Auxiliary Fuel Tank - 4.2 SGL

[cschutte]

I have been struggling to find an auxiliary fuel tank for my Patrol.

Most companies want to sell the 135 / 145 l replacement to me, but I think I prefer to rather go for an auxiliary, for the following reasons:
- The 145 l tanks have a reputation of leaking. Maybe it is sorted now, but if you have a tank that gets a leak that cannot be repaired in the bush, you are stuck.
- Some report that the 145 l tank reduce the departure angle, if you do not have a lifted suspension.
- It seems that you can fit a 60l auxiliary, on RHS, before the rear axle - and that will give you roughly the same capacity than the 145 l replacement (actually a little more)
- Carrying the 60l additional fuel in the middle of the vehicle, is maybe a slightly better weight distribution, than having it all in the rear, especially if you are loaded with camping gear?

What do you all think?
And, where can I find such an auxiliary tank?

Regards
Corne

[Peter Connan]

Corne, my car has a auxhiliary like you mention, as well as a 140l replacement main tank, for a total capacity of 200l.

I love it, but there are a few small issues. The major one is that on our Y60's there is limited room for a decent filler pipe and second cap. So fuel enters the auxhilliary tank through a 15mm pipe exiting the main tank about 1/2 way down. This is not ideal for several reasons. Firstly, it takes about 15minutes to fill my car. Secondly, this filler pipe runs past the rear axle. It can't be routed high enough to properly clear the axle, as then the auxhilliary tank recieves no fuel, therefore it needs to be a flexible pipe that sometimes comes into contact with the axle, and it needs to be replaced every couple of years. Furthermore, you have no control over where the fuel is, as on steep slopes uncontrolled transfer takes place. Thus you are never quite sure what is where.
There are probably better ways to do this though.

The other problem with my particular installation is that the auxhilliary tank doesn't have a sender unit installed, thus there is no gauge.

I do believe that the advantage of the greater range more than makes up for all the hassle, but others may not agree.

Anyway, if you want I am willing to make you a copy of mine? Not sure what it would cost though, and be advised that it will take several months.

[cschutte]

Hi Peter

Thanks! I will search a little longer here in Cape Town, and then come back to you. I will be in Gauteng towards the end of September for a meeting, so maybe I can quickly meet then just to understand how your installation works.

Longrange Automotive in Australia also sell tanks, and as far as I can see in the Australian Patrol forums, they install a dual filler nek gadget that allows you to fill the auxiliary. I have not been able to find a picture of that yet.

I have also been referred to Maniac Manufacturing here in Cape Town by LA Sport as a possible supplier - but have not had time yet to investigate that option.

Regards

Corne

[Peter Connan]

Corne, I am quite close to OR Tambo.

I know that the Prado uses a split filler neck and have heard of it's use in Y60 Patrols, but I must be honest, I can't see where such a large pipe could be routed through the Patrol. However, it must be possible since it's been done.

[Grant]

I have been struggling to find an auxiliary fuel tank for my Patrol.

Most companies want to sell the 135 / 145 l replacement to me, but I think I prefer to rather go for an auxiliary, for the following reasons:
- The 145 l tanks have a reputation of leaking. Maybe it is sorted now, but if you have a tank that gets a leak that cannot be repaired in the bush, you are stuck.
- Some report that the 145 l tank reduce the departure angle, if you do not have a lifted suspension.
- It seems that you can fit a 60l auxiliary, on RHS, before the rear axle - and that will give you roughly the same capacity than the 145 l replacement (actually a little more)
- Carrying the 60l additional fuel in the middle of the vehicle, is maybe a slightly better weight distribution, than having it all in the rear, especially if you are loaded with camping gear?

What do you all think?
And, where can I find such an auxiliary tank?

Regards
Corne

Corne,


I opted for the 140lt replacement, and did have an issue. The guys at Northern offroad repaired the tank and for the last two year I do not have a problem. I have also had a tank made for Wilfred which was doen by an expert in Pretoria. Tank was fitted under the passange seat behind the driver and it's capacity was around 70 lt. Seperate filler and an electric pump to replenish the main tank. PM me and I will send you the manufactureres details.

Lastly the benefit of the replacement tank is that you keep your sender unit thus, you know the status of your fuel.

Regards

[cschutte]

Iets interessants raakgeloop - plastiek brandstof tenks. Pioneer Plastics (www.pioneerplastics.co.za) maak die tenks, en mens kan die spesifikasies van hulle web aflaai.

Gewonder of iemand ondervinding hiervan het? Sal een van die dalk pas daar waar die Aux tenk kom net voor die agteras aan die regterkant? (Ek sal self onder inklim en meet die naweek, maar as iemand anders dit gedoen het, spaar dit my moeite!)

[Tinus lotz]

Ek dink jy moet n tenk bou wat jy kan koop of opmaak nog n filler cap insit en n fassett pomp wat die brandstof oor pomp as jy dit nodig het
Dan weet jy hoeveel jy het en hoe ver jy nog kan ry daai plastiek tenk kan werk as jy hom aan straps hang
Op die plaas waar ek gewerk het het die manne dit gedoen en dit werk goed
As jy die tregte model fasset gebriuk sit hy af as die tenk leeg is
Daai filler cap kan jy insit net waar jy wil ek is seker dit sal vir jou werk

[cschutte]

Dankie Tinus - ek gaan bietjie meet en dink! Die tenks is goedkoop - so ongeveer R900 afhangende van die model. En as mens dit installeer soos jy voorstel, dan is die impak nie groot as daar dalk 'n lekkasie kom nie.

Groete

[Tinus lotz]

Ek stem saam en as jy dit oorpomp weet jy presies hoeveel jy by het en jou gauge werk ook reg !!!!!!

[Abri Hoffman]

Corne, daai Pioneer tenk maak sin. Hou ons op hoogte. Ek is ook baie lus vir so plan.