Clear stiff plastic tube for tank sight glass

[superheat6k]

The existing fuel level sight tubes on my main fuel tanks are badly clouded making it difficult to see the levels.

Can anyone assist with where I can purchase some 1/2" OD clear plastic stiff tubing ?

All the stuff I can find seems to be a softer material. Must be fully tolerant with permanent contact with diesel fuel.

Thanks.

 

[harvey38]

I would try these -
Silicone, Industrial & Hydrualic Hose & Fittings, Spill Control, Jubilee & Mikalor Clips Parker Air

Or

Hydraulic Hose Repair, Hose Replacement - Pirtek

Both supply hose specifically for fuel use.

 

[Plum]

The existing fuel level sight tubes on my main fuel tanks are badly clouded making it difficult to see the levels.

Can anyone assist with where I can purchase some 1/2" OD clear plastic stiff tubing ?

All the stuff I can find seems to be a softer material. Must be fully tolerant with permanent contact with diesel fuel.

Thanks.

suggest this supplier Clear Extruded Acrylic Tube Cut To Size

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Refueler]

I would also recc'd you create an optical 'background' to the tube. It may even help with your clouded tube.

Its a trick of refraction : You take a strip of painted or tape Yellow / Black that is angled sections. Place behind tube ... the tube and fluid in it refract the image you see through tube .. it literally straightens out level the yellow / black where the fluid is.

 

[vyv_cox]

Domestic oil tanks have plastic sight glasses. Many sellers on Ebay.

 

[thinwater]

As a petroleum tank inspector, I have seen so many sight glass and tube gauges of all types fail for so many different reasons they just make me cringe. On land they are a hard-stop fire code violation in the US. The UK sees it differently, but I don't want a bilge full of diesel.

For me, the only answer is plug the fittings and install a top-entry gauge.

 

[vyv_cox]

As a petroleum tank inspector, I have seen so many sight glass and tube gauges of all types fail for so many different reasons they just make me cringe. On land they are a hard-stop fire code violation in the US. The UK sees it differently, but I don't want a bilge full of diesel.

For me, the only answer is plug the fittings and install a top-entry gauge.

On the boat I fitted with sight glasses I installed valves at the bottom of each one and only opened them to check fuel level, closing immediately afterwards .

 

[BabaYaga]

I asked the same question on here a number of years ago. Might be of interest. I would echo the need for a valve at the bottom of the sight tube.
Which hose as sight tube for diesel tank?

 

[Hunterlees]

Many domestic oil sight tubes have a little floating coloured ball in them which helps determine the level.

 

[thinwater]

Curious that this is so different between countries.

Vyv nailed it. CLOSE THE VALVE except when reading. Every time.

 

[PetiteFleur]

I have a top fitted manual gauge with a float - very easy to read.

 

[Boater Sam]

I use a dip stick, fail safe.

 

[billskip]

I use a dip stick, fail safe.

Yes, except when the tank is 'V' shaped as is in the single engine princess 32.....dont ask how I know.....

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Yes, except when the tank is 'V' shaped as is in the single engine princess 32.....dont ask how I know.....

Or when the filler tube describes an S bend!

 

[Ardenfour]

I have the same issue. I like the idea of a small floating ball in the tube, but unsure of what material. Wary in case it disintegrates or dissolves in the diesel.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

I have the same issue. I like the idea of a small floating ball in the tube, but unsure of what material. Wary in case it disintegrates or dissolves in the diesel.

You can get them specifically for sight tubes - e.g. Sight Gauge Ball Level Indicator - Atkinson Equipment Ltd

 

[Refueler]

I use a dip stick, fail safe.

I have a dip stick marked of and also a tape stuck to underside of bunk ply .. so when lifted to get at tank - I can dip and hold stick against the tape which is also marked off with litres ....

There is also a normal pivot float gauge to display in cockpit ..... for general check. But when filling - I prefer to be at tank with the access open to make sure I don't overflow.

As regards sight tubes ............ most I have seen - especially on ships - have a sprung press to open valve at bottom ...
Press - read - let go. Valve auto closes.

 

[vyv_cox]

As regards sight tubes ............ most I have seen - especially on ships - have a sprung press to open valve at bottom ...
Press - read - let go. Valve auto closes.

Some of the domestic ones listed on Ebay are of this type but with massive brass fittings at the base. I have not managed to find dinky ones suitable for our small tanks.

 

[ean_p]

Some of the domestic ones listed on Ebay are of this type but with massive brass fittings at the base. I have not managed to find dinky ones suitable for our small tanks.

Any use?
Tank Level Gauge & Indicators - Johnson Valves

 

[vyv_cox]

Any use?
Tank Level Gauge & Indicators - Johnson Valves

Yes, first one looks quite good.