Gasket material for diesel tank inspection hatch

[NOHOH]

I need to make a new gasket for a fuel tank inspection hatch. The tank and the lid (40cmx32cm) are both made of GRP. I`m assuming what I need is some kind of nitrile rubber? sheeting about 1/4" thick....(thats what the present one looks like)... Does anyone know where I can obtain suitable stuff.

 

[vyv_cox]

Seals direct are a little pricey when the postage is added but they have a good range of seal materials and shapes.

 

[pheran]

Have you thought of using the gasket-in-a-tube stuff? Holts make one for automotive (and presumably other) uses. Good enough for use as a head gasket. Goes on like toothpaste, press the inspection cover down into it then remove cover while the goo sets. Perfect seal which remains a little bit flexible. There's another one that is used for sealing metal-framed windows which works in exactly the same way.

 

[tel1]

stick to rubber

Have you thought of using the gasket-in-a-tube stuff? Holts make one for automotive (and presumably other) uses. Good enough for use as a head gasket. Goes on like toothpaste, press the inspection cover down into it then remove cover while the goo sets. Perfect seal which remains a little bit flexible. There's another one that is used for sealing metal-framed windows which works in exactly the same way.

never used that stuff, sounds good for once only use. no good for an inspection hatch if thats the case though.

 

[chiefeng]

Cork

Cork is acceptable, been using for years on the ships.
£8.00 for a sheet from a model shop. Or a cork tile if you can get one big enough from a DIY shop.
Rgds
Bob

 

[Dan the man]

cork and Well Seal...gooey mess, but it works.

automotive shops will sell it.

 

[NOHOH]

SORTED

SORTED....... Seals Direct does Nitrile Rubber sheeting of the correct thickness. Thanks Guys....and especially Vyv Cox for suggesting them.

 

[Artic Warrior]

cork and Well Seal...gooey mess, but it works.

automotive shops will sell it.

The problem with well seal even thou its thin, it goes brittle and can flake into to the tank if disturbed, Rubber with no sealent lightly squished down with the bolts, keeping an eye out making sure not to overtighten them, and so nothing creeps up the threads you can fit fibre washers to the bolts

 

[Martin_J]

also.. regarding cork gaskets. Those thick ones often used to seal tank inspection hatches are usually impregranted with something e.g. nitrile. They are not just a cork material.

 

[Martin_J]

You don't say where you are in the UK.. But between Littlehampton and Chichester is a small place called C&W seals. If you can call in they will sell you the material at a very good price. They have made me 'o' rings in the past - and supply in any quantity you need!
http://www.candwseals.co.uk/

 

[Cliveshep]

Cork is acceptable, been using for years on the ships.
£8.00 for a sheet from a model shop. Or a cork tile if you can get one big enough from a DIY shop.
Rgds
Bob

That, m'dear, is a brilliant idea and one I shall remember. Thanks, even if the OP doesn't go for it.

 

[Deleted member 36384]

.... Rubber with no sealent .....

Natural Rubber, if that is what you mean, will react with diesel and degrade. Normally it will soften and expand such that it pops out the profile and thus looses any ability to seal. Not a good choice of material for a seal in this case.

 

[SAMYL]

If you are stuck you can make one with sikaflex. Vaseline both surfaces and apply sikaflex to the required thickness and mate up the surfaces but do not tighten. Once hardened remove and trim then use as a gasket.
It works well, I've even made small engine mounts with it.