Fuel tank access 'ole

[oldbilbo]

There isn't one.

I suspect there's a Time Team Dig's worth of crud accumulated down inside, and would really like to divest myself of it. Only the one side is accessible. There's a high level fuel filler inlet, a high level fuel return from the engine, and a low level outlet for an external plastic sight gauge which returns back inside near the top.

Is it likely I can extract the gunge by wand and suction from one of those orifices, by means of something like a Pela Oil Extractor? If I combine this process with some form of 'fuel polishing' should I be able to get rid of all/most of the detritus?

What does the PBO team think....?

 

[PCUK]

Why not cut a hole and fit a proper inspection hatch? Easy cleaning forever more!

 

[neil_s]

Have to agree with PCUK. You need to be able to get into all the corners. I fitted my hatch in the top of the tank, even though this means uncoupling the tank and moving it forward a few inches to get an arm in.

Neil

 

[David2452]

+1 the only way to get at it properly is through a big 'ole so you can get hold of it.

 

[PCUK]

You cut the hole and I'll make you a hatch cover if you want to go down this route.

 

[No Regrets]

Yeah, the trick is to cut the hole a bit smaller, then you can use the bit you cut out for a cover...

p.s. Do NOT cut a Petrol tank!! Even full of water there is a historic risk of a bang.

 

[Spyro]

Consider fitting a FLB-1 inspection hatch
http://www.wema.co.uk/pg_other_prods.htm
http://www.wema.co.uk/pg_FLB-1.htm

 

[rogerthebodger]

Consider fitting a FLB-1 inspection hatch
http://www.wema.co.uk/pg_other_prods.htm
http://www.wema.co.uk/pg_FLB-1.htm

Why do people always make their access hatch round, I always make mine rectangular ish the its easy to get the backing frame inside the tank without special type of fittings.

Easy to cut with an angle grinder (don't do this in a petrol tank)

 

[jwilson]

I bought an FLB-1 last year: on a slightly flexible polyethylene diesel tank it leaked horribly, no matter how hard I tightened it up. Tried again with Hylotyte sealant, leaked less but still leaked. They may be OK on a stiff metal or thick poly tank, but I was not impressed. Mine went in the bin.

 

[bikedaft]

I use a pela - works great, can get into all the corners etc

 

[nigelmercier]

An access hole is a real asset. I did all I could to catch any swarf when I cut my plastic tank, but still ended up with loads of plastic pubes in the bottom*. A hot knife may be the way to go.

* I probably could have phrased that a bit better.

 

[oldbilbo]

.... I did all I could to catch any swarf when I cut my plastic tank, but still ended up with loads of plastic pubes in the bottom*. A hot knife may be the way to go.

I bow to 'nij's experience, but it would need to be a plasma-hot knife to make any impression on sheet stainless steel. On the other hand, a carbide-tipped hole saw might make an impression.....

 

[john_morris_uk]

I thought about fitting an access hatch when I removed my fuel tank a few years ago. I didn't for two reasons.

Firstly I discovered that the tank has baffles built into it and I would have needed at least two access holes to clean the various internal compartments.

Secondly, the only time I could use any access hatches (assuming they were on the top) would be when the tank is removed, and that means removing the engine first! The tank is fitted under the cockpit sole and there is no access to the top of it.

I was forced to flush it out as best I could by swishing fuel around inside and tipping it out. The Pela extractor couldn't get into the corners because of the baffles.

Anyway, all this means is 'check for baffles first' before you start cutting access holes.

 

[nigelmercier]

I bow to 'nij's experience, but it would need to be a plasma-hot knife to make any impression on sheet stainless steel. On the other hand, a carbide-tipped hole saw might make an impression.....

How about a jigsaw with an Inox blade?

 

[oldbilbo]

How about a jigsaw with an Inox blade?

Thanks, Nigel and John. I have both Inox blades and a set of carbide-tipped holesaws. Oh, and some cutting paste, if I can find it. I also have an electronic endoscope somewhere which I may be able to use to peer into the corners of the tank, looking for baffles.