TWL: fuel tanks and polishing revisited
I have had some thoughts lately about the semi recent
fuel polishing thread. I came up with an idea to solve
leaking fuel tank and dirty fuel trouble all in one. I
would like to hear reasons on why this idea may not
work. I have made some assumptions and have a lack of
exact knowledge of ways to perform some of the tasks,
but I think it is possible.
As for leaky fuel tanks -
-
remove entire side of fuel tank- the best method
for this, I am not sure ?? -
Purchase already available "bladder". I was told
once that these types of bladders for fuel tanks
already exist. If not could one be fashioned? You
could build it so it has a simple but sturdy valve for
emptying. I am not sure what material.? -
Replace side of fuel tank. Now we get into the
welding thread from a while back, and more assumptions
on my part. I seem to recall welding was accepted by
some and not by others. However, an empty tank,
properly cleaned should not cause problems. or would
it???
3A) Here is my idea I thought of. Replace the fuel
tank side and weld/attach some kind of hinges on it on
the top and fasteners to securely hold it in place on
the bottom.
OR
3B) Fix it so that the entire side was always
removable, no hinge just fasteners. If would be a kind
of removable face plate. This way you would not have
to open and have space for something swinging up/down
or sideways.
Again, the exact/best way to do this I am not sure??
Would welding be possible?
- Before a long journey, unclip the fasteners on the
bottom/remove the face plate and voila! instant access
to the bladder and draining valve. You could clean
'til your hearts content. Or seems like you could have
disposable bladders that could just be thrown away and
replaced when needed.
More trouble than its worth? More expensive than just
replacing the fuel tanks to begin with? Already being
done? Thoughts?
Dan
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Dan Symula wrote:
- Replace side of fuel tank. Now we get into the welding thread from a
while back, and more assumptions on my part. I seem to recall welding was
accepted by some and not by others. However, an empty tank, properly
cleaned should not cause problems. or would it???
One problem is that you wouldn't be welding an empty tank -- it would have
a big rubber bag in it. I'd be concerned that heat from the welding would
damage the bladder.
I once had a water pump tank from a house welded to fix a leak in it.
Unbeknownst to me (or the welder) the tank actually had a tire inner tube
type thing in the top of it to hold air pressure. Needless to say, I ended
up having to throw the whole thing out. The air bladder heated up,
exploded and it left burnt rubber all over the inside of the tank.
Presumably you could weld threaded nuts to the tank before the bladder went
in so that you could bolt the side on later....
Bill
----- Original Message -----
From: Dan Symula adventuresoul@yahoo.com
To: trawler-world-list@samurai.com
Sent: Friday, December 29, 2000 2:05 PM
Subject: TWL: fuel tanks and polishing revisited
I have had some thoughts lately about the semi recent
fuel polishing thread. I came up with an idea to solve
leaking fuel tank and dirty fuel trouble all in one.
As for leaky fuel tanks -
- remove entire side of fuel tank- the best method
for this, I am not sure ??
You might drain the entire tank, if possible, then purge with several
volumns of CO2. Possibly cut the side out with a nylon wheel in a die
grinder. I would check the LEL in both the tank and bilge with something
like a Passport monitor before doing any cutting or grinding.
- Purchase already available "bladder". I was told
once that these types of bladders for fuel tanks
already exist.
There are several companies that make these bladders for use in aircraft.
I can't think of any specific names now, but you can find their ads in a
publication called Trade-a-Plane. I recall that one or two are in
Tennessee. They can make any size that you need. They are not cheap, a 30
gallon tank for a Beachcraft Bonanza cost about $250, and that was several
years ago. I do not know if any company makes them for marine applications.
- Replace side of fuel tank.
You might consider welding studs onto the old tank shell while it is
cleaned out and before installing the new bladder. Then replace with and
oversize, bolt on cover.
Normally in aircraft applications these bladders do not expand and collapse
as they are filled and emptied, rather they are held in place by snap
fasteners strategically placed around the bladder and the enclosure. That
means that you would have to specify a vent. You would also have to cut
holes in your old tank to take a fill connection to the fill pipe, a vent
line connection, a fuel supply connection, a drain, and probably a return
line. These connections are normaly heavy rubber nipples that are
vulcanized into the bladder where ever you specify.
One thing to consider is there would be no way to install baffles. The
trickiest part would be the cutting out of the old tank wall before you
could get to the inside for complete cleaning. I have seen welders weld on
tanks half full of diesel fuel with a cap of inert gas on top. I'm not
recommending it though! I would get expert advice in that area. It is an
interesting concept that I have considered at times myself, but feel it
would best be left to proffesionals.
Dan Symula wrote:
I came up with an idea to solve
leaking fuel tank and dirty fuel trouble all in one.
As for leaky fuel tanks -
- remove entire side of fuel tank- the best method
for this, I am not sure ??
Dan,
In July and Aug. of 99 I did a number of posts on this very subject.
leaking tanks, cleaning , welding and cutting
I also looked at the bladders and ruled them out on expense and trouble
of installation. For the cost of them you can have tanks built.
If you cant find the posts let me know.
Anyone else interested also let me know off line.
Charles C Culotta
Patterson, La.
95 Miles West of New Orleans
On ICW