simonfraser
Well-Known Member
check the screw / bolt that holds the fuel tank down on the opposite site, can be undone now the access is easy, might save you some hassle later on ?
Any ideas how to remove this difficult bolt.
- Thread starter Concerto
- Start date
Concerto
Well-Known Member
That is exactly why I decide to cut an access to get at the bolt and for any potential need with the diesel tank that is aft of the water tank.
Praxinoscope
Well-Known Member
Very useful these small plastic access hatches, anyone familiar with the Sadler 25 will know that the internal cabin moulding prevents direct access to the underside of the coachroof, making it difficult it remove or add fittings without removing the complete moulding(not an attractive option) so I have installed a couple of these hatches which give me access to the nuts holding various deck fittings, in fact just finished installing a new cleat and turning block using the access point provided by the hatch. (photo of hatch closed and open attached, sorry not very good quality, but shows the access)
It seems to me that when confronted with a difficult bolt such as faced concerto, if at all possible the installation of one of these hatches can save a lot of time and likely bad language as well as helping any new installation or later maintenance.
Concerto
Well-Known Member
Can you fit two hands through a 6" diameter hatch to use a spanner and screwdriver? I certainly cannot.
The water tank has been repaired. It was a pin hole in a weld, not rust. A pressure test before to locate the hole and after to check the tank was sound. Total cost was £30. The guy who repaired it said that the tank certainly did not replacing and should last at least another 40 years. Also he said getting a stainless tank made made today would be very expensive.
The tank is back in the boat, just need to finish connecting the new hoses and fix the holding bolts. Used hot water to soften the pipe to fix the ends within the transom. That was a tight squeeze getting into the transom, but useful as I found another problem that needs attention in the near future. Should be finished tomorrow morning. Then onward with fitting the new pressurised water system, completing the installation of the new electric panel and fridge unit.
The water tank has been repaired. It was a pin hole in a weld, not rust. A pressure test before to locate the hole and after to check the tank was sound. Total cost was £30. The guy who repaired it said that the tank certainly did not replacing and should last at least another 40 years. Also he said getting a stainless tank made made today would be very expensive.
The tank is back in the boat, just need to finish connecting the new hoses and fix the holding bolts. Used hot water to soften the pipe to fix the ends within the transom. That was a tight squeeze getting into the transom, but useful as I found another problem that needs attention in the near future. Should be finished tomorrow morning. Then onward with fitting the new pressurised water system, completing the installation of the new electric panel and fridge unit.
LadyInBed
Well-Known Member
Could / did you take the opportunity to do an internal visual inspection and steam clean?
If so, what did it look like? I ask because my ss tanks are at least 35 years old!
If so, what did it look like? I ask because my ss tanks are at least 35 years old!
Praxinoscope
Well-Known Member
Never suggested that 6 ’’ hatches are useful for two handed jobs, but it is remarkable what can be done with one hand and a pair of Molegrips or similar.
Concerto
Well-Known Member
The tank looked quite clean, but when refilled I will be using some Milton to clean the whole system.
The water tank is now correctly rebolted in place. Refitting the bolts was easier than I thought as I now realise why no washer had been used. Once the nut touchs the plywood, the nut gets gripped by the plywood, so no spanner was required to hold the nut. Just using a screwdriver made it very much easier.
This was after fitting, but before I grabbed the vacuum.
This is the cut out glued to the 5.5mm plywood.
This is the finished cover fixed in place. Using the cut out makes locating it very easy and as I used a very fine saw, a fairly tight fit. Just need to buy some Danboline to complete the job.
Hope you all have enjoyed reading how this problem was solved and the finished result.
The water tank is now correctly rebolted in place. Refitting the bolts was easier than I thought as I now realise why no washer had been used. Once the nut touchs the plywood, the nut gets gripped by the plywood, so no spanner was required to hold the nut. Just using a screwdriver made it very much easier.
This was after fitting, but before I grabbed the vacuum.
This is the cut out glued to the 5.5mm plywood.
This is the finished cover fixed in place. Using the cut out makes locating it very easy and as I used a very fine saw, a fairly tight fit. Just need to buy some Danboline to complete the job.
Hope you all have enjoyed reading how this problem was solved and the finished result.
Corbert-Beacon
Member
Sorry guys I don’t have the patience you have. Long coal chisel and a lump hammer.
Poignard
Well-Known Member
So have you now gained a bit of extra storage space?
Somewhere to keep a gallon of engine oil or some paint, or some contraband. . . . .
