RDS Excursion Tank

[2000XLIFTED]

Hello, I have had my 30 gallon tank in for about 4000 miles. Since installation I have been loosing prime on the tank at anything below 1/2 full. When leaving a street light the green light will go out for 20-30 seconds, then come back on. This gets progressively worse as the level goes down to the point where even cruising at a constant speed the light will go out. I I have been able to draw the tank to almost empty on the Hwy but it is impossible in town. I am using lots of diesel when it gets low and i just hate to see the light out. I have changed the filter and checked the pre-filter, When the tank is full The Light wont even blink with the chip turned up. Anyone else have the same problem or any ideas on a fix? Thanks-

[Marv]

Russel, I'm not too familiar with the Ex tank (since I don't own one), but how long is the pickup tube on those units? Sounds like the tube just isn't long enough to stay submerged in the oil. You might consider adding some tubing to the end of the pickup line so that tube lays on the bottom of the tank.

My 60 gallon toolbox tank does this as well occasionally, and I know my pickup isn't quite long enough to reach the bottom.

[EX ON OIL]

Yes, this happens to me now. It only started with the new 65psi switch. I used to have a 55psi switch that was more forgiving. I too must keep my tank over 1/2. My tank is only 20 gal and is behind third seat.

[greasyX]

My tank is a 36 gallon RDS behind third row,I have run to empty on several occations in the back country of Canada.This has been the best WVO tank i've owned(I have had a few).Perhaps air is the issue,I vented mine up out across, and then down HOH lines thus eliminating pockets.I have 15,000 miles on this kit in 9 months,only thing that needs tending too,is filter.What is the shape of your tanks?,could this not be a good set-up for extra pressure?............good luck guys.........greasy

[2000XLIFTED]

Good ideas guys, I wish I would have looked down in the pickup tube before installation. There is no way to check it while mounted under the truck so... out it comes.

[Marv]

No problem Russell, hope it helps.

Kind of a bummer that you have to drop the tank to check that, but I never considered that the tank is mounted up under the truck on an Ex. I guess I just get used to the luxury of looking over in the bed...lol.

Have you ever considered cutting an access door through the floor of the truck? I'm not sure if it'd even be possible due to the mounting location (or if you'd want to cut up the truck), but I've seen folks do this before on cars when replacing the fuel pump. Rather than drain and drop the tank, just carefully cut out a piece of the floor and make an access panel for the future.

Might save you some time and aggravation next time you have to check some connections on the tank.

Good luck!

[greasyX]

go to salvage yard cut out panel on X bring home trim to spec,cut circle (Holesaw) big enough to stick hand and tools threw.Then use salvaged steel as access hatch.............done that on a few rigs.........not the X........yet.........greasy

[Marv]

go to salvage yard cut out panel on X bring home trim to spec,cut circle (Holesaw) big enough to stick hand and tools threw.Then use salvaged steel as access hatch.............done that on a few rigs.........not the X........yet.........greasy

Yep, there's your ticket Russell. Sounds like that would work good for you. Sure would save a lot of time and manual labor. I bet those tank with even just a little bit of oil would be hard and akward to handle.

[2000XLIFTED]

That could work depending on where the pickup happens to land on the inside. Hope there isn't any structure in the way. Is It possible since the pickup is right in the front of the tank that the fuel is running or sloshing toward the back of the tank under acceleration. I know there are baffles in it but too big of holes in it.

[Marv]

That could work depending on where the pickup happens to land on the inside. Hope there isn't any structure in the way. Is It possible since the pickup is right in the front of the tank that the fuel is running or sloshing toward the back of the tank under acceleration. I know there are baffles in it but too big of holes in it.

I think that's very possible. My tank is the 60 gallon toolbox style from RDS. Once I get around 3/8-1/4 of a tank, it's not uncommon for all the fuel in the tank to slosh to the passenger side on a hard left turn and the system will loose pressure. You could be experiencing the same thing - just in a straight line rather than curves.

Kind of frustrating at times, but overall, it's not that big of a deal I suppose.

[2000XLIFTED]

Sound good to me- Ill let everyone know the outcome when I get back from Virginia, and have a chance to pull it. Thanks for the help.

[Marv]

Sound good to me- Ill let everyone know the outcome when I get back from Virginia, and have a chance to pull it. Thanks for the help.

No problem man...keep us posted.

Good luck!

[billman]

I have the 40 gal ex tank installed. If I run below 1/2 and get on it from a stop or accelerate up steep hills, the light goes out. I just need to do more road trips. Yes it is frustrating to see the light go out. If I designed the tank, I would have put the pickup in the back of the tank where all the oil goes when I hit the pedal on the right. Or figured out a way to build a low spot in the tank where the pickup is....... this way you would have to be really empty or upside down.

[2000XLIFTED]

I have the 40 gal ex tank installed. If I run below 1/2 and get on it from a stop or accelerate up steep hills, the light goes out. I just need to do more road trips. Yes it is frustrating to see the light go out. If I designed the tank, I would have put the pickup in the back of the tank where all the oil goes when I hit the pedal on the right. Or figured out a way to build a low spot in the tank where the pickup is....... this way you would have to be really empty or upside down.

I hear you! I really only have a 15 gallon tank unless I am on the highway. Then maybe I can get it to 1/4 before I am using lots of diesel. Now my fuel sender is reading wrong at 3/4 full on the gauge it started spewing out the fill. I cant say im happy with this part of the conversion from the fill in the frame, mounting tabs that don't line up, sucking air with 20 gallons left, and now the sender.

[Wilson]

Russel-

empty that sucker and do it right.

I can get the targon tubing... lengthen the hose so it sits on the floor of the tank in the back...

Then I'll get you the specs on the sender I use. And you can wire it into the factory gauge with a switch.

You'll be much happier and also add room for another gauge :-)