CSR Fuel Drop

Michael,

Couple of options, either a rotary pump, or air pump, the latter being the lighter. The drum pumps I'm familiar with are either 1L/turn($350-400), or a smaller one, with either half or third/litre per turn.($200??)

Air pumps can be made up easily, though I think there is a commercial one available. Only need about 5 psi to transfer the fuel across. A "spear" into the drum, with 2" BSP thread on it, and a tyre valve fitting braised onto the set-up to pressurise the drum. Did make up one once, that had a bung, 3/4", for the small bung, that had the air fitting on it. Could use Kamlok fittings to make the setup easier to pack away.

Seeing it's a petrol, I'd be using "proper" fuel hose, to reduce chance of static build up. Or an earth wire, from drum to vehicle. Can be quite high in dry climates, like the CSR.

Hooroo...

Hi Michael
I bougght a hella submersable 12v pump 10yrs ago that i use for pumping diesel have seen them used for pumping petrol. It was about $80 can't remember how many ltr/min but a lot faster than a hose and in your case the 200ltr drum is to heavy to elevate(it is about 5'' long and 1"1/2 round, fits in 20ltr oil drums, with barbed ends to attach 12mm hose).

Mattie

If no pumps the well.I have just used jiggler hose bought from repco.May have to add longer hose .
Then just syphon into jerry cans , I would say he will have a few jerry's .When almost down to the last couple of jerry's you can lift the drum onto your spare wheel or something to elevate the drum to get the last 40-50 litres.
No pumps takeing up valuable space.

I've wondered how fuel drops on the CSR work. Are they just left and labelled for whoever ordered them on a particular day ? I assume it relies on the integrity of other travellers ? If you dont have a fuel drop, what max range do you need between fuel supplies ?

I know this doesn't address the question, but IMO, a worthwhile alternative to a fuel drop at w23, is to allow a bit of extra time to do a side trip out to Rudall R. Nat. Park.....
Bit over 100k's (along the Talawana Track) from Georgia Bore to Parnngurr (Cotton Creek) community where visitors are welcome, & fuel (diesel) is available.. There is also a half-decent store if ya need to re-stock some basic foodstuffs etc.... From memory, I think they mighta had ULP available (pump from drums), but you'd need to check this...

When we were there ('05), the Nat. park was very dry & in need of a good soaking, &
waterholes had beed badly fouled by camels....
In view of recent weather events, this year might be a good time to pay a visit...
(when/if ya can get there;-))...

if interested, give 'em a call on (08) 9176 9009

Michael

Pumps are available at the fuel dump and are maintained by Capricorn road house who supply the fuel. Last time there a year ago, there was a rotary as well as a lift pump - both in good condition.

Drums are clearly marked with the name of the purchaser with diesel and petrol being in separate stacks. Obviously the system is reliant on people's honesty.

Fuel is also available at Kunawaradtji on the CSR but you will need to contact them prior and advise of your travel times and volumes/type of fuel you will require.

Have fun

Thank you to all who replied, very imformative. regards Michael

Hi Michael,

We bought our fuel at Cotton Creek. They did have ULP available (we did wait 24 hoursfor the fuel truck to arrive).

Just a heads up - Had a look (photo op) at the fuel dump. One thing I noticed was the fuel pumps supplied were COVERED in dirt. The red dirt was all over the pumps, up the intake etc. Price was the same then, $2.20/litre for deisel from Cotton Creek and Capricorn Roadhouse. Funnily enough, was only $1.86 at Kalumbaroo and Drysdale River!

Tony

???? Why do you not just buy your fuel from the bowser at well 33- Kunawarajji comunity? Price is the same and you only have to get what you need, also no hassels with pumps and lifting 200kg drums! That is what I have done on my 3 Canning trips with no probs.
Regards Ken.

Michael,

We had drums of diesel at well 23 waiting for us last year. Had GDT on the top and had no trouble getting the fuel out of the drums with the rotary hand pump that we brought with us.

Vic asked if I wanted a hand or 12v pump. I went for the hand pump. It may take a little longer but I didn't have to worry if it would work when required. The hand pumps at the site are very ordinary.

The drums were all standing up right buy we did have to move the vehicles around a little to get to the drums.

We will be doing the same again this year with a total of 9 vehicles.

Last year we had to leave some fuel because we could not get it all into our tanks, this year I will take some empty jerry cans and fill them with any excess fuel.

Wayne