The fueling tank holds liquid fuel that powers Create machines, and you fill it by pumping fuel into it from a tank below or using a fluid pipe system

In Create, a fueling tank is a block that stores liquid fuel—usually lava or blazing fluid—to power your mechanical contraptions. Unlike a regular storage tank, it's specifically designed to accept fuel and feed it to engines and other fuel-burning machines. The tank itself doesn't fill automatically; you have to actively move fuel into it using pumps, pipes, or manual placement.

The most straightforward way to fill a fueling tank is to place a mechanical pump below the tank and connect it to a source of fuel with fluid pipes. The pump needs rotational power from a shaft or gear system to operate. Once the pump runs, it will push fuel upward into the tank above it. You can also use a fluid pipe network to move fuel from a lava source or another tank into the fueling tank from any direction.

Key Takeaways

  • A fueling tank stores liquid fuel and requires a mechanical pump or fluid pipe system to fill it—it won't fill on its own.
  • Place a mechanical pump directly below the fueling tank and connect it to a fuel source with fluid pipes to pump fuel upward.
  • The mechanical pump needs rotational power from a shaft, gear, or other rotating component to operate.
  • You can also use a fluid pipe network to move fuel into the tank from the side or top, as long as the source is higher or the pipes are pressurized.
  • Lava is the most common fuel source in Create, but blazing fluid and other liquids can also power machines depending on your setup.

Setting up a mechanical pump below the tank

The easiest setup is a mechanical pump positioned directly underneath your fueling tank. Place the pump on top of a block, then place the fueling tank directly above it. The pump's output face should point upward into the tank. Connect the pump's input side (usually the back or bottom, depending on orientation) to a fluid pipe that leads to your fuel source, such as a lava pool or another tank holding fuel.

The pump won't move any fluid until it receives rotational power. Connect a shaft, gear, or other rotating component to the pump's power input. You can power it with a hand crank for testing, but for continuous operation, connect it to a larger power system—a water wheel, windmill, or motor. The pump will begin pushing fuel upward into the tank as soon as it has power and a fuel source connected.

Using fluid pipes to move fuel from a source

If you want more flexibility in your layout, use fluid pipes to create a network between your fuel source and the fueling tank. Fluid pipes can connect to the tank from any side—top, bottom, or sides. Place pipes from your lava source (or another fuel tank) and route them to the fueling tank. The pipes themselves are passive; they don't move fluid on their own.

To make the pipes move fuel, you still need a mechanical pump somewhere in the network. Place the pump at the fuel source end of your pipe system, connect it to rotational power, and it will push fuel through the pipes into the fueling tank. Alternatively, if your fuel source is higher than the tank, gravity will naturally flow the fuel downward through the pipes without a pump—but this only works if the source is actually elevated above the destination.

Connecting rotational power to the pump

A mechanical pump is just a block until it receives rotational power. The pump has a connection point (usually marked with a small shaft icon) where you attach a rotating component. Connect a shaft directly to this point, or use gears to transfer power from a distance. The simplest test setup is a hand crank—place it next to the pump and manually rotate it to see the fuel move.

For a working system, connect the pump to a continuous power source. A water wheel placed in flowing water will generate steady rotational power. A windmill generates power from wind, though it's less reliable. A motor powered by fuel or redstone will also work. The pump doesn't need much speed to move fuel; even a slow rotation will gradually fill the tank. Once power is flowing through the shaft to the pump, fuel will begin moving into the tank.

Filling the tank from a lava source

Lava is the most common fuel source in Create. You can place a lava pool next to your pump, or use a fluid pipe to draw from a lava lake or nether portal area. Connect a fluid pipe from the lava to the pump's input side, then connect the pump to the fueling tank above it with another pipe. When the pump receives rotational power, it will pull lava from the source and push it into the tank.

The fueling tank will fill until it reaches capacity. You can see the fuel level by looking at the tank's texture—it will show a liquid fill level as it accumulates. Once full, the tank is ready to power fuel-consuming machines like the furnace engine or diesel engine. If you need more fuel, keep the pump running or set up multiple pumps feeding into the same tank for faster filling.

Troubleshooting a tank that won't fill

If your fueling tank isn't filling, check these common issues. First, confirm the pump has rotational power—look for a spinning shaft or listen for the pump's animation. If the shaft isn't moving, the power source isn't connected properly or isn't generating power. Second, verify the fluid pipes are actually connected to both the fuel source and the tank; pipes must be placed adjacent to blocks with fluid ports. Third, make sure the tank itself isn't already full; a full tank won't accept more fuel.

Another common mistake is placing the pump facing the wrong direction. The pump's input side should connect to the fuel source, and its output should face the tank. If you're unsure which side is which, try rotating the pump with a wrench and test again. Finally, check that your fuel source actually contains fuel—an empty lava pool or tank won't produce anything to pump. If you're using a pipe network, trace the entire path to make sure no pipes are disconnected or blocked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill a fueling tank by hand or with a bucket?

No, you cannot manually place fuel into a fueling tank the way you would with a regular storage tank. You must use a mechanical pump and fluid pipes to transfer fuel into it. This design forces you to build a working pump system, which is part of Create's progression.

What happens if the fueling tank is full?

Once the tank reaches maximum capacity, the pump will stop pushing fuel into it. The fuel already in the tank will power your machines. If you need more fuel storage, place a second fueling tank and connect it to the same pump system, or build a separate pump network for additional tanks.

Do I need a pump if my fuel source is above the tank?

Gravity will move fuel downward through fluid pipes without a pump, but only if the source is physically higher than the destination. If they're at the same level or the source is lower, you need a pump to move the fuel. A pump also gives you more control over flow direction regardless of height.

Can I use other liquids besides lava as fuel?

Lava is the standard fuel, but Create also supports blazing fluid and other mod-added liquids depending on what mods you have installed. Check your specific modpack or mod version to see which liquids are recognized as fuel. The fueling tank will only accept liquids that the game recognizes as valid fuel sources.

How fast does a fueling tank fill?

The fill speed depends on the pump's rotation speed and the amount of fuel available at the source. A faster-spinning pump will move more fluid per second. There's no fixed fill time; a small tank with a fast pump might fill in seconds, while a large tank with a slow pump could take minutes. Experiment with different power sources to find the speed you need.