Can I modify the stock pickup (with intank pump) to accept a draw straw or equivelant?
Currently I have the intank pump disconnected and am using the draw straw 2 that I drilled and installed in the tank to feed my fass. I am not terribly happy when it gets to a 1/4 tank or less of fuel.
What I want to do is modify the stock pickup to use as it appears to be baffled and does not cause the wild fluctuations of pressure or running out of fuel early. Though I seldom let it get below a 1/4 tank sometimes it does happen.
What do I need to do to modify my existing set up to use the baffling effects of the pickup basket?
Do I need to find a pre-intank pump pickup and buy the original draw straw in that to solve this?

 

GDP sells used pre-intank pump pickups for $99.00.

 

whats GDP?

 

Glacier Diesel Power.

 

check with your local dealer. when they put the intank pumps in they usually throw out the old unit. some of your techs save them though and you might be able to pick up one for free. i did....

 

I had the same problem with the draw straw 2. This is what I did to completely fix it. Instead of using the rigid tube into the tank, get some flexible fuel line and route it directly into the factor basket and simply secure it with some zip ties. I then drilled some more holes into the pickup to allow for extra flow after taking out the debris screen on the bottom. Then reinstall the debris screen, I think it was white, and your all set. The pickup will now still hold fuel while it's sloshing around at low levels and will still allow for enough flow for whatever your running.

 

Be very careful when considering this. I see guys do this all the time and have nothing but issues. Instead of 1/4 tank, it happens at 1/2. This is due to the in-tank pump assembly used excess fuel from the in-tank pump to pull fuel into the basket via a venturi at the bottom. No pump, you loose this function and it becomes a BIG restriction. SO when you put the FASS on there that recirculates fuel to and from the tank, it will empty the basket if the fuel drops below the upper rim of it. FASS will loose its prime, and shut the truck down. SO you will have to drill some holes like zchornyak did or just find a stock pick up to reinstall.

 

Good point about the recirculation problems with fass. I believe since I have a raptor setup, the overflow is still active within the basket and old lines. That's probably why I don't have much of a problem because the basket is still filling up from the fuel recirculating back from the overflow valve. I've never looked at how the fass is setup though.

 

Well if the in-tank pump is not working....you only have engine return fuel running the venturi....and that is if the check valve system is still working allowing fuel to get to the venturi. The Raptor, like our HPFP, is a static flow pump. Meaning that it’s only pulling out of the pick-up what the engine is using....its sits in a constant state of by-pass feeding the engine what is calls for at any given time. SO the flow though the pick-up is not even close to what the AD or FASS would move just running. These recirculating pumps move full pump volume to and from the tank all the time. This is why these pumps are sensitive to restriction and will empty a fuel basket in a HURRY!

 

Here is my opinion.
A bigger pick-up in the tank is not necessary until really big HP.
A big line is hard to keep suction on. The fuel moves slower and thus will not keep fuel in the line.
I took mine out and now it will go down to the 1/8 tank and still work. It was acting up about 3/8 with the draw straw.

 

What kind of advantage/disadvantage, if any, would I see if I hooked up my 1/2" line to my factory pickup with the supplied adapter. It came with the adapter as though it were the 95 GPH kit but this was the 150.

 

Dont quote me on this but I would think the motor on the fuel pump might run hotter due to having to suck harder on the 3/8 line but the pressure should stay the same unless you over run the reg. with big H.P. just my 2 cents not facts. This draw straw is a pain in the butt and also to put them in then have problems. They FASS Air Dog GDP need to come up with a replacement drop in basket like the factory one with a 1/2 tube and do what ever it takes to keep enough fuel in the basket so you dont suck it dry. Thats my other 2 Cents

 

Trust me...we have looked at it...and its a Cost/Benefit issue at this point...we don’t want to add something to a kit that puts 300.00 more on top of it.....its being looked at.....we don’t want to just rush into something....but something will be done down the road.....

 

I had draw straw II's in mine but I had to get rid of them since the bushings get attacked by biodiesel.
I went with all nylon fittings I got from mcmaster-carr. Nylon barbs, elbows, compression fittings and flexible tube. I can always move them into the stock pickup module later if I want to.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I am going to try and get a stock pickup assembly, but if that does not pan out then I will try routing the flex hose into the existing assembly and drilling some more holes. May have more questions once we get rolling.
Thanks