fuel cell not flowing

[NMdcporter]

Gang,

Need help the first time I used my new fuel cell it worked perfectly. I went for a ride today and when switched I have no flow from my fuel cell to the main tank. I waited till the tank was almost empty this time and it didn't work. The time it worked I was just over half a tank. Any suggestions on what's going on.

I did release the quick disconnect and I do have fuel on both sides. Below is a picture of the bike with the tank on it.

 

[SkooterG]

Sometimes the Tanji fuel cell can have problems with flow. I have learned a few things now where I never have problems. These may be applicable in your case, or they may not.

1) Fuel filter. Make sure you have a free flowing fuel filter. I replaced mine once with a different type and my fuel flow became much better. Obviously, this is most likely not your problem.

2) Air in the lines. This is a biggie on the Tanji cell, and could very well be your problem. If you run the cell completely dry, or disconnect the line, you stand an excellent chance of introducing air into the fuel line between the cell and the tank. If I know the line is really empty, the first time I fill the cell I make sure the fuel tank is as close to empty as I can. I open the tank's gas cap and with a flashlight, look for good flow after turning on the fuel cell valve. I'll even blow into the cell to add some pressure (by sealing the filler as best I can with my hand) and will *hear* the bubbles coming up from the fuel cell line in the main tank. It usually takes several *blows* to clear them all. Once this is done initially, and I am on the road, when I fill up I make sure the tank is relatively low, fill the fuel cell first, and let it flow into the tank for 15 seconds or so before shutting off the fuel valve. This ensures I clear out any air/bubbles in the line.

Since doing the above procedures, I don't ever have any flow issues anymore, where I did in the beginning when I was learning the *characteristics* of my particular cell.

Other reasons could be your quick disconnect is not fully connected (doubtful), or that your fuel cell is not venting and it won't empty because it's drawing a vacuum.

 

[eeksnake]

Gunny! to what Skooter sez...

- Aux vent line. Make sure some bigazz moth didn't crawl up there and die. (Go ahead and ask me how I know.)

- Air in fuel line between aux and main (wouldn't hurt to check that you didn't pinch the line either.)

- Aux tank's fuel filter. I use a clear plastic one on my F650 that makes it easy to check flow. (Will add one to my aux tank someday.)

 

[JamesK]

Or you could install a small external electric pump instead of relying on a gravity feed - just a suggestion. When i get an aux fuel cell i plan to do just that.

 

[Bustanut joker]

I'll even blow the "cell" to add some pressure (by sealing the "cell" as best I can with my hand) and will *hear* the stuff coming up from the "cell" line in the man sack. It usually takes several *blows* to clear them all. Once this is done , I am happy.
Since doing the above procedures, I don't ever have any flow issues anymore, where I did in the beginning when I was learning the *characteristics* of my particular "cell".

Umm What is this "cell" you speak of? :dntknw: The procedure sounds vaguely familiar.... :blink:

:jester:

 

[madmike2]

Gunny! to what Skooter sez...

Yup! You might also check the main tank vent.

I had some problems with mine after a successful maiden use. The second and third time I tried to use it gasoline wouldn't transfer. In fact, the Tanji cell was pressurized and blew gas out the vent.

As luck would have it, I was at Cdogman's place in Salt Lake City and with a little investigation I found that my tank vent was partially blocked. Thanks to Robin and his compressor/air hose/blow nozzle, all was "golden" for the rest of my trip to NAFO and since.

I do find that mine seems to work better if I open the valve once the main tank is at 1/2. If I'm traveling, I will open the valve at 3/4 tank because I know I'll be using the fuel and not worry about an overflow.

Please let us know what you find and what your solution is.

 

[NMdcporter]

Gang,

Thanks for all the ideas, I did check the flow to main tank by blowing into the aux-fuel cell vent leaving the main tank lid open. I about blew my brains out trying to clear any air pockets :dribble: . It looks like my quick disconnect isn't connecting completely, I had to wrap a strap around it to keep it closed :yahoo: . The tank drained perfectly, so it looks like I'm off to the store to replace the quick disconnect.

