Any Ideas Why I'm Not Getting Gas From Main Tank?

[fins2fuselage]

Okay: so I'm lazy. I just re-installed my aftermarket auxiliary tank after it had been out for four months, and I simply don't feel like crawling back under there right now -- at least, not until I get some feedback from the DodgeTalk braintrust.

A couple of months ago, I revamped my main tank's fuel delivery system: I rerouted new steel lines and new fuel-injection-grade hoses to simplify the plumbing, and I rebuilt the fuel-switching valve and replaced all its fittings. The truck ran great ever since, but now . . .

Today, I finally re-installed the auxiliary tank (fits under left side of bed outside frame, adjacent to main tank). I used new straps, relocated the strap mounting points (they had 'em mounted to the lower rear quarter!), new ground wire (for the sending unit) and a new line and hoses. It works great -- but now the truck won't run on the main tank!!! After a minute or so of idling on the main tank circuit, it simply runs out of gas.

What did I do wrong? I didn't disturb any of the main tank's lines nor did I restrict its fuel or vent lines in the course of re-installing the auxiliary tank. It must be something simple . . . but what?

Any suggestions?

Jeff

[GHS]

I had lots of trouble with the OEM valve on my '73. The solenoid would stick in one position or another. Besides repairs, I had to replace it twice. Since yours is aftermarket, it might be a totally different setup.

[Speed Dragon]

I would check the switching valve also.

[DiverDwnPowrRam]

yep my vote is with speed and GHS as a good place to start.

[fins2fuselage]

Thanks, guys.

My aftermarket switching valve is totally mechanical with three positions for "Main", "Aux." and "Off" -- unfortunately, "Main" now also functions as "Off"!

Even though I disassembled it, cleaned it and repacked it with new o-ring seals a couple of months ago, I will go ahead and re-test it as suggested; I just can't imagine what else the problem could be!

Jeff

[bherder]

I agree with the others about the fuel-selector switch.
I had to replace mine a couple years ago. Bought one from NAPA ... I think it was about $35.00... It works fine, but apparently they only come with 3/8" hose nipples. You can get the 5/16" line on there, but it's a bit of a struggle. The other thing I did was, besides the regular fuel filter in the factory location, I added a fuel filter to each line before fuel switch. Nothing fancy, just a couple of Fram G-1 (Or G-2? whatever the 5/16" size it)
I figure for a few bucks, it's cheap insurance to keep crud out of the fuel switch..

[fins2fuselage]

Thanks, Bherder.

By the way, guys, when my wife filled up the auxiliary tank last night along with the main tank (we wanted to get as much gas as possible into the truck before the price skyrockets again), we found that the auxiliary has a capacity of 16-17 gallons, not 10 gallons as we originally thought. That's great news!

Now if I can just get my main tank to work (again), I'll be in good shape.

Jeff