Clear fuel hose

jacktarjohn

jacktarjohn

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Medway
www.yotbum.weebly.com
My boat has a length of clear reinforced hose along side the fuel tank, to show the fuel level. Trouble is it isn't clear anymore and it is impossible to see what the level is through the diesel coloured hose. I was going to just replace it, but how long will it be before it is stained yellow again? If it is going to stain again in a couple of months, it is not worth the bother. Has anybody else any experience of this type of hose and its stainability? Or is there a better alternative.
Another idea I had was to have diagonal black and white banding on the white sight board clipped to the hose, to help show up the fuel level. As can be seen in some domestic kettles.

IMGP2947_zps8fa5756d.jpg
 
jacktarjohn said:
My boat has a length of clear reinforced hose along side the fuel tank, to show the fuel level. Trouble is it isn't clear anymore and it is impossible to see what the level is through the diesel coloured hose. I was going to just replace it, but how long will it be before it is stained yellow again? If it is going to stain again in a couple of months, it is not worth the bother. Has anybody else any experience of this type of hose and its stainability? Or is there a better alternative.
Another idea I had was to have diagonal black and white banding on the white sight board clipped to the hose, to help show up the fuel level. As can be seen in some domestic kettles.

View attachment 47347
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Or have a float painted in orange in the tube?
 
Just renew the clear hose. It will be OK for a few years, rather than months, and you're not talking about a lot of money.
 
the colourant in diesel migrates through the plastic. Glass remains clear, but would be vulnerable in that position. I like the suggestion of a small floating indicator.
 
I thought boat safety did not like clear plastic pipe as it tends to melt in a fire and release the fuel, adding to the already warming affect.
 
WoodyP,

you're right of course and it might be tricky to get a boat with a plastic sight tube like that coded, but at least the fuel wouldn't be under pressure and spraying, so not too flammable ...!

Petrol would be right out.
 
Well plenty of food for thought there. It is imposible to see the the fuel level from the cabin steps and even with the cockpit sole removed and my head a foot away from the hose and a torch, it is barely possible to decern the level. I shall replace the hose and if I find a suitable floating ball to put in the hose I shall try that too.
 
Jacktarjohn,

for the floating ball would a bit of polystyrene do ? I await opinions from people more used to diesels than me.

I seem to remember fishing shops did tiny floating things, but that's a deep,vague childhood memory !
 
WoodyP said:
I thought boat safety did not like clear plastic pipe as it tends to melt in a fire and release the fuel, adding to the already warming affect.
Click to expand...

Like the personalisation of boat safety - I take it he has a big clipboard and an even bigger pealed cap ;-)

One could be even safer and do without diesel (and the motor) - think of all the money you'd save - and be just like all those mariners of yore.
 
I know that petrol dissolves expended polystyrene, it's how you get rid of the internal plug when you make an enclosed epoxy box. Polyester resin also dissolves it so you have to protect the exp poly from it.
I'd guess that diesel will also dissolve it.
 
The problem with floats is that if they are too light they might be prone to sticking to the side of the tube when the fuel level goes down.
 
WoodyP said:
I thought boat safety did not like clear plastic pipe as it tends to melt in a fire and release the fuel, adding to the already warming affect.
Click to expand...
How much more dangerous might it be to run out of diesel 'cos the sight guage isn't there? Glass is vulnerable. I have a clear plastic tube in my sight glass (rated for diesel) so I can't kick it or bash it. It lasts a few years before it discolours, then I cut another piece off the 2m length I bought years ago.

I have never known of anything stable enough to use as a float that won't discolour in the same way, if I did I'd use one.
 
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