fitting inspection hatches to diesel tanks

[duncan]

right I have finally had enough messing around with crap in my (relatively new) fuel tank - on going saga that sees me changing the racor filter every 6-8 engine hours and cleaning gunk out of the bowl etc at the same time.

tank is 400l capacity and I can access the top over 2/3rds of it reasonably easily but could probably remove completely in half a day (by disconnecting and removing water tank etc)or so if appropriate.

aluminium / 2 baffles- 3 sections- horizontally across tank

can access the middle section through the sender opening to use a hoover tube I have rigged up but can't get to the forward one easily and the rear has only the pickup/return (small) options or filler (bigger but angled so can't get solid rod in there.

Can I just cut 3 nice sized holes in the top, get nitrile seals and some aluminium plate then drill and tap to take (a lot) of SS machine screws.................or..........?

 

[michael_w]

If you can get it out of the boat; take it to your local machine shop where they can cut nice neat holes for you as well as welding a load of studs to fix the cover. I had this done, admittedly with a rather weedy little 50 litre tank.

Otherwise proceed with cutting the hatches in situ. I think Vetus do some sort of inspection hatch for tanks.

 

[10tuskar]

I have a drawing of the access cover I fitted to my Mirage28 fuel tank.
It gives all dimensions and material used.
You would need to be quite proficient with tools in order to carry this job.
PM me for more info if interested.

 

[rogerthebodger]

You Idea of cutting access holes and covering with flat plate, nitrile seals and SS bolts is the same I have done on my new yacht with steel tanks. I have 2 baffels same as you and 2 hatches covering the 3 sections.

Tap holes in tank and screw bolts from inside of tank and use nylon washers under ss washers to hold lid down to reduce corrosion of aluminium lid with ss nuts and bolts.

 

[duncan]

ty - had just got to the same conclusion about tapping and installing the bolts as studs after considering the advice to install 'studs' earlier.

I may well do this but install comercial fittings as they will come with fitted/matched seals. Alternatively I buy the seals and make the plates to fit!

Anyone got a source for nitrile seals?