1931 Model K Fuel Tank Question

[STuTZ693]

Hello,

I am wondering what the nut located on the center top of the 1931 Model K fuel tank is for.  It moves a 1/2 turn from lock to lock.  See photo.

Thank you in advance,

Dan

[charlespetty]

Reserve gas tank valve control.  

[STuTZ693]

Thanks.  

Is there a way to tell which direction is normal and which is reserve? 

How does the reserve tank get fuel when filling the tank?

 

Dan

[charlespetty]

In the bottom of the of the fuel tank are two reserve tanks. One or the other of these reserve tanks, depending on which way the reserve control valve is turned forms a part  of the main fuel supply tank, while the other side of the reserve tank is sealed by the reserve control valve.  If the main fuel supply becomes exhausted, turn the handle to the opposite position, and the reserve supply will be released. It doesn't matter which way you have the valve turned as you always have a reserve if you turn the valve the other way.

[STuTZ693]

Thank  you for the reply.  So the two reserve tanks on actually like open pans in the bottom of the main tank.  These reserve pans both get filled with gas as the main tank is filled.  Depending on the valve position, one of the reserve pans is actually part of the main tank while the other one still holds gas when both the main tank and the other pan are emptied.  Do I have that right?????

Dan

[charlespetty]

Exactly!

[STuTZ693]

Great.  I am helping out at a private collection with 42 cars that this Model K is a part of and the reserve tank had me puzzled.

Dan

[Grimy]

This may be similar to the reserve fuel arrangement of the tanks on Pierce-Arrow series 80 and 81, 1925-28, which have a fore-and-aft divider inside the tank allowing three gallons on each side, each with its own pickup tube on either side of the divider.  When you have six gallons left (of the original 18), one side draws down until empty.  One thing to be aware of is which side contains the fuel level gauge (on those Pierces, external tank-mounted gauge) or sender.  On the Pierces, only the 1925 cars had the fuel gauge on the left; the other years had it on the right.  On my 1925, I have the lever positioned so that fuel draws from the gauge side and when the gauge reads low, it's time to refuel so that the car doesn't shudder to a stop for lack of fuel--even though there would be another 3 gallons available when the lever is repositioned.

[charlespetty]

The Lincoln gauge shows empty with 4 gallons left in the tank, 2 gallons left before empty and 2 gallons left in reserve.  

[STuTZ693]

Thanks guys.  A good and important point abut the gauge.  I am glad I asked the question!!!

Dan