FSV/ Pollack valve question - Diesel Forum

jjpatter25 · 11-14-2005, 05:07 AM

Is a 6 port Pollack valve an FSV switch or is that wrong? I think my FSV switch crapped out and needs to be replaced. I was thinking that since I heard talk about 6 port pollacks that it's a brand or style of an FSV switch. What make of FSV switch would you recommend. I see AC Delco and Niehoff so far but just started looking recently.

chopperbob · 11-14-2005, 04:49 PM

It is a fuel selector valve. I use mine to select between #2 and oil.
J. C. Whitney has them. When I got mine they were on sale for $53.
Bob

JOAT · 11-14-2005, 09:48 PM

I'm curious, how hot does your oil get Bob? The pollack is rated to only 160*F.
I've heard of them being failure prone at higher temps but alot of people use them.

BandE · 11-15-2005, 07:17 AM

My instruction sheet that came with the 6 port Pollak Valve says 180F. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

jjpatter25 · 11-15-2005, 07:55 AM

Is Pollack the preferred FSV switch? Have you heard about problems with other brands? I plan on running bio regularly and already have a full aux tank of bio, I think the bio killed the FSV but not sure how. Have yet to test the switch. I've heard there's problems with FSVs.
How difficult is it to install? Looks like the cabin switch, the FSV and the FSV wiring connector needs to be replaced. Doesn't seem too bad, easy directions?

ToddT · 11-15-2005, 09:21 AM

I have had excellent performance out of my Pollak 6-port motorized fuel selector valve. As I understand it, this is a motorized valve rather than a solenoid by definition.

Mine is the standard black heavy plastic unit that does not need to be grounded to the frame.

I'm a bit confused about what Pollak has to offer. I understood they had both a solenoid style and a motorized valve style. The picture I got was the motorized valve is better.

On the road a while back I felt I had a 6 port going bad and bought a valve from NAPA. It is also a 6 port but it has a chrome housing and must be mounted to the frame for proper grounding. I have a feeling this is the solenoid style valve rather than the motorized valve. I may connect some power to it just to see.

The chrome plated model is not on the Pollak website . They have it on a main page at JC Whitney but not inside where you order specific parts.

My guess is Pollak still makes the chrome model as OEM and stock replacement. But for the aftermarket, your choice is the better 6 port motorized valve.

I'll probably go to a Frybrid valve when I move into a modified FN74 system but so far, so good on the this valve from JC Whitney. . By the way, its on sale for $54.... just in time for the holidays!

Todd T

chopperbob · 11-15-2005, 02:40 PM

Reply to question on how much heat do I have on the Pollack 6 port valve.

Right now when I switch over its about 100 or 120 at the valve.Water temp is about 160 or so.
But it creeps up to about 180 when the water temps top out at 180. I have a 203 thermostat and have had it in since start up so dont know what it would be with a stock therm. Also the water temp is taken off the line going back to the tank after the tee, so maby the engine is hotter but I dont know. The stock guage is crap. I have a sender at the tank, filter and the 6 port. Tank and filter never get to those temps and I dont know why. Am thinking of buying a spare just in case.
Bob

jjpatter25 · 11-15-2005, 10:49 PM

The valve I have is solenoid powered. Pretty sure since the website says something like, "the motorized valve used in trucks with a full-tank mounted pump." If this is referring to the supply pump, mine's mechanical and I replaced it this summer.
Can you use the motorized valve with mine? What would be needed to modify this? I've some one on another thead--6.9 diesel board--say that they have both, the pollack and the factory equipment, so the original fuel gauge will read the level, and the pollack would do something else. I guess there's a problem with pollack valves and the factory fuel gauge.

chopperbob · 11-16-2005, 01:59 PM

No Problem, you just need to get a sender that matches the ford guage.
J C Whitney has them as well.
Bob

jjpatter25 · 11-17-2005, 09:26 PM

Dumb question but I'll need two sensors, one for each tank? I'll have to siphon the fuel and remove the tanks to replace the sensors, correct? The cabin front-rear tank switch has two tank sensor wires that signal the gauge, so connecting the two new tank sensor wires shouldn't be that difficult. But if i have to drop the tanks to do it, it sounds like it would be a pain in the ass.
Is this necessary and does anyone have any suggestions?

DevoK12RS · 11-18-2005, 10:36 AM

You might want to go ahead and just ask this on the 6.9 forum, but...

Here's what I *think* I know. The 6 way pollack is original equipment. I'm not sure what you mean when you say 'some use it with the OE.' Anyway, somewhere in the thread it seems like we switched from talking about the pollack to talking about sending units. If your pollack is bad and you replace it with a compatible (or OEM) piece, you shouldn't have to do anything with the sending units- unless of course they're bad also which is likely on our vintage vehix.

The pollack and Fuel Selector Valve are the same thing. The folks on the 6.9 forum say it is a motor and not a solenoid. I couldn't explain the difference.

HTH,
Devo

jjpatter25 · 11-19-2005, 11:27 PM

yeah, got off topic. Started a 6.9 thread to finish this up. Thanks for the help everyone.