Diesel-proof washers

[chuzzlewit]

I can suck gunge out of my diesel tank be unscrewing a small access port on the top of the tank and inserting a pump . The black (rubber?) washer that seals it seems to be softening and stains my fingers black. What is the best material for the washer?

 

[Evadne]

The diesel pipes on my engine have copper washers which is probably bombproof and of infinite life. If you can find a silicone rubber one that will probably work just as well, but you don't say how old the rubber one is, it may just need replacing with the same, but new.

 

[VicS]

I think what you need is a nitrile rubber washer.

 

[davidbains]

You can make a new washer of any shape by cutting it out of an old bicycle inner tube!

 

[seaesta]

I think that ONLY copper washers are approved these days not least because others are more prone to fail and get damaged by fire. Personally I had to use fibre washers on my previous engine because copper ones would not seal on the slightly uneven surfaces. The insurance would no doubt have wriggled if I had a problem and I am glad to be "cosher" again.
Martin

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
You can make a new washer of any shape by cutting it out of an old bicycle inner tube

[/ QUOTE ] or car inner tube if a bicycle one is not big enough BUT is it resistant to diesel oil.

 

[nedmin]

If you go to a commercial tyre fitter he will gladly give you a lorry innertube, much thicker and better.