Cruiser Brothers 12.5 LRA Aux Tank Install in LX570

[Markuson]

Finally found the exact, faster pump I used (and a Valley Hybrids installed instead of standard pump).
Go here:
Airtex External Electric Fuel Pumps E84070N

Interesting that it’s rated at 72 GPH because I’m pretty sure it’s faster than that...closer to 2gpm than 1gpm.

I’ll have to trying running my next main tank really low and then timing a full sub-tank transfer to really confirm.

 

[TeCKis300]

I can hear it on the highway. Maybe I’ll record some sound on the highway from the front.

Guess I should clarify. If it's primed and I'm going fast enough with ambient noise 80+, I can barely hear it. Any less speed, and I can definitely hear it.

Once it runs dry, it's VERY loud and there's no masking it.

 

[TeCKis300]

Another refinement that I just added is heatshielding on the tank nearest the exhaust. Found a product that has adhesive backing making this an easy add. The metal heatshielding is backed by insulating fiberglass, then backed by strong high temp adhesive. Easy to conform to the various angles. This completely removes the concern in my mind with a hot exhaust near a metal tank for those hot low speed crawling days.

Perfect product for this application.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E243AW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[TonyP]

Finally found the exact, faster pump I used (and a Valley Hybrids installed instead of standard pump).
Go here:
Airtex External Electric Fuel Pumps E84070N

Interesting that it’s rated at 72 GPH because I’m pretty sure it’s faster than that...closer to 2gpm than 1gpm.

I’ll have to trying running my next main tank really low and then timing a full sub-tank transfer to really confirm.

Another option are the micro electric pumps. There are tons of these available and you can ususally pick one up at a local auto parts store for $30-$50. Cheap enough that you can carry a spare if you're feeling froggy. They're about the size of a D-cell battery. It's what I'll be using for my aux tank in the Troopy.

Holley, Mr Gasket, Edelbrock, ect carry them. All look the same so they're probably rebranded from the same China factory.

Just another option...

Edelbrock Universal Micro Electric Fuel Pumps 17301

 

[brasskey]

Finally found the exact, faster pump I used (and a Valley Hybrids installed instead of standard pump).
Go here:
Airtex External Electric Fuel Pumps E84070N

Interesting that it’s rated at 72 GPH because I’m pretty sure it’s faster than that...closer to 2gpm than 1gpm.

I’ll have to trying running my next main tank really low and then timing a full sub-tank transfer to really confirm.

Another option are the micro electric pumps. There are tons of these available and you can ususally pick one up at a local auto parts store for $30-$50. Cheap enough that you can carry a spare if you're feeling froggy. They're about the size of a D-cell battery. It's what I'll be using for my aux tank in the Troopy.

Holley, Mr Gasket, Edelbrock, ect carry them. All look the same so they're probably rebranded from the same China factory.

Just another option...

Edelbrock Universal Micro Electric Fuel Pumps 17301

Thank you @Markuson. Your pump definitely sounds quieter. I'll have to look into it.

Thanks @TonyP. I appreciate another alternative. Have you used one before? I found a Mr. Gasket video on Youtube and it does sound a bit quieter.

 

[brasskey]

Another refinement that I just added is heatshielding on the tank nearest the exhaust. Found a product that has adhesive backing making this an easy add. The metal heatshielding is backed by insulating fiberglass, then backed by strong high temp adhesive. Easy to conform to the various angles. This completely removes the concern in my mind with a hot exhaust near a metal tank for those hot low speed crawling days.

Perfect product for this application.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E243AW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks, I didn't even think about adding that. Will definitely get some.

 

[TonyP]

Thank you @Markuson. Your pump definitely sounds quieter. I'll have to look into it.

Thanks @TonyP. I appreciate another alternative. Have you used one before? I find a Mr. Gasket video on Youtube and it does sound a bit quieter.

I used one a long time ago to replace a busted secondary low volume pump in an old BMW (fun fact, older BMW's have an internal AND external fuel pump. Troubleshooting a fuel issue was fun). I can't remember how loud it was but it worked until I got rid of the vehicle. You're only running it for a few minutes anyways.

I don't know the flow rate of the supplied LRA pump, but these little ones pump a good amount. So keep an eye on the gauge as you're transferring as to not cavitate the pump.

Dry lift specs (self priming height) shouldn't matter since the fuel outlet is lower on the LRA tank. So this pump should work well.

Also look into the amp draw and make sure your wiring will work. I don't know the current draw difference between the LRA pump and this one.

 

[TeCKis300]

My pump is loud as hell. The video below is with fuel in the auxiliary tank. It can be heard in the vehicle while driving and gets pretty annoying. I thought I might have some loose tubing or something hitting, but it looks fine me. It's just the pump making the noise. Does this sound like everyone else's or might I have a bad pump? Gas still transfers fine, but the noise is loud.

I want to say that this may be the nature of this type of pump after looking into it a bit. They rely on a pulsing diaphram with a check valve to move fluid. So the hammering noise is typical. They do get quieter with fluid. I also suspect that it's still noisier than what is typical in say a carburetor application, as it's just transferring free-flowing fluid without being able to build up head pressure, which I suspect would quiet it down.

Vs the vane type that Mark upgraded to. Faster and quieter.

Quieter might be a thing, but faster in my mind is not really necessary for a transfer pump. Unless one wants it to shutup faster.

