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Helm fuel transfer switch

Posted: August 22nd, 2018, 10:10 am
by thp1957
Hi, there’s a fuel transfer switch on the helm of my ‘01 356 diesel. It shows transferring between the port and starboard tanks.

Do the fuel valves in the engine room need to changed in order to direct fuel between the tanks via the helm switch?

Thanks :usa:

Re: Helm fuel transfer switch

Posted: October 29th, 2018, 5:38 pm
by fleck05
I'm kind of curious, too. My fuel transfer button looks like it might have been added later by the look of the panel. Does anyone know if this was an available feature or added after-market?

Re: Helm fuel transfer switch

Posted: October 29th, 2018, 7:05 pm
by Midnightsun
The fuel selector valves have no bearing on the fuel transfer however there is a valve between the tanks that connects the 2 for fuel transfer and this valve needs to be open. The instructions say to close the valve when not in use however this is a royal pita so basically I leave mine in the open position all the time, oh my, put me in jail! :-D This is factory on mine but then again in an older vintage yours may not be set up the same. My switch was like the one in the picture which I found a little dated so I swapped it out for this which is an exact match of all my other dash switches. https://www.greatlakesskipper.com/catal ... witch&cat=

Re: Helm fuel transfer switch

Posted: October 29th, 2018, 8:39 pm
by Viper
As Hans mentioned, the selector valves are separate from the transfer system. Not every system has a valve in the transfer line so take a look to see what you have so you're familiar with your equipment. Check the fittings and the pump itself for leaks. If the pump doesn't work, you can either replace it or simply use your selector valves to manage fuel usage from the tanks.

Re: Helm fuel transfer switch

Posted: October 29th, 2018, 9:32 pm
by km1125
EDIT- OOPS... I was actually replying to post #2 instead of #1... I didn't scroll all the way to the top
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I'd say that's an add-on and definitely not stock.

Do you have diesels? I have a 3607 but it is gas. I've thought about putting a fuel transfer switch in. Wondering how yours works. Do you have to hold that switch either left or right, or does it stay there. If it stays, I wonder if they have something to prevent an overflow in the tank you're pumping towards.
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Re: Helm fuel transfer switch

Posted: November 26th, 2018, 2:06 pm
by ScubaPete
My fuel transfer switch on the helm dash looks exactly like the one pictured above, it's just mounted in a different spot. Had to replace the switch, it's a simple reversing switch. As it is switched, the pump runs in one direction or the other depending on the polarity of the wiring.