Plastic Diesel tank manufactures/questions?

[mrybas]

I want to replace the AL fuel tanks in my cat with plastic ones. I need two 30-35 gallon tanks. Is it possible to add a 'sight glass' tube to view fuel level on a plastic tank? What about adding a drain at the bottom of the tank to remove water and sludge?

[ub1]

Triple m plastics. Maine

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by ub1

Triple m plastics. Maine

Nice! They're not far from here. Never even heard of them.

Thanks!!

[Jason Flare]

Another vote for Triple M. They built a custom tank for me and did a great job.

Tricky website though:

Triple 'M' Plastics

(Note the: dot us, not dot com)

[mako]

Originally Posted by mrybas

What about adding a drain at the bottom of the tank to remove water and sludge?

Consider having your pickup tube extend to the lowest point of the tank thus eliminating another hole in your tank.

My 40 year old steel 1600 gallon tank was built like that and was always clean because the fuel was always being polished.

Seriously how much dirt, water and sludge do you expect to develop in a 35 gallon tank?

Also if the tank is translucent white then eliminate the sight gauge and thus another hole.

[SV Bacchus]

Originally Posted by makobuilders

Consider having your pickup tube extend to the lowest point of the tank thus eliminating another hole in your tank.

Also if the tank is translucent white then eliminate the sight gauge and thus another hole.

Mako just eliminated 2 holes in your tank with excellent recommendations!

[a64pilot]

I believe it is against the rules, but if I have a fuel tank made, it will have a sump, that can be done with a dip tube though and then it won't be against the rules.
I want a way to take a fuel sample from the very lowest point of the tank periodically.
And I too recommend triple M, they made my waste tank, exactly according to the drawings I sent them, at the price they quoted, and on time too.
I can see waste through my tank, I'm sure you could see fuel level as well, if not then shine a light on the tank and you can for sure.

[mrybas]

Thanks guys for the good advice!

[Jacko]

As 64 said it is a great idea to have a sump in your tank. My main tank has a simple 6'' X 3" pipe welded ( s/s tank ) to the bottom directly below the dip tube cap. I can slip a hose in there and pump the sump easily and as the fuel moves around in the tank and rubbish , water etc collects in the sump it is surprising what comes out !!!!

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I believe it is against the rules.......

It is on gasoline tanks but bottom drains and sight tubes properly done are allowed on diesel tanks. I checked before I had a drain built into my custom tank.

[gts1544]

mrybas, My SS diesel tank has an access port on top to allow cleaning of an empty tank without removal, if you have adequate access. We are in the Caribbean with a 30 gallon tank and between the not so pristine fuel and the algae growth, despite using a biocide, the tank needs cleaning about every five years. George

[Sav]

Originally Posted by gts1544

mrybasWe are in the Caribbean with a 30 gallon tank and between the not so pristine fuel and the algae growth, despite using a biocide, the tank needs cleaning about every five years. George

How on earth does a fuel tank get algae growth in it?

I was bought up on a farm, and EVERY day that machinery was used, the fuel tank was filled at days end.
We NEVER had condensation in fuel tanks... EVER!!

[gts1544]

Sav, As a nearly 60 year experienced pilot, both airlines and general aviation, I can assure you that there are many ways for water to get into a fuel tank, both aviation & marine. 1. - Quality of fuel / 2. - Gas cap seals / 3. Condensation / 4. Others. It is gospel in light aircraft that you always drain and inspect your fuel tank and fuel line sumps for water contamination. We also always filled the aviation fuel tanks after each flight and I suspect that the majority of the water contamination was leaking wing upper surface gas cap seals, but there was usually a little present. Additionally, any residual water in the tank, plus any carried in the delivered fuel, was usually in suspension for a period of time until it settled into the sump areas. Also, diesel fuel is anhydrous, meaning that it holds dissolved water for quite some time, hence the algae in warmer climates. A water trapping funnel should be used when fueling.

As an aside, when was the last time that you changed the O-ring seal at the fuel fill port on your boat? George

[JOHNMARDALL]

There are several manufacturers (including us) of translucent plastic tanks, with all the connections, clean-out ports, etc. WIth a translucent tank you don't need a sight gauge. I recommend against putting bottom or side connection holes in the tank - your well chosen fuel filter will allow you to remove water (usually condensate) from the fuel and a good clean-out port will provide access to remove sludge, should any develop.

A sump could be beneficial, but will not allow you to simply strap the new tank down to a flat sole or platform. On a similar note, a standard tank may be a lot less expensive than a custom tank.

Finally, make very careful measurements of any hatches and other openings through which the new tank must pass, look at the tank dimensions carefully before buying and be ready to bite the bullet and cut some fiberglass - it's nearly always a struggle to get the old tank out and the new tank in. Boat work is not for the faint-hearted.

Good luck
John Mardall
Vetus Maxwell Group

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by gts1544

Sav,
As an aside, when was the last time that you changed the O-ring seal at the fuel fill port on your boat? George

Last year, and I have two spares.
I have been bitten by that one before