Sighting tube for fuel tank

[BarryLeat]

Refitting a Club launch and relocating the Vetus fuel tank (approx 17ins cube in size). No means to check fuel quantity unless one uses a dip stick. Not feasible in new position. Need to fit a sighting tube to tank side ie plastic/glass tube with right angled screw brass/bronze fittings each end that are secured internally with retaining nut. Are devices or similar available or does one make up such a fitting? Am told some are fitted to lorry diesel tanks, is this correct? Any advice welcome.

 

[pvb]

Depends on the colour and opacity of the plastic, but the fuel level in plastic tanks can often be detected by shining a torch against the side of the tank and moving it up and down. Easier and cheaper.

 

[vyv_cox]

Domestic central heating oil tank sight glasses are fine for the job. Many are available, here is an example. This one is just over £20, only registers when the button is pushed, so presumably safe.

 

[NormanS]

Such sight glasses are fitted to most domestic fuel tanks. I would enquire from tank suppliers or oil suppliers. The better ones have a spring loaded, normally-closed push valve at the bottom, and the tube is protected to stop accidental damage.

 

[vyv_cox]

On the other hand, I just found this on Ebay. Complete new sender and gauge for £23.

 

[Roberto]

Need to fit a sighting tube to tank side ie plastic/glass tube with right angled screw brass/bronze fittings each end that are secured internally with retaining nut.

Also, remember that the sighting tube need not be vertical; say you have a tank with only a vertical line of sight, top/down, it might be a lot more practical to have a sighting tube say from the aft-left-bottom corner to the front-left-top corner of the tank, or whatever suitable positions

 

[boguing]

You could tee into the supply pipe more easily?

 

[Rivers & creeks]

That's how ours is done, very simple.

 

[sailorman]

You could tee into the supply pipe more easily?

but make sure there is a shut-off valve to isolate the tube

 

[BarryLeat]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[graeme.toms]

Refitting a Club launch and relocating the Vetus fuel tank (approx 17ins cube in size). No means to check fuel quantity unless one uses a dip stick. Not feasible in new position. Need to fit a sighting tube to tank side ie plastic/glass tube with right angled screw brass/bronze fittings each end that are secured internally with retaining nut. Are devices or similar available or does one make up such a fitting? Am told some are fitted to lorry diesel tanks, is this correct? Any advice welcome.

Hi I am looking into the idea of site glasses on my two diesal tanks on my ferro boat, I dont like the electric ones I have so they will come out.
I have seen them done with push fit plumbing items, and this ia the way I will go, It is cheep aand the bits are easy to get hold of.
Good luck Graeme

 

[Bobobolinsky]

If you need a BSC, sight glasses are not allowed

 

[vyv_cox]

If you need a BSC, sight glasses are not allowed

Does that apply to the one I linked above, that is only open when the button is pressed?

 

[davidej]

I bought my first boat with a transparent plastic sight tube. I filled up with red and set off home. Checking the level regularly I was astonished with the fuel consumption - I was hardly using any .............. till I ran out!

You have guessed it -the red stains the plastic and it can be hard to distinguish the actual fuel level.

As suggested, hold a small torch behind.

 

[BurnitBlue]

I bought my first boat with a transparent plastic sight tube. I filled up with red and set off home. Checking the level regularly I was astonished with the fuel consumption - I was hardly using any .............. till I ran out!

You have guessed it -the red stains the plastic and it can be hard to distinguish the actual fuel level.

As suggested, hold a small torch behind.

Good point, thanks.

 

[vyv_cox]

I bought my first boat with a transparent plastic sight tube. I filled up with red and set off home. Checking the level regularly I was astonished with the fuel consumption - I was hardly using any .............. till I ran out!

You have guessed it -the red stains the plastic and it can be hard to distinguish the actual fuel level.

As suggested, hold a small torch behind.

The kits for central heating oil include a small green ball that floats on the surface. The oil is not red but I think you would probably see the float, even through a stained tube.

 

[sailorman]

I bought my first boat with a transparent plastic sight tube. I filled up with red and set off home. Checking the level regularly I was astonished with the fuel consumption - I was hardly using any .............. till I ran out!

You have guessed it -the red stains the plastic and it can be hard to distinguish the actual fuel level.

As suggested, hold a small torch behind.

changed my pipe this year, i changed to white so could see nothing. back to red now as it was £0.80 in Jersey

 

[Piers]

I think you'll find it must be glass with a stop cock between the tank and the base in case it breaks. I suspect you'll also find you'll need a return (breather) to the top of the tank so the whole is sealed.

There may also be conditions requiring the glass to be protected...

Have fun.

 

[sailorman]

I think you'll find it must be glass with a stop cock between the tank and the base in case it breaks. I suspect you'll also find you'll need a return (breather) to the top of the tank so the whole is sealed.

There may also be conditions requiring the glass to be protected...

Have fun.

mine is similar but with high pressure nylon tubing