Pollak 6 Port Fuel Valve
Description
The Genuine Pollak 6 Port Fuel Valve is a motorised fuel tank selector valve designed for dual-tank fuel systems. It switches both the fuel supply and fuel return lines at the same time, allowing the engine to draw from Tank A or Tank B while returning unused fuel to the same selected tank.
This makes the Pollak valve ideal for long-range fuel tanks, dual-tank 4WD systems, OEM replacement applications, biodiesel conversions and SVO/WVO fuel systems where keeping the two fuel circuits separated is important.
Genuine Pollak 6 Port Motorised Fuel Selector Valve
Pollak reference codes include: 42-159, 42-149, 42-1495, 42-151, 42-153, 42-300, 42-302 and 42-308.
Note: Some older Pollak part numbers have been discontinued or superseded. Current models can still provide compatible replacement options depending on the original application.
- Genuine Pollak product
- Made in the USA
- Six-port design switches both supply and return lines
- Ideal for dual fuel tanks and long-range tank installations
- 12V DC motorised operation
- Maximum fuel pressure 60 PSI
- Approximately 0.5A maximum current draw
- Stable in either selected position without continuous power
- Wiring harness included
- Wiring diagrams included
- DPDT selector switches available
- 24V systems can be supported using a suitable 24V-to-12V converter
- 12 month warranty
What Does a 6 Port Fuel Valve Do?
A conventional fuel selector valve may only switch the fuel supply line. This can be unsuitable for engines that also return unused fuel back to the tank.
The Pollak 6 port valve switches both circuits simultaneously:
- Fuel supply from Tank A or Tank B
- Fuel return back to Tank A or Tank B
This ensures that fuel returning from the engine is routed back to the same tank it originally came from.
That is particularly important when using two different fuels, such as diesel and vegetable oil, or when preventing one tank from unintentionally transferring fuel into and potentially overfilling the other.
Ideal for Dual Fuel & Long-Range Tank Systems
The Pollak valve is commonly used in:
- Aftermarket long-range fuel tanks
- Dual fuel tank 4WD systems
- Touring vehicles
- Boats and marine installations
- OEM replacement applications
- Biodiesel conversions
- SVO / WVO vegetable oil conversions
- Custom fuel systems
The driver or operator can select between the two tanks from a switch, allowing fuel sources to be changed without manually operating valves under the vehicle or in the engine bay.
How the Six Ports Work
The six-port arrangement allows the valve to manage both supply and return flow.
A typical installation uses:
- Port 1: Fuel supply from Tank A
- Port 2: Fuel supply from Tank B
- Port 3: Selected fuel supply to the engine
- Port 4: Fuel return from the engine
- Port 5: Return fuel to Tank A
- Port 6: Return fuel to Tank B
When the valve changes position, both the supply and return circuits change together.
Motorised Operation
Unlike a conventional solenoid valve that may need to remain energised continuously, the Pollak valve uses a small electric motor to move the internal selector mechanism.
Once the valve reaches the selected position, an internal switch stops the motor. The valve then remains mechanically in that position even after power is removed.
This means electrical power is only required while the valve is changing position.
Typical switching time is approximately one second.
12V Electrical Operation
The Pollak valve is designed to operate from a 12V DC electrical supply.
A compatible DPDT On-On selector switch can be used to change between Tank A and Tank B.
For vehicles or equipment running a 24V electrical system, Scintex can supply a suitable 24V-to-12V waterproof power converter to operate the valve.
Fuel Hose Connections
The valve is supplied with moulded hose barbs to minimise the number of additional fittings and potential leak points in the fuel system.
The standard connection sizes are:
- Fuel supply: 3/8" ID hose, approximately 10mm
- Fuel return: 5/16" ID hose, approximately 8mm
Use correctly sized fuel-rated hose and suitable hose clamps for installation.
Fuel Compatibility
The Pollak motorised selector valve can be used with a range of compatible fuels including:
- Diesel
- Unleaded petrol
- Biodiesel
- SVO / vegetable oils
- Compatible oils
- Methanol
Always ensure that the complete fuel system, including hose, filters, seals and fittings, is compatible with the fuel being used.
Maximum Fuel Pressure
The valve is rated to a maximum fuel pressure of 60 PSI.
The installation should therefore be assessed to ensure the fuel pressure at the valve remains within this limit.
Pollak Valve Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Valve Type | Motorised 6 Port Fuel Selector Valve |
| Brand | Pollak |
| Country of Manufacture | USA |
| Voltage | 12V DC |
| Maximum Current Draw | Approx. 0.5A |
| Number of Ports | 6 |
| Fuel Supply Hose | 3/8" ID / approximately 10mm |
| Fuel Return Hose | 5/16" ID / approximately 8mm |
| Maximum Fuel Pressure | 60 PSI |
| Operation | Electric motor driven selector |
| Power Requirement | Power required only while changing position |
| Selected Position | Remains in selected position after power is removed |
| Approx. Switching Time | Approximately 1 second |
| Compatible Fuels | Diesel, Petrol, Biodiesel, SVO and compatible oils / fuels |
| Included |
Genuine Pollak 6 Port Valve Wiring Harness Wiring Diagrams |
| Optional Accessories |
DPDT On-On selector switch 24V-to-12V power converter |
| Warranty | 12 Months |
Why Switching the Return Line Matters
Many diesel and fuel-injected engines return unused fuel back to the tank.
If a dual-tank system switches only the supply line, fuel may be drawn from one tank while being returned to the other. Over time this can cause:
- Unwanted fuel transfer between tanks
- Tank overfilling
- Fuel spills
- Mixing of different fuels
- Problems with SVO or biodiesel conversions
The Pollak 6 port design solves this by switching both lines together.
OEM Replacement Applications
Pollak selector valves have been used in many original equipment dual-tank fuel systems.
Because some older Pollak part numbers have been superseded, the current replacement valve may carry a different code while remaining suitable for the original application.
Compare the original valve configuration, wiring and hose sizes before ordering if replacing an existing OEM unit.
Installation
The valve is designed for vehicle and machinery fuel system installations and is supplied with a wiring harness to simplify electrical connection.
Installation typically involves:
- Mounting the valve securely
- Connecting both tank supply lines
- Connecting the common supply line to the engine
- Connecting the engine return line
- Connecting both tank return lines
- Installing the wiring harness
- Connecting a suitable selector switch
Fuel system modifications should be carried out carefully and all connections should be checked thoroughly for leakage before the vehicle or equipment is returned to service.
Fuel Filtration
Suitable fuel filtration is strongly recommended. Fuel filters help protect the valve as well as the vehicle's fuel pump and injection system from tank contamination and debris.
The correct filter arrangement will depend on the dual-tank system and the type of fuel being used.
Important Installation Notes
Pressure: Do not exceed the valve's maximum fuel pressure rating of 60 PSI.
Hose: Use fuel-rated hose and clamps compatible with the chosen fuel.
Electrical supply: The valve operates from 12V DC. A suitable converter is required when using it with a 24V electrical system.
Fuel compatibility: Check the compatibility of the entire fuel system, not only the selector valve, when using alternative fuels such as biodiesel, vegetable oil or methanol.
OEM replacements: Confirm the original valve configuration and part number when replacing an existing Pollak valve.