LPG-SERVICE-TAP-1110964-%2F272312144796)
Just a simple shutoff valve. you would have one on the inlet and one on the outlet of your auxiliary tank. would that work?

Yeah, this is the sort of thing I'm after, but not sure the above one has the right fitting on both ends.