Found a vid comparing the noise of the two. @6:35min and @7:24

 

[Markuson]

I used one a long time ago to replace a busted secondary low volume pump in an old BMW (fun fact, older BMW's have an internal AND external fuel pump. Troubleshooting a fuel issue was fun). I can't remember how loud it was but it worked until I got rid of the vehicle.

I don't know the flow rate of the supplied LRA pump, but these little ones pump a good amount. So keep an eye on the gauge as you're transferring as to not cavitate the pump.

When I was given a few details from Georg that I needed to look for, he mentioned it needed to exceed 35GPM. I assumed that was because that was close to the stNdard pump rate but I’m not sure. Seem to recall Cole saying it was maybe a gallon per minute or less on his, but...

Thing is...speed really isn’t a big deal in normal use. And if it makes a little noise, it’s not a big deal. If you’re out on the road, it’s gonna get done. For me, though, part of my motivation was because someday I want to be able to direct the flow to another vehicle, can, or whatever... like a fueling station. Otherwise, the only way to help a buddy who is out of fuel is carrying a jerry can...and who wants to do that if you don’t need to? Also would be great for a light dirt bike, generator or emergency fire/heat source (gasoline will start wet wood!).

 

[TeCKis300]

Another option are the micro electric pumps. There are tons of these available and you can ususally pick one up at a local auto parts store for $30-$50. Cheap enough that you can carry a spare if you're feeling froggy. They're about the size of a D-cell battery. It's what I'll be using for my aux tank in the Troopy.

Holley, Mr Gasket, Edelbrock, ect carry them. All look the same so they're probably rebranded from the same China factory.

Just another option...

Edelbrock Universal Micro Electric Fuel Pumps 17301

The pump that comes with the LRA is this style of micro electric pump. Can't remember the brand, but it was a legit made in USA pump.

 

[Markuson]

The pump that comes with the LRA is this style of micro electric pump. Can't remember the brand, but it was a legit made in USA pump.

And about the size of a D battery, as Tony mentioned. My pump is a little fatter, I think...but not big. Nice thing about the LRA is the pump is external and in a spot that’s easy to access. Thinking replacing the pump would be pretty straight forward.

 

[TonyP]

I thought they came with square, solid state, pumps?

 

[TeCKis300]

I thought they came with square, solid state, pumps?

Here's mine mounted:

 

[TonyP]

Interesting. I'm almost positive LRA tanks used to come with a solid state pump. Maybe they changed it up?

If that's the case, the one I posted is essentially the same as the one supplied.

 

[brasskey]

Interesting. I'm almost positive LRA tanks used to come with a solid state pump. Maybe they changed it up?

If that's the case, the one I posted is essentially the same as the one supplied.

Looks like it is a solid state pump.

Facet®/Purolator® Posi-Flo® Solid State Electronic Fuel Pump Kit

 

[Markuson]

I thought they came with square, solid state, pumps?

Cole’s looked similar to my pump (below), but maybe smaller diameter:

Edit: I could swear Cole‘s looked more like mine that the one in you posted. Hmmm...

Cole literally had the first one they did on a 200 here. Wonder if they switched since then?

 

[TonyP]

Weird. The pump I had pictured was like this but with a different name/sticker on the side. I'm almost positive they changed the pump then. Which is good. Which also means forget everything I said above as that pump is pretty much the same as the one I linked.

I believe it look used to look like this:

 

[bryson]

Another refinement that I just added is heatshielding on the tank nearest the exhaust. Found a product that has adhesive backing making this an easy add. The metal heatshielding is backed by insulating fiberglass, then backed by strong high temp adhesive. Easy to conform to the various angles. This completely removes the concern in my mind with a hot exhaust near a metal tank for those hot low speed crawling days.

Perfect product for this application.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E243AW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think the heat shield is a good idea, but do you have any concerns about the fiberglass insulation holding moisture right against the tank? That's assuming of course that the product is stuck directly to the tank.

 

[TeCKis300]

Hrmmm. I think it'll be okay as the tank is aliminized steel which is pretty rust resistant.

 

[rmtannerjr]

Got my 24gal installed early this week. It was much easier than expected since I did not have to shift the carbon canister or cut the those brackets since the spare wasn’t going back in.

I can honestly say removal of the plastic clips holding the wheel well liner as mentioned may actually be the most difficult part and you just need to cut them rather than try saving them. That and fishing out the factory filler was a chore which ended with my helper breaking the inlet nipple off of the carbon canister. Hope the Gorilla Glue holds.

Several of the great tips from the OPs 12.5 gallon install do apply to the 24 including the extra elbow on the fast fill breather.

I was not provided with enough 5/16” fuel line for my chosen pump location which was similar to the OPs. NAPA has it.

Thankfully my tank and sending unit grounded themselves since after bolting it all up, the ground terminal came off of the sending unit. I suggest making sure that connector is more secure than I did.

The dash mounted gauge/switch is very difficult to find a spot for on the LX as it’s close to 3” deep. As stated, no blanks on these LXs so finding a spot that is deep enough behind the dash and with no clips is close to impossible if you want to be able to see the gauge from a driving position especially. I liked the OPs location but I had a clip behind that spot.

I chose the panel with the mirror adjustment so I could replace it easily if needed. It was extremely tight and I hate to recommend it since at the angle, it makes contact with the mirror switch behind the dash so I had to grind on that switch a bit. Not perfect, but I wanted it visible while driving so I don’t forget to turn off the pump when transferring.

I haven’t done a transfer yet but will report back on actual time it takes to fill.

I am considering adding a “Y” to the pump outlet with shut offs for each leg in case I want to fill a generator or rotopax.