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leaving fuel in the tank
jabbahutt - 23/9/08 at 11:32 AM

Hi all

I'm having a bit of problems with my fuel sender and need to remove it to have a play with float arm etc.

Problem is tank has about 10 litres of fuel in.

Once the sender is removed that'll leave a nice hole for the fuel vapour to escape from which I don't consider too safe.

What is the best way to temporarily seal off the sender hole and how long have I got to muck about with the sender before i should consider refitting it?

Thanks
Nigel

hoots_min - 23/9/08 at 11:33 AM

Could you not drain tank into fuel can prior to removal?

Paul TigerB6 - 23/9/08 at 11:39 AM

I'd be quite happy stuffing a rag in there for a few days myself - so long as nothing drops in the tank. You could probably clingfilm the opening but thats probably a bit excessive in reality.

David Jenkins - 23/9/08 at 11:42 AM

If I was doing a long job I'd drain the tank, especially if there's any risk of dropping swarf or similar stuff into the hole.

For a quick fiddle around I've put a couple of layers of polythene sheet over the hole, taped down at the edges. I don't suggest taping across the hole itself, as the fumes will soften the glue and the tape will get rapidly unstuck.

If you're going to be making any sparks (electrical or welding) then I'd tape a bit of aluminium sheet over the hole, just in case.

Alan M - 23/9/08 at 11:43 AM

Tank tape! (AKA gaffer tape)

Hellfire - 23/9/08 at 11:45 AM

What a great excuse to take it out for a spin and burn off some fuel. Take the sender out when the tank is virtually empty

Phil

wilkingj - 23/9/08 at 11:57 AM

DONT use a rag to fill the hole.
It will act as a wick, and be a potential fire hazard.

David J has the right Idea, although I would place a small ally plate over the hole and under the polythhene as a mechanical strenthener / barrier to prevent the poly sagging or getting in direct contact with the fuel.

Best way is to take out the sender, then drain the tank.
or Go for a ride as suggested.

I have even pumped out a tank using the electrical fuel pump.

Whatever you decide.... Be SAFE, rather than Sorry.

daviep - 23/9/08 at 12:31 PM

Just stick a piece of wood or metal over the hole to stop stuff falling in. Nobody worries about the vapour which escapes from the tank breather or a vented cap, what's the difference?

Just my opinion.

Davie

02GF74 - 23/9/08 at 01:21 PM

tennis ball, the non furry sort.

r1_pete - 23/9/08 at 01:28 PM

quote:
Originally posted by 02GF74
tennis ball, the non furry sort.


or give it a quick shave first,

Must admit thats how I bunged my tank up when I started the B, but its finished up inside the tank now..... was 50/50 wwhether or not to buy a new one anyway.

sebastiaan - 25/9/08 at 07:46 PM

The fuller the tank is, the safer (i.e. less flammable vapour). And as long as it's petrol, the mixture inside the tank will be too rich to burn anyway. To stop fumes from getting ot the tank, just put something over the hole (a piece of ally or something like it) with something weighty on top of it. It'll be fine, don't worry.