The retun valves have been properly fitted to the brackets, now that I have found suitable nuts, and the plunger switches have been fitted to the bracket top member to select fuel guage sender unit automatically with valve selection. I used brake/reverse lght switches as these are £8 each compared to the £18 for the specified switches. The mounting holes needed drilling to a larger diameter, but otherwise it was a staraight fit. It’ll also be advantageous when in remote areas as a switch can be removed to replace the brake or reverse light switch should they fail, meaning less spare to be carried.
I got the front part of the brackets (acts as a tap handle protector) from Blanchards and the 2 selector stickers (side/rear and L/R) from the Land Rover Orphanage. Craddocks came up trumps by locating the tap handle colars to interlink the feed and return valves. None of the usual gold mines had them (Blanchard, Dunsfold, Orphanage etc) as they were so rarely used. I think LR Orphanage may be getting some from Craddocks to use as a pattern to fabricate more – they had been trying to locate them too as apparently twin tank diesel stups are becoming poular in the SII club so that they can run on vegoil, so I told them that Craddocks had located a dozen or so.
Hi again Nick! I’ve got a series fuel tap like yours but I’ve only got the tap and the bracket, I’m having real problems finding a return tap. I guess like most of the fuel taps mine was used on a petrol model so didn’t have one fitted. I know it’s been a while but can you remember where you got the small brass return tap from??
Hi ben
I got both of the cradles and the return line valves from Land Rover Orphanage, but they have since folded. I think Craddocks have the valves – they were able to assist with a few of the bits for setting the system up like the lever arm that screws onto the main tap’s selector shaft to operate the return valve’s arm. the connecting link was no longer available and I had to use steel strips to make my own. You would need to get the diesel cradles or modify your existing ones with the bracket (just a straight strip with a suitable diameter hole) to mount the return line valve.
the other option is to use two of the petrol valves and just have independent switching of the feed and return lines, which does have its advantages in using more commonly available parts and being able to feed fuel from a punctured tank whilst directing the excess return to the good tank – it could prevent fuel starvation if you damage a tank in the middle of nowhere or reduce the costs of a leak… I didn’t really have that option just because i wouldn’t have room as I already was using two of those feed valves for the three tank system.
Cheers Nick, I was thinking of using two taps and setting up feed and return independently, then changed my mind and decided to use a set up like yours (when I couldn’t get hold of another fuel tap), then changed my mind back again etc etc! I think I will use two taps now though, I’ve managed to get hold of another one at a decent price and the return line parts seem hard to find.You’re right when you say I can return to either tank which would be handy and I can also use the return line tap for the feed line if the one tap leaks etc.
I’ll have to have a look at where you’ve mounted your taps, although you’ve got series tanks on your and mine will have a 90 tank under the seat so there’s less room.
Cheers, Ben
The Series and 90 tanks both fit outboard of the chassis, while both my tap units are mounted just by the gear box tunnel cover, inboard of the chassis, so there’s plenty of room.
Great Site.
I am trying to obtain parts for 200TDI fuel return line to twin tanks set up on my ex military S111 which had 2.25 Petrol Engine ie return to same tank as selected for feed.
Have been told by Craddocks that the standard 2/3 way military valve with switches for fuel gauge cannot be used with Diesel because cork seal deteriorates. I have spare in case I need to switch diesel feed & return seperately.
Is this so, did you fit special seals to std tank changeover tap/switch?
Can you advise on manufacturer of return valve, If necessary can probably make the rest up myself. Can find other 3 way fuel valve with 5mm holes & 3/8 bsp fitting but making one lever operate both is tricky.
I used standard cork seals when I rebuilt the valves. Seven years on, I’m not having any trouble with leaks. I think it unlikely that anything which tolerates petrol will have much problem with diesel.
My return line valves were supplied by Land Rover Orphanage, as were the mounting cages, but they have long since ceased trading. You could use a second petrol tap fitted to the seat base ontheother side of the transmission tunnel. Dunsfold LR might be able to help with the correct diesel parts, though.
Nick do you have a part number for the return valve ? mines leaking i’m tring to find to find an o ring that will fit to see if that helps
Hi Sam,
I dont have access to my manuals as I’m currently an expat. The details are in the SIII Optional Equipment Catalogue. The two most likely places to stock a valve would also have people working there who’d know exactly the part you’re talking about. Id try Dunsfold Land Rover first, as they are incredibly helpful and have huge stock at good prices. PA Blanchland are very good too, and have a lot of odd military parts like these valves, but tend to be a little expensive.
Sorry I cant be of more use for the data. If you can disassemble your leaking valve, then a local hydraulics or bearings specialist would almost certainly stock o-rings to suit.
Nick