Essex flange to s/s diesel tank?

bikedaft

bikedaft

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Hi

Got a 100litre or so s/s fuel tank with no good vent (it has been taken off the diesel return line, which is at positive pressure when the engine is running, so tank develops a vacumn etc)

Only two connections (other than filler in cockpit sole) into tank. Would love to put a vent in but without taking out tank.

How about an essex flange? How do they work? Is the mix of metals likely to be an issue?

Etc

Thanks
 
bikedaft said:
Hi

Got a 100litre or so s/s fuel tank with no good vent (it has been taken off the diesel return line, which is at positive pressure when the engine is running, so tank develops a vacumn etc)

Only two connections (other than filler in cockpit sole) into tank. Would love to put a vent in but without taking out tank.

How about an essex flange? How do they work? Is the mix of metals likely to be an issue?

Etc

Thanks
Click to expand...
An Essex flange is a fitting that allows a connection to be made to tank without requiring access to the inside.

Google will find you YouTube videos that show how they work and how to fit them. With or WITHOUT needing a hole that you can reach through.

I dont know what sizes are available. You will presumably only require a small size
 
Last edited:
bikedaft said:
How about an essex flange? How do they work? Is the mix of metals likely to be an issue?
Click to expand...

Most Essex flanges are inserted through the immersion heater hole, using a piece of wire to feed them through the new hole in the side of the tank. However, if you Google techflange you'll find a product which can be fitted from the outside without needing any other access hole. You'd need to cut off the inside section of pipe. I think they're only available in 22mm pipe size, so you'd need to fit a reducer to suit a vent pipe. There wouldn't be any problems with the mix of metals.
 
Thanks

Reason for this type of fitting is cannot access the inside of tank

Techflange looks interesting, tho its site mentions silicon sealant - not keen on this, as doesn't seem to last on boat, and in contact with diesel?

Can get an essex flange in 15 mm or techflange in 22mm but easy to reduce both for a vent

Will buy one and try it

Many thanks everyone
 
bikedaft said:
Techflange looks interesting, tho its site mentions silicon sealant - not keen on this, as doesn't seem to last on boat, and in contact with diesel?

Can get an essex flange in 15 mm or techflange in 22mm but easy to reduce both for a vent
Click to expand...

The Techflange instructions only mention silicone sealant because that's what you'd use on domestic plumbing! You don't have to use this, you could use a diesel-resistant sealant instead. Equally, if you wanted, you could replace the standard sealing washers with ones cut from nitrile rubber.

The standard Essex flange does require some access from inside the tank, which is why I suggested you look at the Techflange which can be fitted entirely from outside.
 
pvb said:
The Techflange instructions only mention silicone sealant because that's what you'd use on domestic plumbing! You don't have to use this, you could use a diesel-resistant sealant instead. Equally, if you wanted, you could replace the standard sealing washers with ones cut from nitrile rubber.

The standard Essex flange does require some access from inside the tank, which is why I suggested you look at the Techflange which can be fitted entirely from outside.
Click to expand...

thanks

have ordered a techflange

:-)
 
I have fitted loads of Essex flanges to hot water cylinders they can be fitted entirely from the outside the cylinder/tank, https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=1...www.plumb-bay.com%2F22mm-essex-flange;500;500 The hole was cut just big enough to allow the nibs of the flange to be pushed into the tank then a " T" shaped wire (or your finger) was used to hang the flange in the hole whilst you threaded a split copper washer and a rubber washer into the tank around the wire or your finger, then the flange was pulled back through them centralised and finished off with another pair of washers and the nut.
I used to hate the things because after a while the thick rubber washers would dry out and crack then if you accidentally caught the pipework they would leak. Also they told you to put a spot of jointing paste on the thread but if any got on the washers they went immediately soggy and swelled up when tightened and squeezed out. For an Essex flange you also need a bigger hole than for a tank connector.
If it is possible in your case I would use a 15mm tank connector http://www.wickes.co.uk/compression...match||plid|&gclid=CICt9O_lrrkCFebJtAodbx0AOw
I would drill your hole tight, thread a long stiff wire in from your hole and out of the filler and thread the connector down the wire. You will need a washer that can come into contact with diesel on the inside but it will be easy to make, don't fit a sealing washer outside the tank just the nut.
 
pete said:
I have fitted loads of Essex flanges to hot water cylinders they can be fitted entirely from the outside the cylinder/tank, https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=1...www.plumb-bay.com%2F22mm-essex-flange;500;500 The hole was cut just big enough to allow the nibs of the flange to be pushed into the tank then a " T" shaped wire (or your finger) was used to hang the flange in the hole whilst you threaded a split copper washer and a rubber washer into the tank around the wire or your finger, then the flange was pulled back through them centralised and finished off with another pair of washers and the nut.
I used to hate the things because after a while the thick rubber washers would dry out and crack then if you accidentally caught the pipework they would leak. Also they told you to put a spot of jointing paste on the thread but if any got on the washers they went immediately soggy and swelled up when tightened and squeezed out. For an Essex flange you also need a bigger hole than for a tank connector.
If it is possible in your case I would use a 15mm tank connector http://www.wickes.co.uk/compression...match||plid|&gclid=CICt9O_lrrkCFebJtAodbx0AOw
I would drill your hole tight, thread a long stiff wire in from your hole and out of the filler and thread the connector down the wire. You will need a washer that can come into contact with diesel on the inside but it will be easy to make, don't fit a sealing washer outside the tank just the nut.
Click to expand...

at £2.49, i'll try and fit one of them :-)

the fuel filler hole is about 2" dia on top, so should be able to get the wire/backing flange/washer down to the side wall

just need to check my arbours are sharp for s/s

cheers

wont harm to have a couple of options (other than removing the gearbox to get the tank out!)
 
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