Sealing Diesel Tank Ports...

[Christian Van H]

Hi All! Just started building my diesel tank access ports. Right now I am planning to use Neoprene gaskets as the primary seal...unless someone here KNOWS first hand of something better that isnt made of Unobtainium. I want nothing to do with any type of goop like Permatex #2, etc. and I'm hoping to use a reusable gasket material. Also, if Neoprene is right, anyone know of a cheap source in the USA? Thanks, Chris

[bob kingsland]

Chris: Buna N is what you want, not neoprene. Also known as nitrile, much more resistant to petroleum products. Readily available from McMaster in all kinds of shapes and sizes. I used 1/8", 1 piece the size of the whole cover plate with undersized holes for bolts punched in. No leaks.

Best, Bob S/V Restless

[Strygaldwir]

Please take Bob's advice. I made my gaskets from Neoprene. They totally failed after 4 years or so. I had purchased a sheet of neoprene for making gaskets. When I decided to replace the gaskets, I made it out of that material. After 4 years, spotted a leak when we were filling the tanks. touched the gasket, they had the consistency of pudding. Totally destroyed.

[Christian Van H]

Buna-N / Nitrile it is! Yet another example of why this forum rocks... Hearing the voice of experience with something as arcane as Diesel tank inspection port seals! Thank you both for your posts. You saved me a lot of trouble down the road. I owe you both several beers.