Dick Axtell
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| posted on 23/9/08 at 03:15 PM |
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Plastic Tank Probs.
Previously raised a question about where the internal baffles are, in the plastic tank (as supplied by an old Locoster - known as "PTM"
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No response; possibly because I posted in the wrong part of this forum?
Anyway, the need to press on was imperative, so I carefully measured the tank width, marked out the centre-line, and duly applied my tank-cutter.
And found I had drilled precisely into the centre baffle wall. See pic below :-
[Edited on 23/9/08 by Dick Axtell]
 
Work-in-Progress: Changed to Zetec + T9. Still trying!!
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Dick Axtell
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| posted on 23/9/08 at 03:18 PM |
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Tank Prob Pt.2
So, I made an elongated plate for the fuel level sender assy, to cover the slightly elongated hole in the tank. See next pic :-
Work-in-Progress: Changed to Zetec + T9. Still trying!!
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Dick Axtell
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| posted on 23/9/08 at 03:24 PM |
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Part 3
So now I was about to refit the tank; then a sudden thought.
Plastic tanks do not conduct electric current.
How does one earth the sender assy? I decidd on a simple solution. Drilled a generally central hole in the plate, and fitted an M5 s/s screw, thread
pointing out through the plate, to provide an earth connection.
Now that seems logical, to me. However, just want to check on any safety issues here. It is a petrol tank, and spark potential might be a problem.
What safety measures need to be taken?
Work-in-Progress: Changed to Zetec + T9. Still trying!!
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Bluemoon
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| posted on 23/9/08 at 03:38 PM |
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The major safety issue I can see is if you have a plastic tank is the "will leak sometime" soon because of poor materials, hope your
aware of this possible problem (if not try a search)..
Sparks from the sender don't seem to be an issue (they are all open) I think it has something to do with the high vapor pressure of the petrol
displacing any oxygen, so there is no air to burn in the tank (apparently)??
Dan
[Edited on 23/9/08 by Bluemoon]
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vinnievector
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| posted on 23/9/08 at 03:43 PM |
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Hi
Hi , i did reply to you but i must of put as a new topic instead of a reply if that makes sense to ,thats prob why you did not see it ,
i see that you have already cut your hole now however atleast you can see your baffel now ,I will tell you how i went about installing my sender into
my plastic tank and how you can go about repairing yours .
with a wire coat hanger or sim wire i slid in to tank till i hit the baffel marked off wire put this on out side of tank and marked off position mask
tape and pencil ,
measure your dia of the sender unit then alow 20mm away from baffel going towards filler neck add half dia of the sender and this should give you the
clearance you need .
Cut your hole . follow instructions for your sender if new .
dont forget to bond or earth your plastic
tank.
to fix your hole make a blanking plate 15mm bigger alround than the hole you cut drill and space 7 holes with place over hole mark off holes when your
happy its central drill off the plate and tank secure with rivets and fuel proof sealant .
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vinnievector
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| posted on 23/9/08 at 04:15 PM |
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you will need
you will need to bond the tank its not , because of sparks fom the sender its th movement of feul in your fuel lines and the tank ,this builds up
static especially in a plastic tank . or potential diff as some people call it .simple to remedy wire from your filler neck jube clip to earth chassie
same from sender plate screw to chassie and one or to along your fuel line .
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Dick Axtell
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| posted on 23/9/08 at 09:01 PM |
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Gentlemen, thank you for your feedback.
Bluemoon -
AFAIK the plastic tank leakage problem, discussed some time back, centred around a specific batch of sealing compound. But thanks for the tip-off,
anyway.
My tank has been plastic welded along all seams. However, in view of the problems some other builders experienced, I put a couple of gallons in my
tank, and left it for a long period. No leakage experienced. Yet!!
Vinnievector -
A very specific, detailed solution, thanks. As you can see, I've managed to find a solution. It was the possible electrical risks which bothered
me, so your advice has been welcome.
Thanks again, guys.
Work-in-Progress: Changed to Zetec + T9. Still trying!!
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