Dual Fuel Tanks Question

[gophergunner]

I'm curious if any of the 1980's chev/gmc trucks with diesel engines had dual fuel tanks?

Just curious because i'm thinking about putting a 6.2 into a truck thats originally a gasser but has the dual tank setup.

What i'm thinking is that i'd need a splitter valve for the suction line as well as the fuel return line so that it sucks and returns from and to the same tank.

The return line isn't so troublesome to me, but i'm worried that the suction line might get "upset" during a switch and might cause air in the line??? I'm not sure, thats why i'm asking if this setup was on any diesel trucks from that era, and if not, is it possible to do?

Thanks everyone.

[DmaxMaverick]

Most GM pickups in the 80's had dual tanks. For a gasser to Diesel conversion, you'll need the Diesel tank valve. It will accomodate the return line. The Diesel valve won't allow air into the system during a switch (it was designed for it).

[NutNbutGMC]

Most GM pickups in the 80's had dual tanks. For a gasser to Diesel conversion, you'll need the Diesel tank valve. It will accomodate the return line. The Diesel valve won't allow air into the system during a switch (it was designed for it).No point here other than thinking back. True that duals were popular. I had an 87 model (gasser) with duals. However, when the danger of side impact was recognized as a liability, the regulators enforced the placement of a (single) tank to inside of the frame, obviously eliminating the two placement areas for duals.

[DmaxMaverick]

No point here other than thinking back. True that duals were popular. I had an 87 model (gasser) with duals. However, when the danger of side impact was recognized as a liability, the regulators enforced the placement of a (single) tank to inside of the frame, obviously eliminating the two placement areas for duals.

Yeah. The change came along with the GMT-400 series trucks in 1987.5. If a person had a mind to, you can install a Tahoe/Suburban tank into the spare tire space. I've thought of that many times. If a tank falls into my lap, I may just do it.

[gophergunner]

Well the solution to my troubles seems pretty simple. Just have to try and find an old wrecked diesel with dual tanks, or perhaps a GM dealer around here can get me a part like that valve.

Thanks everyone!!!

[DmaxMaverick]

If you want a new valve (recommended), Napa may be able to get one. The dealer will be expensive, but they still stock them. Just ask for the same year as the dual tank gasser truck you need to put it on, only specify the Diesel option. If you get a used one from a wrecking yard, soak well with WD40 for a while before installing it. Also, test it with power to verify the operation. It should "thump" as the valve slides from one mode to the other, and the routing of the ports should change accordingly. You can either use low pressure shop air or blow into it for testing. Check if for leaks, as well.

[HH]

No point here other than thinking back. True that duals were popular. I had an 87 model (gasser) with duals. However, when the danger of side impact was recognized as a liability, the regulators enforced the placement of a (single) tank to inside of the frame, obviously eliminating the two placement areas for duals.

There was a "crash cage" made that goes around these tanks, common on flatbed trucks. Not sure how effective they are.