Fuel Tank Manholes

[NBMike]

Could anyone suggest a supplier for an access/inspection port that could be retro-fitted to the top side of a diesel fuel tank. The tank is only about 2mm thick material so port would need to be bolted on with nuts/washers held one from inside, therefore it would need to be 5-6" diameter to fit hand through to tighten fixings. I've found plastic one for water tank but don't know if it would be okay for BSS.

Mike

[Yoda]

Could anyone suggest a supplier for an access/inspection port that could be retro-fitted to the top side of a diesel fuel tank. The tank is only about 2mm thick material so port would need to be bolted on with nuts/washers held one from inside, therefore it would need to be 5-6" diameter to fit hand through to tighten fixings. I've found plastic one for water tank but don't know if it would be okay for BSS.

Mike

 

Can't give you a name but you can just saw cut a hole, weld studs to the top and then custom make a 'rubber' gasket to fit the portal. Then its just a matter of bolting a plate of steel onto the studs. Keep it simple.

 

Don't forget to filter any fuel left in the tank.

[koukouvagia]

Could anyone suggest a supplier for an access/inspection port that could be retro-fitted to the top side of a diesel fuel tank. The tank is only about 2mm thick material so port would need to be bolted on with nuts/washers held one from inside, therefore it would need to be 5-6" diameter to fit hand through to tighten fixings. I've found plastic one for water tank but don't know if it would be okay for BSS.

Mike

It would be a fairly simple job to make your own with a plate of, say, 2mm steel. If you drilled and tapped the tank and used a suitable rubber gasket, you could and screw down the inspection plate without having to use nuts and bolts.

 

Edited to add: even simpler - no welding.

Edited September 5, 2010 by koukouvagia

[Timleech]

Could anyone suggest a supplier for an access/inspection port that could be retro-fitted to the top side of a diesel fuel tank. The tank is only about 2mm thick material so port would need to be bolted on with nuts/washers held one from inside, therefore it would need to be 5-6" diameter to fit hand through to tighten fixings. I've found plastic one for water tank but don't know if it would be okay for BSS.

Mike

 

If it really is only 2mm thick, you will struggle to get a gasket to seal because the plate will distort between fixings unless you have a ridiculous number of fixings very close together. Better to get a thicker ring welded to the tank, this can be pre-drilled and tapped for fixing screws, or for bolts passing up from inside.

I don't know whether these exist as a ready-made item, but not difficult for a steel fabricator (or good boatyard) to make up for you.

 

Tim

[NBMike]

If it really is only 2mm thick, you will struggle to get a gasket to seal because the plate will distort between fixings unless you have a ridiculous number of fixings very close together. Better to get a thicker ring welded to the tank, this can be pre-drilled and tapped for fixing screws, or for bolts passing up from inside.

I don't know whether these exist as a ready-made item, but not difficult for a steel fabricator (or good boatyard) to make up for you.

 

Tim

Thanks for that Tim,Yoda and Koukie. A bit of lateral thinking. Yes I'll do that. I just have to get my plasma cutter repaired after it died yesterday.

[WotEver]

I just have to get my plasma cutter repaired after it died yesterday.

Just out of idle curiosity, what do plasma cutters die of?

 

Tony

[RLWP]

Just out of idle curiosity, what do plasma cutters die of?

 

Tony

 

Blood loss?

 

Richard

[WotEver]

Blood loss?

 

Richard

There's always one...

 

Tony

[Proper Job]

And it's usually Richard

[Paul Evans]

He just loves wearing that coat!