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fuel tank sight tube
blakep82 - 23/7/12 at 01:58 PM

i've got a tank very similar to this, although a bit bigger and the outlets are in a slightly different position


i've got an led fuel gauge, which i've not tested yet, but is fully adjustable to change lights wherever i want it to.
i never liked the outlet at the bottom as it could end up with no fuel over it going round corners, so i'm getting that modded this weekend to include a small sump as ideally the outlet should face the opposite direction than the way it currently is. i'm wondering though what should i do about the now redundant outlet?

should i make a sight tube with some of this? eBay Item using the bottom outlet, and 1 of the 2 on the top? i know it needs a breather valve somewhere too, one of the top outlets is sealed up already, so i could open that back up for a breather system.

or do i seal the bottom one up too?

any thoughts? will this be much of a benefit to me having a sight tube? the led gauge has 4 leds so isn't hugely accurate, but can be adjusted to show empty at any level i want it to.


paulf - 23/7/12 at 02:49 PM

That PVC tube degrades over time when exposed to petrol, it goes hard and cracks but if changed regularly could do the job.I personally just carry a 12 inch rule in the boot and use it as a dip stick due to my fuel gauge not being very accurate.
Paul


v8kid - 23/7/12 at 08:17 PM

MSA scrutineers are OK with your idea - I've used it for ages so if sensibly maintained why not.

Cheers!


blakep82 - 24/7/12 at 12:24 AM

ooh, might get it welded up then... i don't really need a sight tube, was just an idea to make use of it, but if the clear stuff cracks, might as well seal it up, don't want any future leaks


owelly - 24/7/12 at 05:29 AM

I used a clear piece of rigid plastic tube for the sight 'glass' and used clear fuel hose to connect it to the tank. Both remained clear enough to see fuel in them for the 6 years the tank was in the car. I fitted an aluminium tank with a sender which has so far prooved to tell me when I've run out just after the engine has.