Fuel line locations

[Dekayy]

I am currently building a rocket that is using 2 small tanks near the capsule to feed my lander rockets.. they will have no rockets on them.. does the fuel lines need to connect on a certain area of the tank, ie, Top or bottom (assuming if Gravity plays a part in fuel tank dispersal) and if i am connect them right, how can I get an indication that the fuel is being used? I know if a rocket is attached, i can see the fuel consumption. Currently, I plan on having my tank hoses at the bottom of the reserve tank.

Rob/Dekayy

[DeMatt]

I am currently building a rocket that is using 2 small tanks near the capsule to feed my lander rockets.. they will have no rockets on them.. does the fuel lines need to connect on a certain area of the tank, ie, Top or bottom (assuming if Gravity plays a part in fuel tank dispersal)

Nope. You can connect them at the top, the bottom, or the side, just so long as they're actually attached to the tank. Remember, fuel lines only flow in one direction; the first end you connect is where fuel will flow FROM, while the second end is where fuel will flow TO.

and if i am connect them right, how can I get an indication that the fuel is being used? I know if a rocket is attached, i can see the fuel consumption. Currently, I plan on having my tank hoses at the bottom of the reserve tank.

While in flight, you can right-click on any part to get details and controls on that part. Right-click on one of your fuel tanks, and you'll see only its fuel capacity. You can also click on the "Resources" tab in the upper-right corner of the screen to show your rocket's total fuel status.

[Tank Buddy]

DeMatt has the correct answer. Also, keep in mind that you just have to place the fuel lines on the bottom tank, if there are stacked tanks, but you can place the "exit" of the line anywhere on the inner tanks. On the top or bottom, even on the engine.

[Dekayy]

Thank you very much guys! forgot about checking the status of a tank.. I basically put the lines in my setup and put my capsule on the launchpad held by launch stabilizers, and watched the tank status.. I got the fuel lines right and now know that when my capsule tank starts to drop, i can jettison the 2 aux. tanks.. thanks for the help guys!

Cheers,

Rob

Edited February 7, 2014 by Dekayy

[Vanamonde]

Depending on the layout of the ship, you might not need fuel lines at all. Fuel flows through many parts, including capsules.

[John Crichton]

Depending on the layout of the ship, you might not need fuel lines at all. Fuel flows through many parts, including capsules.

I was wondering about that. Is there something like a list highlighting what allows fuel through and what doesn't?

Just want to make sure Jeb doesn't end up stuck with full tanks and no propulsion

[Deathsoul097]

Yes there is. I the editor, you will se a line saying "Fuel Crossfeed Disabled" when you hover over some parts. They cant allow fuel to pass through them. Anything without that line can and will though.

[Kasuha]

Link: Description of how fuel is drawn in KSP

If you want to see fuel level in a tank and you don't want to keep clicking on it, you can stick an LV-1R engine to that tank. It has very low fuel consumption and very low weight so it usually can be used as a fuel level indicator without significantly affecting the ship.

[Claw]

I was wondering about that. Is there something like a list highlighting what allows fuel through and what doesn't?

Just want to make sure Jeb doesn't end up stuck with full tanks and no propulsion

Also, if you end up in the situation where you have fuel but it can't get to the engines, you can manually move fuel around. You would still need a tank connected to the engine, but if you mess up a secondary tank, you can fix it in flight.

Right click on one of your tanks to bring up the fuel readout.

Hold ALT and right click on the second fuel tank.

You can now transfer fuel into or out of either tank.