Topic: Fuel tank equalization

[dustyc]

Has anyone out there added an equalization tube to their tank?  I was looking at a friend's '67 Superhawk and thought it was a great idea and I kinda wish I had one too. 

I'm new to riding and new to my 1971 CB500, so I don't know if it'll even be an issue, but I noticed while getting it running that I ran out of gas several times when there was still some on the other side. 

Just wondering if anyone has made this kind of modification.

[rhinoracer]

I've wondered about that too.

[TwoTired]

It hasn't been an issue for any of my 550's, and I've owned and driven the 74 since 1975.  I drive till I need reserve setting, then go find a gas station and fill up.  If you get really low, then hit the brakes harder than usual and the fuel will slosh over the hump to feed the petcock.

Of course, if you have a problem with the petcock or a cracked stand pipe, you always draw from the bottom of the tank making reserve setting meaningless.  I think I would fix that before I put a balance tube across the tank saddles.  But, that's just my opinion.

cheers,

[neil young]

i reset my odometer every fill up.at 100 miles i refill

[ofreen]

Sounds like you don't like stopping for gas.  Probably all you'd accomplish if you install the tube is that you'd just run out of gas a little further down the road. 

[dustyc]

Thanks for the reality check.  I guess I have to change my thinking regarding stopping for gas. It's a whole different ballgame from my van with 2 tanks.  It's one of those imperfections that just bugs me to have that little bit of fuel that I can't get to.  It would be alot of work for that little bit of satisfaction.  Thanks again.

[Bodi]

Having a CB77 maybe I can offer some input.
- The crossover tube makes removing the CB77 tank a real bugger compared to a SOHC4 tank. I've considered adding 2 extra petcocks but that's a bit much.
Somehow when you need to get under the tank it's always just after a fill-up.
- When you run out of gas (geez, I'm late, I can fill up afterwards, reserve has only been on for 20 miles...) you'll be pushing the Super Hawk. On the 400F, you get a sort of second reserve and by tilting the bike way over to the left you ride fair bit further - not much help in the middle o' nowhere but in town it's been enough for me at least once.
The old kneepad tanks had quite high tunnels and probably a quarter of the tank would be "stranded" if it didn't have the tube. The SOHC4 tanks are much shallower in comparison and normal braking sloshes the fuel around to equalize the side levels, you can run "dry" with a litre or so in the right side when cruising on the freeway but in city traffic you might have 100 or 200cc at most.

[medic09]

Sounds like you don't like stopping for gas.  Probably all you'd accomplish if you install the tube is that you'd just run out of gas a little further down the road. 

    How true...

[csendker]

My project CB175 has the equalization tube, and it really is a pain.  As a project, the tank comes on & off reguarly, so I added two little fuel stop valves (meant for a lawnmower...).  I haven't even tied them together yet, because it's not in running condition.  They do interfere with the tank removal, I have to disconnect the tank, slide it forward until the frame is a bit smaller and then pull it off.  But it sure beats draining it each time. 

I'm glad the 550 doesn't have one.  That said, I thought the 550 tank was fully equalized, good to know otherwise - even if I never use the reserve.

[dustyc]

Somehow when you need to get under the tank it's always just after a fill-up.

That's just what he said.  Murphy's Law.

I'm glad the 550 doesn't have one.  That said, I thought the 550 tank was fully equalized, good to know otherwise - even if I never use the reserve.

I'm glad my silliness at least enlightened someone.

On another note:  I got her running decent today(adjusted the air so no more fouled plugs and set timing).  Rode out to the tag office and got my tag and had some fun putting her through her paces.  I've still got some things to straighten out that the PO did though.

I owe alot of her running so good to this board.  Thanks!