Front runner Long range tank fitting instructions

Wilddog · Fri Feb 25, 2011 9:32 am

Hi Guys,
I finally got around to installing the long range tank I bought from CATS. It was a bit of a mission as I had to do it on my back in the garage at home, but otherwise fairly straight forward. I had to buy a fitting kit which consists of the brackets, pump, bolts and pipes. The kit cost R1400 which I thought was a bit of a rip off when you consider the retail price of everything in the kit (except the special brackets). The rear clearance is slightly reduced, which I dont mind, I use my bike for the serious bundu bashing adventures. If you have any questions send me a PM and I will be pleased to help.
The enclosed fitting instructions are self explanatory.

Wilddog

CATS · Fri Feb 25, 2011 9:00 pm

Glad you got it fitted Wilddog!

Hope it gives you years of service.

CATS

Wilddog · Mon Feb 28, 2011 1:12 pm

thanks once again CATS.

cloyd · Sat Oct 29, 2011 5:55 pm

Evening Wilddog,

Steve, the price that you paid for your fitting kit is about halfway to the full price for a LR tank such as mine. However, if you are happy, then it is BG (bak gat). Be careful when you do off roading. The front runner tank is in a very vulnerable place.

Enjoy the extra travelling range,, Cloyd.

LowRange · Sun Oct 30, 2011 5:56 pm

Wilddog, did you get an electronic "cut-out" for the pump included with the kit, or do yo just use an On/Off switch?

Wilddog · Mon Oct 31, 2011 8:23 am

LowRange wrote:Wilddog, did you get an electronic "cut-out" for the pump included with the kit, or do yo just use an On/Off switch?

No. no electronic switch. I am using a switch. I have burn't one pump out already so have installed a light so I can, err, remember the pump is on

. I am working on an electronic cut out circuit or at least the idea of it. I think it would have to be based on current measurement and not time which seems to be the norm.

I will let all know if I manage to come up with a solution. if there are any electronics fundis on the forum willing to share some knowledge, it would be greatly appriciated.

4ePikanini · Mon Oct 31, 2011 8:56 am

How about using this?

http://landyonline.co.za/shop/product_i ... ucts_id/37

Wilddog · Wed Nov 02, 2011 11:46 am

4ePikanini wrote:How about using this?

http://landyonline.co.za/shop/product_i ... ucts_id/37

Thanks Marius,
I have mailed them for more info. My general concerns with a level sensor are 1, will the sensor react to the diesel (melt, disfigure, malfunction) 2, cutting a hole in the tank, firstly the issue of removing all the debris and secondly ensuring no leaks occur. The idea I am toying with is an electronic circuit that monitors (measures) the current draw on the pump, more current draw when the pump is pumping fuel and less when the pump runs dry. Once the circuit detects less current it switches the pump off. easy in theory but I'm struggling to design and put a circuit together that acheives this. Any electronic fundis out there help me out on this?

Greg_SA · Wed Nov 02, 2011 1:01 pm

Wilddog wrote:The idea I am toying with is an electronic circuit that monitors (measures) the current draw on the pump, more current draw when the pump is pumping fuel and less when the pump runs dry. Once the circuit detects less current it switches the pump off. easy in theory but I'm struggling to design and put a circuit together that acheives this. Any electronic fundis out there help me out on this?

I'd love to help, but really don't have time at the moment...

Basically you need a current sense resistor (very low value), and possibly a current sense amplifier, to increase the voltage measured across the current sense resistor. Then you can compare this voltage with a reference voltage using a comparator. This will give you a logic output, which you can use to drive a MOSFET (or relay).

I think the first thing to do, is to measure in detail how much current the pump draws when pumping, and when dry, and when you start the pump. The current might be strange at first, so you might need a time delay when you switch it on, before you start checking the current.

Not sure if this helps you at all...

Wilddog · Wed Nov 02, 2011 3:12 pm

Greg_SA wrote:
Wilddog wrote:The idea I am toying with is an electronic circuit that monitors (measures) the current draw on the pump, more current draw when the pump is pumping fuel and less when the pump runs dry. Once the circuit detects less current it switches the pump off. easy in theory but I'm struggling to design and put a circuit together that acheives this. Any electronic fundis out there help me out on this?
I'd love to help, but really don't have time at the moment...

Basically you need a current sense resistor (very low value), and possibly a current sense amplifier, to increase the voltage measured across the current sense resistor. Then you can compare this voltage with a reference voltage using a comparator. This will give you a logic output, which you can use to drive a MOSFET (or relay).

I think the first thing to do, is to measure in detail how much current the pump draws when pumping, and when dry, and when you start the pump. The current might be strange at first, so you might need a time delay when you switch it on, before you start checking the current.

Not sure if this helps you at all...

Yeah! with you on this one Greg. I had already figured out the components (The internet is a wonderful tool)

the part i've not made progress with is the values of the components, so, it would be great if you could give further advice. Not in a hurry. Would you have a diagram or schematic available? I will try and do some measurements as soon as I have some time and we can throw it all in a pot and see what comes out.

Thanks Steve