fuel return line question

[Daddyo]

We are in the middle of removing the primary tanks. The problem is the return lines only run to these tanks and not the aft tanks we will be using for a while. The question is, can the return lines be fed to the supply side fuel manifold?

 

[Ski in NC]

Not recommended. If there is air anywhere in the system, it will not get purged back to the tank. Can cause random engine stalls. Can you run a temporary hose back to the aft tanks and tee it into a vent line or other tap, or even pull out a level sender and stick it in there.

 

[Tom.B]

I don't know how much you Lehman returns, but can't you just route it to a temp tank or Gerry-can?

 

[Daddyo]

Yes you could at the 3-4oz an hour they put out. However the Westerbeke genny is not so helpful as it returns a lot more.

 

[O C Diver]

Also important to understand is that returned fuel is warm. Recyling returned fuel instead of dumping it back in the tank, elevates the fuel temp going to the engine. Maybe not an issue on your Lehmans but could be a problem for your genset. Best to plumb your fuel returns as originally designed.

Ted