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Accessible Fuel Estimate (was Fuel Gauge)

Yahoo Message Number: 63917
Hi Don. I think not. Can we agree, as it's in the manuals, that the genset line end is at around 20-25% full? I do not have a reference, but am going on memory, that the line for the engine comes close to the bottom. I've been led to believe around 10% full . . . I've personally always used 10-15 gallons as the 'non-accessible amount.'
For sure I can report running below 1/4 of a tank and the genset stopping . . . more than once, but the engine kept on going.
I have a 135 gallon tank. To me, I can't get at the last 10-15 gallons. I also assume the tank is never totally full, so I estimate another 10 gallons there. So I like to think that 25 gallons is not available. So my 'usable amount' is 110 gallons max! I once went to 108 gallons without a problem (the genset had stalled).

--

Lee Zaborowski

07 Intrigue 12153, Cat C-13

Re: Accessible Fuel Estimate (was Fuel Gauge)

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63918
For my KISS approach, I use 100gal (so about 35 contingency). I usually like to fill up at about a 1/3 empty tank. Though out of power need habits for hill climbing in the old Bounder V10. I still consider my road ahead to that days final stopping point, if I can tweak the fuel fill up during the day to hit heavy grade climbs with less fuel in the tank, I will do so.
Some fun at Lee here (only because he helps us all, and I admit I have Torgue Envy!:)). With our baby ISL 370 only have 1200 pounds, that 70 or so gallons I work with on each tank - does take me the down the road a tad bit further then your Cat's...:)!
On this trip, we had one 400+ mile day on 395 from Sandpint, ID > Spokane down to Burns, OR (winding switch backs 25-40mph S curves for lots of the way)... With generator running for about 90 mins of this -we had a manually calcualted 9.8MPG for this stretch. With a full tank of water, as we were dry camping our way home.

Best to all,
Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Accessible Fuel Estimate (was Fuel Gauge)

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63920
Don and Lee The fuel extraction is from the top of the tank on the engine, typical to within 10% of the rated capacity of the tank. The intake for the generator and Aquahot is above that . The diesel engine injectors are cooled by the fuel flowing past the the place it goes into the cylinder. That excess fuel is returned to the tank. The reason that you don't want to draw off the bottom is so that you don't take in any water ( which is lighter the the diesel ) and any dirt in the bottom of the tank. The problem with running too low in fuel in the tank is that, as it circulates around and the fuel temperature goes up. The less fuel, the hotter the fuel becomes. I would guess , depending on load, and how little fuel you have in the tank , you might eventually damage the injectors. I know that on my tank ( 150 gallons ) that I have the wrong pick-ups on my tank , as I have run out of fuel twice. I will extend the intakes this winter , when down south. I had this confirmed with Ben Buchanen before CC closed for good . If I level the coach when filling and fill to the neck, I actually hold about 165 gallons because Ben told me they allow for air space above the rated capacity, for expansion. Again confirmed by Ben. I only do this when I am going to run down the road immediately.

Ron Baran 09 Magna 7025

Re: Accessible Fuel Estimate (was Fuel Gauge)

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63923
Lee,

We absolutely agree on the genset taking from the tank at about the 25% level. So does the Aquahot. What I was questioning was the comment about pulling slop from the bottom of the tank. Regardless of the level at which the fuel line sets it always pulls from the bottom at that level whether the tank is full or empty. Since the tank is in constant agitation and pulling from near the bottom there should be no slop in the bottom of the fuel tank. It is constantly being sucked in and captured by the fuel filters if some gets in to the tank. A least that is what I thought but I was wondering if something is different in the fuel supply in CC coaches. Hence the question 'am I missing something'. I suppose some kind of floating fuel supply that drops with the fuel level in the tank is possible but that, to me, would assure that there was slop in the tank.

Don Seager

2004 Allure 31046

Re: Accessible Fuel Estimate (was Fuel Gauge)

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63925
Ron and Lee,

I think the point that Don was making is valid. Your engine fuel pickup is always at (or near) the bottom of the tank. If there is crud or water there as the tank empties it was there also when the tank was full. You are no more likely to pick up bad fuel from your tank when near empty than you are when near full.

George in Birmingham
'04 Allure 31038
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: Accessible Fuel Estimate (was Fuel Gauge)

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63926
Don,

You said it better than I.....as always.

George in Birmingham
'04 Allure 31038
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: Accessible Fuel Estimate (was Fuel Gauge)

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63935
I stand corrected on the constant take-up of fuel from the near bottom of the tank. Point well taken and said, fellows.

Lee