Fuel tank inspection hatch cutting.

PaulRainbow said:
See post #1
Click to expand...

Yes the OP is asking for some one to fit an access hatch into his fuel.

I have done this several times on steel tanks and I an just giving the OP the benfit of my proper Engineering and practical experience.

I am also suggesting that any Engineering Company could do the job for him if he does not wish of have the knowledge to do it himself.

You seem to think that I am not answering the OP first question.

I beg to differ and will leave iChat that from a retired Chartered Mechanical Engineer to an Electrical Technician as far as I see it

What's the real issue
 
rogerthebodger said:
Yes the OP is asking for some one to fit an access hatch into his fuel.

I have done this several times on steel tanks and I an just giving the OP the benfit of my proper Engineering and practical experience.

I am also suggesting that any Engineering Company could do the job for him if he does not wish of have the knowledge to do it himself.

You seem to think that I am not answering the OP first question.

I beg to differ and will leave iChat that from a retired Chartered Mechanical Engineer to an Electrical Technician as far as I see it

What's the real issue
Click to expand...
For crying out load, in post #19 you ask:

Where are you located a w may be able to suggest a local company you could approach of a skilled forum member. Not me asI an not in the UK

In post #1 the OP says he is in Ramsgate, looking for local recommendations, if you bother to read it Roger.
 
PaulRainbow said:
For crying out load, in post #19 you ask:

Where are you located a w may be able to suggest a local company you could approach of a skilled forum member. Not me asI an not in the UK

In post #1 the OP says he is in Ramsgate, looking for local recommendations, if you bother to read it Roger.
Click to expand...

I looked at his location on his login like you we know you are in suffolk so why shoot me for missing it in his post.

What is your real issue , trying to get me banned by the mods

You seem to have an issue with me just because I disagree with you sometimes. Must I always agree wit you please let me know so I can comply

Here are some possible contacts near Ramsgate in the UK as we have a Ramsgate close to where I am so I could be wrong in the correct Ramsgate

Ramsgate Map

Ramsgate South Africa FYI

stainless steel fabricator Ramsgate UK - Google Suche
 
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rogerthebodger said:
I looked at his location on his login like you we know you are in suffolk so why shoot me for missing it in his post.

What is your real issue , trying to get me banned by the mods

You seem to have an issue with me just because I disagree with you sometimes. Must I always agree wit you please let me know so I can comply

Here are some possible contacts near Ramsgate in the UK as we have a Ramsgate close to where I am so I could be wrong in the correct Ramsgate

Ramsgate Map

Ramsgate South Africa FYI

stainless steel fabricator Ramsgate UK - Google Suche
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I don't have a problem Roger, you seem to be somewhat paranoid. You asked where the OP was located, i pointed you to post #1, where he says he is in Ramsgate, simple.
 
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PaulRainbow said:
I don'y have a problem Roger, you seem to be somewhat paranoid. You asked where the OP was located, i pointed you to post #1, where he says he is in Ramsgate, simple.
Click to expand...

Clearly you do have a problem with me but so be it

Any one who has not made a mistake has not made anything. As a designer for many years I have made lots of equipment and made mistakes so what's the issue with missing a trivial piece of information.

he important thing is to help the OP to solve his problem , Don't you think
 
This thread has become cantankerous.
I sought to ask a broadly similar question, but now prefer to ask it on a fresh thread, without residual 'gnarling'.
 
zoidberg said:
This thread has become cantankerous.
I sought to ask a broadly similar question, but now prefer to ask it on a fresh thread, without residual 'gnarling'.
Click to expand...
Where are you based and what do you need, I found a guy who is prepared to travel to do the work, granted it's not a cheap project but I'm prepared to pay for peace of mind 😊
 
I have two large rectangular stainless steel water tanks on the boat and have been wondering about cutting hatches so that they can be cleaned out.
So am quite interested in any recommendations as well.
 
Mister E said:
I have two large rectangular stainless steel water tanks on the boat and have been wondering about cutting hatches so that they can be cleaned out.
So am quite interested in any recommendations as well.
Click to expand...

