No fuel tank crossover switch. Is it automatic?

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From: biggrock1  (Original Message) Sent: 12/11/2003 5:54 AM

I just bought a 75 Brave D21..The PO told me that there was no switch to go from one tank to the other.He said that when one tank empties it automatically switches to the other tank. Is this a fact? I would also like to know how the fuel gauge works. Does it measure the gas in both tanks or just one. The PO wasn't sure because he didn't use the MH much and didn't even know if the gauge was working properly.

     Thanks



From: daved27c Sent: 12/11/2003 10:43 PM
Howie;

Most of us have an electric switch on the dash that switches the tanks. I have two gauges for my tanks. Some people(with older campers) have manual valves to switch tanks. I would start by getting under your rig and looking at the plumbing and electric coming off of the tanks. At some point the two must become one. If you are able to take pictures, It might be easier to help.

Dave



From: biggrock1 Sent: 12/12/2003 5:44 AM
Hi Dave;
The PO had the tanks cleaned and relined so I assumed that he knew what he was talking about. Have you ever heard of an automatic switch from one tank to the other. I wanted to ask the po more about it but have been unable to reach him.



From: Sea Hag Sent: 12/12/2003 8:43 AM
I have a 76 they started using the new printed circuit dash I think in 75 - the switch is supose to be directly under the left gauge cluster with the fuel gages and oil pressure . I've never heard of an automatic Fuel Tank switch system , but that doesn't mean there isn't some out there . I don't think Winnebago installed or offered any . the seinoid switch should be on the right side of your frame rail under the passenger seat area . follow the fuel lines back from your fuel pump on the right side of the engine . with Ignition on you should hear it click when you push the dash switch  --- Sea Hag



From: denison Sent: 12/12/2003 12:50 PM
Yes, if the original circuity had been modified by someone as clever as we are............................ Darn! I don't know how to finish my thought. denison



From: captainpine Sent: 12/16/2003 12:14 AM
checking out the propane plumbing underneath. I discovered why the PO (is that a pajorative) told the PO before that not to use the auxillary tank- The filler pipe has a hole in it, and the gas line is joined with a piece of hose which is busted! The tank hs no gauge, so I was thinking about  putting in en electric fuel pump and useing the aux. tank to fill up the tank with a guage.

 

From: denison Sent: 12/16/2003 7:05 AM
That would probably work - assuming you can work out the design so the fuel will not siphon from one tank to the other when you dont want it to -like when you park on a slope, having just filled both tanks! You might need to have a positive shut-off valve. I would expect the feed into the other tank would need to be at the very top of the tank, and separate from the normal fuel pickup tube. Of course use new hoses, ground the fuel pump Very Carefully, have a fuel filter you can through into located where you can reach it without trauma. If there is or was a tank selector valve, I would still think about fixing it up to use as originally designed - no siphon problems. denison 



From: biggrock1 Sent: 12/16/2003 2:44 PM
Hello all;
regarding the switch for the fuel tanks. My unit does not have one, neither electric or manual. I spoke with the service dept. at Winnebago and they informed me that I have the EXPO model Brave that does not require a switch because the main tank is drained first and then she starts on the aux. tank. I don't know how it works but it certainly simplifies things.

Thanks
        Howie

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From: biggrock1 Sent: 12/16/2003 2:55 PM
Oh yes.  There is a lever underneath the vehicle that will seperate the 2 tanks. I just had to be different I guess.
   

From: Sea Hag Sent: 12/17/2003 10:31 AM
That certainly is different - I guess you learn somthing new every day - let us know if it works --- Sea Hag 



From: biggrock1 Sent: 1/6/2004 5:12 PM
We took the winnie out for a 3 day trip and found out something else about her. I found out that she is a D21 (Special) through a spec sheet that I found in the closet .I don't know if that has something to do with different fuel tanks.