Just fyi for everyone my quick disconnect was completely locked but you could push it in another 1/16 of an inch and that made the difference.

Ride safe everyone

Dave

 

[Wolfhound]

Great news Dave ! Good to hear it's working .

 

[dcarver]

Sooo, a good ******** from Bustanut and all was good again? Just sayin'...

 

[Ignacio]

Just fyi for everyone my quick disconnect was completely locked but you could push it in another 1/16 of an inch and that made the difference.

If the Motion Pro...I had that problem before...sorry I forgot. to say it Had it happen in the middle of a rally once and at home once. Jammed a ballpoint pen in it to release what seemed sticking...like the extra 1/16" thing. However, the last time I did it a chunk of the ballpoint stayed in the fitting. Worked until I got back home, but now I can't get the part out and can't use the fitting anymore and have it running direct.

If you find something better..let me know. I need a new one as well.

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

NMdcporter & Ignacio,

I'm not 100% clear on what you guys are referring to.

It sounds like the valve within the quick disconnect is sticking. Is that right?

Is it on the male or female fitting?

I'm sure Colder Products (the manufacturer of the fittings) would like know about your troubles.

You may want to send a note to:

Colder Products Company

1001 Westgate Drive

St. Paul, MN 55114

Or call 800-444-2474 and talk to a customer service rep

 

[Go Far]

I've had transfer problems also.

Leaving the hotel on the 1st tank of the 1st leg of the '07 IBR, fuel wouldn't transfer and I ran out of gas on the interstate. Had the problem the whole rally :dribble:

I have noticed on occasion fuel getting pushed from the main tank to the aux, so I've been exploring a main tank pressure problem. I just installed a fuel pump, 'cause I want that fuel :angry2: :angry2: :angry2:

I haven't checked the disconnect fittings -I have 2 inline, one is out in the breeze, the other inder the main tank. I think I'll modify the fuel line so that both disconnects are accessible. Fuel filter is clear..

Just fyi for everyone my quick disconnect was completely locked but you could push it in another 1/16 of an inch and that made the difference.

If the Motion Pro...I had that problem before...sorry I forgot. to say it Had it happen in the middle of a rally once and at home once. Jammed a ballpoint pen in it to release what seemed sticking...like the extra 1/16" thing. However, the last time I did it a chunk of the ballpoint stayed in the fitting. Worked until I got back home, but now I can't get the part out and can't use the fitting anymore and have it running direct.

If you find something better..let me know. I need a new one as well.

 

[CHRIS_D]

Has anyone tried placing a check valve in the fuel line to help prevent losing the siphon as well as the issue of the main tank feeding aux tank?

 

[NMdcporter]

Has anyone tried placing a check valve in the fuel line to help prevent losing the siphon as well as the issue of the main tank feeding aux tank?

Chris,

My understanding is check valves still require a certain amount of pressure (flow) to keep the fuel moving (valve open, at least the ones we use here at work are built that way). I think with a fuel pump that would work but gravity fed I'm not sure the valve would work. I'm really not sure never checked the to see what pressure rating is required.

Dave

 

[NMdcporter]

Sooo, a good ******** from Bustanut and all was good again? Just sayin'...

Not sure I agree with that ******** part :glare: , but I agree with Bustanut

 

[rickcorwn]

Didn't they tell you about the secret LD rider fuel flow technique :blink:

 

[NMdcporter]

Didn't they tell you about the secret LD rider fuel flow technique :blink:

Ok is he blowing or drinking I really can't tell B) .

 

[CHRIS_D]

Has anyone tried placing a check valve in the fuel line to help prevent losing the siphon as well as the issue of the main tank feeding aux tank?

Chris,

My understanding is check valves still require a certain amount of pressure (flow) to keep the fuel moving (valve open, at least the ones we use here at work are built that way). I think with a fuel pump that would work but gravity fed I'm not sure the valve would work. I'm really not sure never checked the to see what pressure rating is required.

Dave

That makes sense.

 

[Canadian FJR]

Any further updates on how the cell is working out? What kind of range do you have now?

Canadian FJR