Fuel Tank R21

[bjp447]

I was thinking of reducing my fuel capacity size, I like to keep the tank full but use so little diesel that the 12 gal tank on the 98 R21 is overkill, plus to get to my bilge pump I have to move the tank plus the tank is almost 18 years old.. Now the tank has the output hose going to my filters but it also has an input hose which I assume directs unused fumes/diesel (??) back to the tank. When I went to West Marine to look for a 6 gal tank, they all had the outflow but no place for an inflow. They suggested Moeller Marine who had the standard hose location, gauge and filler cap. Any thoughts on that extra hose from the engine back to the fuel tank?

 

[LAKERtoo]

.. I'm considering the same thing with my 2005 R21 Classic, but I'm going to install a flat 8-10 gallon tank in the aft locker, and place a removable plywood hatch over the space that the existing tank covers .. good place to strap down a tool box .. when removed, you can access the bilge pump, seacock and the packing gland for servicing, and clean the bilge properly .. that's next winters project .. Rob

 

[rt11002003]

Every diesel fuel system I've seen had the fuel return line. It returns unused fuel to the tank.

 

[harry ames]

Glad to know that I'm not the only one thinking of this fix. I'm happy to keep a tank in the same location, but small enough that I can lift it when full. I can always pack a Jerry Can for extra fuel if I'm ever planning on a long trek. Yes, the extra space under the cover with the smaller tank would be a nice place to strap a tool box or even an extra battery. I hope the first one to find a good tank in the 5 to 8 gallon range with both tubes will post the place and the model.

 

[sheral]

Great idea. A lower profile tank,along with providing additional storage space, would also prevent diesel from burping out the vent outlet during choppy seas - if the tank is full. This is a mod I would like to do in the future.

 

[bjp447]

This is good, people want one so where can we get one?
or is there a way to replace the fuel gauge with a return line?

 

[tlkenyon]

Classic R21....when I need to lift the fuel tank and it is fuller than I can easily lift, I use a block and tackle rigged from the boom. I use an old main sheet rig from a Hobie 16 - a 14-part tackle with a ratchet fiddle block. It holds the tank up far enough to work beneath it but not so far as to need to unhook the fuel lines. I have webbing permanently installed around the tank that is separate from the hold-down straps. It works pretty well....

TK