Dickinson Pacific - Fuel Supply System

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FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM
1. Never use gasoline or unapproved fuels in
your appliance
Only use number 2 diesel in a Dickinson appliance. If you have
an appliance with a special metering valve rated for number 1
diesel or kerosene you must only run the fuel the valve is rated
for. Running unapproved or incorrect fuel types in this
appliance is a potential explosion hazard.
See page 26, fig 39, for valve rating markings
2. Cold climates
In colder climates or during colder seasons depending on your
location, kerosene or winterized number 1 diesel fuel may be
recommended due to their reduced viscosity. These fuels will
flow better and resist thickening in cold weather. In consistent
cold conditions where fuel must be exposed to cold,
substituting a valve with a higher flowrate may also be
recommended.
3. Fuel line install
We recommend a flared line connection for fuel lines you
connect to the metering valve. For this reason the metering
valve is supplied with flared fittings and nuts.
Use 3/8” copper refrigeration tubing for the inlet and ¼” copper
refrigeration tubing for the overflow line. Flare the ends of
these using a flaring tool to allow them to seal against the
fittings provided.
We recommend copper or aluminium tubing of the
refrigeration type or rated for fuel delivery for all fuel lines that
come within 3 feet of the appliance. Farther than 3 feet away
from the appliance any approved fuel line can be used. Make
sure to run all fuel lines as straight as possible to avoid air locks.
Thoroughly check every connection for leaks after install,
especially in a pump based system.
4. Overflow feature and fitting
The valve is fitted with an overflow tube, the purpose of which
is to evacuate excess fuel should it accumulate inside the valve
without being passed on to the burner.
While the overflow fitting will emit a few drops of fuel from
time to time, especially in rough seas, if you notice fuel dripping
steadily from the overflow fitting this is an indication that the
valve requires servicing (see page 43)
The overflow evacuation line is gravity fed – this means it will
not flow uphill from the metering valve. Do not install the
overflow line so that it travels upward or in loops. Any loops or
air locks in this line may impede fuel flow, so configure the line
as straight as possible (see page 27, fig 48)
To ensure correct operation and your safety, you must follow the following recommendations for connecting
and supplying your appliance with fuel.
5. Main fuel tank supply
If your appliance is being supplied from a main fuel tank, the
overflow line must return to the main tank.
When running the overflow line to the main tank, if the vent or
fill tube on your main fuel tank is positioned higher than the
valve on the appliance, a manual shut-off must be
incorporated into the overflow line and shut to ‘OFF’ when
refueling. Without a manual shut off in the overflow line,
refilling the fuel tank may cause fuel to back up into the
overflow line and leak from the metering valve.
Do not use a check valve for this purpose.
See page 29, fig 51
6. Fuel filter and manual shut off
Fuel must be filtered before it reaches a fuel pump or the
metering valve to prevent dirt & debris from plugging check
valves in the pump or the needle & seat of the valve.
There must also be a manual shut-off between the tank and the
valve to relieve pressure on the valve needle when the stove is
not in use. When not in use, relying on the valve alone to shut
off fuel flow may cause wear to its mechanism.
See page 29
7. Fuel pump use
When using a low pressure fuel pump to deliver fuel, the line
delivering fuel from the tank to the pump must be connected as
close to the fuel tank as possible and must not be supplied from
the engine supply line or from the engine fuel filter.
Use a check valve in the appliance fuel line to prevent the
engine from drawing and consuming fuel intended for the
appliance.
8. Gravity vs. fuel pump?
There are many factors that need to be taken into account
when configuring the fuel supply system. After taking into
account any factors that might prevent a particular set-up from
conforming to the guidelines and stipulations in these
instructions, other considerations include;
 Gravity feed is silent, whereas a cycling pump emits
occasional noise
 Gravity feed requires a day tank positioned higher than the
appliance whereas a pump can draw fuel from an existing
fuel source.
 Gravity feed systems have no moving parts to fail whereas a
mechanical pump requires a power source and will
eventually require servicing.
 Using a pump to draw fuel from an existing tank requires a
check valve in the supply line as well as a shut-off valve on
the overflow line.
See page 29