Carrier fuel pipes

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Tom Millward

(paraphrased) . . . Is that the Fuel tank strap setup for a UK Carrier, as it seems different to the images I have seen of canadian tanks?

The Canadian produced MK-I* fuel tank straps use a different tensioning turnbuckle to that shown in the British Chilwell manual, while the Canadian MK-II* fuel tank strap uses a similar system as the British one. The change in turnbuckles means there is a change in the length of the straps. Other than historical accuracy, a complete strap assembly could be interchangeable between the MK-I* and MK-II* carrier, as are the felt pads. The MK-II tensioning turnbuckle is easier to work with.

See pages 200 and 201 of FUC03 for illustrations of the strap assemblies, a portion of the MK-I* strap assembly illustration reproduced below . . .

In the ‘Parts’ section of the forum you can find a posting from a UK based MLU member who makes some replacement carrier parts, including the difficult to source Canadian style MK-I* fuel tank turnbuckles.

.
.
.

[Lynn Eades]

The Brit image in Post#9 is of a later era Brit construction. The change tap with the two thumb screws is from a Brit MkIIIw carrier. Not sure of the change date to the later strap arrangement. The earlier strap arrangement from Canadian and British varies little. The differences being spot welded strap ends verses small rivets. The turnbuckle threads are different. (Brit=Brit. Std. Canadian= UNF) The use of tank breather pipes are used with plain fuel caps, while tanks with no breather pipes use caps with the valve in them. Tank end panels are impressed with a cross and are found with the cross convex and concave.

[Tom Millward]

Thanks gents. I have already put in an order to John W for the fuel filler neck and cap, plus the turn buckles. The fuel straps I intend to get from John and Mid West Military. I did consider making the the fuel straps and mounting brackets, but the work involved in the brackets looked pretty immense and I just don’t have the time or workshop facilities at the moment.

I’ve made the fuel tank vents, and have just ordered some pipe and fittings for the vent pipes. I’m looking forward to getting the tanks finished and plan to start silver soldering tomorrow.

The one issue I have is the new tanks that came with my Carrier have the holes for the fuel pickup too far forward, so they may clash with the fuel tank strap or cause the pipe to clash. I will just have to improvise adapt and overcome.

[Tom Millward]

I have another question on the Carrier fuel tank setup; the new stainless steel fuel tanks which came with my Carrier have the hole for fuel pickup in the wrong place. Will this placement cause the fuel pickup to clash with the fuel tank strap? Hence will I need to modify the tank, or will it be ok to leave it as it is?

I need to modify the tank anyway as the whole for the fuel pickup is too large, but was thinking of making an adapter ring for this. The picture below is of my new tank next to an original.

Thanks again.

Attachment 104593

[Michael R.]

Heads up!
The fuel tank end sections are inset. As a result the overall length of the inset portions must not exceed a dimension that will permit the installation of the front and rear felt pads when mounted on their respective brackets.

The exposed lengthwise seam will enjoy being supported by the internal baffles. The reason for suggesting these guidelines will be clear if you ever allow passengers in the rear compartment.

If your experience is similar to mine, I find little enjoyment in removing and replacing the fuel tank assemblies. However, it is necessary for multiple reasons including cleaning the hull to re-oiling the felts.

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Tom Millward

I have another question on the Carrier fuel tank setup; the new stainless steel fuel tanks which came with my Carrier have the hole for fuel pickup in the wrong place. Will this placement cause the fuel pickup to clash with the fuel tank strap? Hence will I need to modify the tank, or will it be ok to leave it as it is?

I need to modify the tank anyway as the whole for the fuel pickup is too large, but was thinking of making an adapter ring for this. The picture below is of my new tank next to an original.

Thanks again.

Attachment 104593

I am curious if your fuel tank sludge drains line up with the hull floor access opening? Otherwise you cannot access the drain plugs from below.

There is a rotating cover for those hull drain openings. Not having the covers in place allows debris to enter the hull, out of sight and out of mind. When driven over mud, the drain opening acts like a cheese slicer, allowing the mud to enter the hull in neat curls.

For the same reason you may want your transmission and engine oil drain access covers in place.
Eh, Ben, Shaun, Richie and Kevin?

[kevin powles]

Maybe best to make a couple of new tanks in stainless now you have an original to work with, they might of copied the one you have from an Australian built carrier. John W has all the fitting to order.

[Tom Millward]

Thanks Michael R for the tip about access covers. I do intend to drive the Carrier across country, so that’s saved me some heart ache.

The drain plug is in the right place, as per the original I have borrowed. The tank is also inset on the end panels, so should fit with the mounting brackets as intended. The hole for the fuel pickup doesn’t sit above the drain plug like the original though. That said the fuel pickup still fits ok.

[Tom Millward]

Hi Kevin, it’s tempting, but the work to rectify mine is probably less than the work to start all over again (certainly cheaper).

How hard was it to make yours? Did you do it yourself or have it made? John W has made me the filler neck and cap, I’m just waiting on a quote for the adapter ring for the fuel pickup.

Anyone any idea how the brass fuel pickup and filler neck were riveted to the tank. Was it done before the tank was closed up, or using special tools?