The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Which direction to turn Imperial alternative gas tank lever?

Does anyone recognize this lever and familiar with to know of an easy way to determine which gas tank in my '60 Burb it's pulling gas from? It is currently pointing toward front of Burb. The two tanks are over and under. Probably common sense, but the Burb is new to me and with the nearest station 21 miles away, and gas as expensive as it is, I'd feel better knowing and only having to top off one at the station. Plus, the fuel gauge doesn't work! With lever now facing front, would it normally pull gas from the main original tank? Appreciate any Stovebolters input.

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There is no way to determine how the installer plumbed the valve by looking at the handle. You need to look at the pipes and determine where they lead.

????

You are going to use the same amount of gas whichever tank(s) you are using.

drive it till you run out of gas, dump your 5 gal can of gas into one tank, if it doesn't start, turn the handle the other way, question answered

Bill

x2, then mark which is which with a permanent Sharpie...

Hey Bill, I was waiting for that one! Ha that's probably the solution though. My neighbor up at the cabin (a 35 year full time chevy mechanic) who's been doing all the mechanical for me, said it's somewhat of a mystery to him. Last week he installed all new gas lines, and said he had not seen tanks like that on any of the old cars he's worked on. They are not rectangular tanks, but are each more a rounded "L" shape and fit into each other perfectly. Then, the original owner had a full skid plate under both that is welded as part of the trailer hitch. Pretty rugged setup, but put together well for those hunting trips. With the low gear ratios, I can't imagine how long it took him to drive the Burb to Alaska. Haven't had it on the highway yet, but think It'll be lucky to hit 60. I'll know in a couple of weeks!

If someone installed new fuel lines he should know which one he hooked to what port. The pointer points to which port is open.

Master Gabster, what am I missing here? Boy I wish I had taken auto mechanics instead of mechanical drawing in school! Seems logical, and thanks for the reply, but the old rusted pointer, per pic, just doesn't show any particular ports from above, so even looking at it from underneath, or taking it apart, without knowing which inlets correspond to the pointer, we're just going to have to do a 50/50 trial and error? I'll know soon, probably on mile 17! I'm learning slowly, but will know this Burb inside out before it's over.

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You can't see the valve while lying under the truck?

I'm heading back up to the cabin on Friday and will snap some pics from under the truck and see if it will lead to an answer. Thx.

This isn't rocket science.

Fill both tanks. Leave the handle pointed in one direction. Drive it for a week. The tank with the missing gas is the one the handle is pointed at.

I had this set up on my '73. When you fill up you need to switch tanks. Otherwise the gas in the un-used tank will get stale after a while.

Appreciate the replys. My neighbor who installed the lines is out of town, so no feedback on why couldn't trace fuel line to correct input. He's no novice though, so must be a reason. I was hoping to eliminate having to buy $100 + in gas to find out, but think that'll be the easiest solution. Once I get the floorboard, etc all cleaned up, I'll get new markings on for sure. Will also remember Johntsmith's advice on changing over tanks each refill! Good advice and appreciate it.