I have rectangular access hatches in both my stainless water tanks my GRP black water tank and my mild steel fuel tanks

The opening were cut using an angle grinder (fuel cut before filling with Diesel)

The GRP had two frame as shown in post #6. The MS and SS has tapped holes around the holes with studs inserted from the underside at about 60 mm pitch.

The cover was then fitted over these studs to bolt the cover to close the hatch. The cover material can be steel, aluminum, HDPE, perspex or GRP on my water so I can view inside without opening the hatch.

Using HDPE of Perspex are easy to cut and drill with wood working tools
 
Thank you, all.

I've considered each of the contributions, and mulled 'em over. It seems to me that I could be 'opening a can of worms' in more senses than one.
Without removing the tank again, I'd need to make entry from the side.

I have fitted twin primary fuel filters, with the capacity to switch from one to the other should 'gunge' block the first one. I've also mounted a simple vaccuum gauge which should show me if fuel supply is slowly being strangled.

Also relevant to my decision is that I am not in fear of having an engine stop. I've sailed other boats/other owners onto moorings/into harbours, on and off anchor, in out-of-the-way places many times over the years when their engines have stopped for one reason or another. It's an inconvenience, but not a problem.

I've decided to leave well alone.
 
Well you will need to seal them after cutting out. What is the best way to go about.? Diesel ss tank, perspex window. Machine screws tapped into perspex. Have used black rubber and a red sealant-fail ! Thank you
 
vic008 said:
Diesel ss tank, perspex window. Machine screws tapped into perspex.
Click to expand...

Just be aware that the screws in tapped holes in Perspex puts quite a stress on the tapped holes in the perspex and could easy crack the perspex. This is why I fitted SS rings top and bottom
 
rogerthebodger said:
What material is your fuel tank mode of, If it some type of plastic and competent DIYer could cut a hole an fit a cover to seal it.

Mine are steel so not as easy as GRP or HDPE

Do make the hatch big enough to get your head inside so you can inspect the inside properly.

Hatch does not need to be round IMHO rectangular is better, easer to work with

https://flic.kr/p/WM4f18

This is a hatch frame I used on one of my GRP tanks with a HDPE cover bolted down with setscrews through the inside of the tank top
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Hey Roger - I have a rectangular home in my tank - a polycarbonate plate has been put on with CT1 but it’s leaking - how did you find / make this hatch? It looks like what I need - however I have no skills to make this! Any thoughts appreciated. Ellen
 
rogerthebodger said:
What material is your fuel tank mode of, If it some type of plastic and competent DIYer could cut a hole an fit a cover to seal it.

Mine are steel so not as easy as GRP or HDPE

Do make the hatch big enough to get your head inside so you can inspect the inside properly.

Hatch does not need to be round IMHO rectangular is better, easer to work with

https://flic.kr/p/WM4f18

This is a hatch frame I used on one of my GRP tanks with a HDPE cover bolted down with setscrews through the inside of the tank top
Click to expand...
Also.. I have a Ptfe tank - a friend cut a hole and put a polycarbonate plate on top with CT1 but it’s leaking with a full
Tank in it - now I’m trying to find out what would solve the problem that a boat surveyor would be happy with - concerned that the polycarbonate will crack if screwed down with self-tapping screws (have been given diff opinions on this) - and I want to avoid any plastic in the tank. All ideas gratefully received!
 
I simply use neoprene foam strip to seal the Perspex /polycarbonate pr even HDPR cover. that once tightened down will seal the lid.

The outer frame will allow more even pressure on the seal.

If the tank is meta of a thickness to tap a thread into to fit setscrews from the underside. If the tank material is plastic or GRP a tapped from on the inside can be used as I posted early to ensure proper sealing.

A rectangular hole IMHO is better than a round as t gives easy access and can be cut with an angle grinder
 
Martin_J said:
In the Solent area it would be Chris at the "Clean Diesel Company"..

His website advertises diesel tank cleaning and the filtering of the diesel that was in the tank.

To do this he can quickly cut extra inspection hatches if needed.

Sorry I can't be of help for anything closer but perhaps there is a diesel cleaning/filtering company in your area that would do it (but don't specificity advertise the fact they can cut and fit extra hatches).
Click to expand...
Would also recommend CD Company.
 
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