I'm looking for a bit ...

[togfox]

I'm looking for a bit that doesn't permit fuel flow.

I want to make fuel transport vehicle (tanker) and I want to separate the cargo from the useable fuel. In other words - I want to isolate the cargo so my main engines don't burn through all important payload. I'm trying all sorts of structural parts to separate one fuel tank from the next and I can't find anything that interrupts fuel flow AND permits the attachment of a tank. Hard points seem to stop fuel but they don't permit the attachment of tanks on both ends.

I could use a decoupler but that is a last resort as I just know I'll fire those decouplers by accident and jettison my engines from the main craft.

What do you guys use when you want to isolate fuel flow?

Edited February 22, 2014 by togfox

[CaptainKipard]

Docking ports can have fuel crossfeed disabled outside the VAB

[bsalis]

Last time I checked the metal plates block fuel flow.

[Tex_NL]

Before take-off (or even in the SPH/VAB) right click the cargo fuel tank and block fuel flow by clicking the green arrow >.

You can still pump fuel in or out manually but engines won't.

Edited February 22, 2014 by Tex_NL

[SSSPutnik]

Rockomax adapters won't feed if you place em backwards.

[Starstrider42]

Tex_NL's method is really the best, because you can change it mid-flight (e.g., if you screw up a burn, you can use the "cargo" as an emergency reserve by re-enabling the tanks). It's how I do my tankers.

Also, this trick works with any resource. For example, if you have a detachable lander you can disable its battery to keep it from getting drained by the rest of the ship on the planet's night side.

[Xavven]

If you're shutting off the fuel flow of the payload for roleplay reasons, one counterargument is that there are RL examples of refueling tankers pumping from the same fuel tanks that power their own engines. The KC-135 can pump nearly all its internal fuel to other aircraft: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_KC-135_Stratotanker#Design

[Skorpychan]

Decouplers.

[togfox]

Thanks guys. The tex way is the correct way. I just never considered this an option. Never thought of it. Rep for tex!

[Tex_NL]

In the words of the great Andrew Martin, "One is happy to be of service".

[m4rt14n]

Nice one. Didnt know bout this either. I usually do it in the runway. What a hassle.