I'm sure these exist (fuel shutoff valve)

My google-fu keeps giving me junk for search results...

I'm a little worried about the design of my fuel system in my Alfa GTV6. It seems that the "out line" from my fuel tank is low enough that when the hose is disconnected from the fuel rail (and lowered) it allows for a continuous flow of fuel. So far it's just my garage floor, but I'm worried that in an event of a fire, accident, or fuel line separation this could lead to a potentially hazardous (and possibly unstoppable) situation.

SO!

What I thought I'd look for was a "Electric Fuel Shutoff Valve". I was hoping to find something that I could install at the gas tank's outlet and energize when I wanted fuel to flow through it. When power was lost (ie: key turned to the off position) I would like it to "fail" to a closed position.

So far all I've found were manual units, something for letting a motorcycle sit, and one Aeromotive fuel filter that is "spill-less".

Does anyone have a link? Or thoughts/warnings about installing such a unit?

Thanks! -Bill

I don't know whether any would be big enough, but you might try searching for an "electric petcock", since that's the term motorcycles use for the fuel shutoff valve...

EDIT: Rereading I see you've already hit on the motorcycle thing. Sizing aside, any reason that wouldn't be what you were after as long as it was automatic and appropriately sized?

Why not put a low pressure fuel pump in there? Pump off, no fuel will flow.

Dr. Hess wrote: Why not put a low pressure fuel pump in there? Pump off, no fuel will flow.

interesting....

I have a Facet electric fuel pump laying around my garage somewhere. Maybe I'll plug that inline and see if it'll hold back the fuel (I think it's probably capable of generating 1psi?).

The current pump is an "inline Bosch" unit and it seems to let fuel pass when it's off.

Would the fuel solenoid from a nitrous system work? Not sure what the duty cycle is on one.

Is this what you had in mind?

dang! I thought this would be a common item (maybe found in the Pegasus catalog or something).

It's either I find something that'll work, or I install a fire suppression system

EDIT: winner winner! Thank you everyone!

Interesting review though:

"If used in an application that requires lengthy operation of at least 1 hour in the "OPEN" (power on) position the valve will fail within 5 hours. This unit should clearly state in the specifications that it is to be used for intermittent service only."

Is the fuel line tapped into the bottom of the gas tank? Most cars have them entering the tank from the top, so if the line leaks it won't dump out the entire tank on the ground - you'll just get the contents of the line itself.

That was just one that I found in a quick google search. There are certainly more heavy duty valves out there. A lot of forklifts use a similar valve for LPG fuel, generally referred to as a lock-off valve in that industry. Those will have a much higher pressure rating, and I see no reason why they wouldn't work for gasoline.

Put a loop in the hose that is higher than the tank.

I use these in hydraulic applications at work with good results. They probably make one compatible with gasoline.

http://peterpaul.com/valves/2-way-normally-closed/

iceracer wrote: Put a loop in the hose that is higher than the tank.

Dag-gum That's so simple it just might work!

I went in the garage looking for that Facet fuel pump I mentioned (to see if it allowed fuel to pass). I've been moving it from place to place for the last 2-years, and now I can't find it.

figures

My '81 Toyota Truck has a fuel cutoff solenoid, but it is integrated into the carb. It is supposed to be energized with the key switch, but for what ever reason it wasn't working. For awhile I just jumpered it to the battery when I used the truck, more of a utility vehicle for the land around my house. Then I put it on a toggle switch in the cab.

Anyways... maybe looking for just a solenoid will yield better results.

With a high=pressure fuel line, perhaps something spring-loaded could work. Fuel pressure could overcome the spring, but once off, it closes. No idea if something like that exists, but seems plausible.

Try the following link or search for check valves
Lee Check valves

Hungary Bill wrote:

iceracer wrote: Put a loop in the hose that is higher than the tank.

Dag-gum That's so simple it just might work!

You guys ever heard of a siphon?

Bryce