Aux. Diesel tank Suction tube question

[CCOUGHRAN1]

I just purchased a used aluminum fuel tank/toolbox combo with a Fill Rite pump from a friend of mine.

The tank had some fresh fuel in it from his most recent fill up, but the pump seemed to cavitate a little if the tank was a bit off level, leading me to believe that the fuel level, and suction tube level are close to the same height. Ordinarily I would say that's not a problem, assuming the tube needs to be off the bottom some. However, the tank is a 57 gallon tank, and I just topped it off with 31 gallons for fuel. That means there is 26 gallons of fuel below the suction tube. Sounds a bit excessive to me, so I thought I would ask y'all how far off the bottom of the tank should the suction tube be? Or does it really matter, being the sediment gets sloshed around while driving, and there is an additional filter before the pump?

Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would want it touching the bottom and cut off at a 45 deg angle. This way you get as much fuel out as possible. Like you said, run it through a filter on the output side with water separation capabilities.

Clean fuel in = Clean fuel out.... Remember that.

Chris

 

[LBrown59]

I would want it touching the bottom and cut off at a 45 deg angle. This way you get as much fuel out as possible. Like you said, run it through a filter on the output side with water separation capabilities.

Clean fuel in = Clean fuel out.... Remember that.

Chris

That's how I did it with these 2 set ups.

 

[aczlan]

Another possibility is that the fuel pickup is a 2 piece pipe and it is sucking air at the joint between the two pieces.

Aaron Z

 

[MHarryE]

Mine is the 45 degree cut that is also a sliding pair of tubes so when iI installed it I extended the outer tube all the way and it collapsed to fit. If it wasn't a sealed fit between the telescoping tubes it would suck air as soon as the level dropped to the level of the short tube.