Anyone know of a Diesel tank inspection plate?

[peter623918]

Hi ,

I need to cut an inspection hole in my mild steel diesel tank .
Does anybody know of some sort of plate kit i can use.
Also any ideas on the best tool for the job.
many thanks

peter

 

[omega2]

Do you know how it was constructed? i,e most tanks have baffles to prevent surge and slop, you could hit one of these with your hacksaw, start with a large drilled hole in what will be the four corners and pad saw to each, then make a plate at least 1inch larger all round, captive bolts 2 inches apart sticking up, neoprene gasket, and bolt new plate to tank. Ours has all the feeds and overflows fitted to it so that they all can be got at in one operation. You might be able to see the tell tale marks where the baffles are.

 

[STEVEDUNSTABLE]

dont know of any kits, but , did mine yonks ago. if this helps, when you know where the whole is to go, mark the cut with a scriber then smear lots of grease on the line. (i used a jigsaw) cut along the line and the grease catches most of the swarf n chippings from going in the tank. suggest making round whole , this prevents later stress cracks. hope this helps!! .........have fun /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[sarabande]

if you are using a jigsaw, get the finest metal blade you can, and make sure that you tilt the saw forwards so that at least three teeth are involved in cutting the steel. Any less and you'll get lots of juddering and jumping about.

It might be worth think of a draining the tank afterwards to remove any metal swarf.

 

[samwestwood]

Cut the hole in the top not the side if possible /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[jfm]

Someone on this forum was offering for sale a plate kit a while ago, iirc. Was it Chris Kaye? Anyone remember? (Or did I dream this?)

 

[Chrusty1]

Regarding tool, try Googling Tank Cutters?

Alternatively clicky this.....

http://www.tool-up.co.uk/shop/diy/PRI201C.html

 

[splosh]

Here's where you need to be looking first if this will fit:
http://tek-group.co.uk/acatalog/Inspection_Hatches.html

The first two are round tank inspection lids. the beauty is that you can use the lid base plate as your template for cutting the inspection hole, and for drilling the bolt fixing holes.

The third lid specifies it is for diesel tanks, so check the first two are suitable for diesel tanks.

 

[peter623918]

Ok thanks for your replies and helpfull tips , ill locate a hatch and make a start



regards

peter