Diesel heater

Rongela · Veteran Member

Diesel heater

JCT · Veteran Member

Why not use a clean 'dip' stick via the fuel filling inlet, which I assume it is on the top of the tank.

it would give you and indication as to the amount of fuel left.

You could mark the stick with the tank full mark, allow for any in the neck of the inlet, and then divide measurement by 5 to give a guide as to how many litres are left.

Just my views

Colin

elliemike · Guru

I use a Dip Stick. Because of the shape of the tank it has to go in at 45 deg. But thats ok. Very rarely have to check it as always carrying spare diesel I can top it up anytime.

Rongela · Veteran Member

Thanks. You both confirmed what I was thinking. I asked just in case someone had different ideas. Thanks again, dipstick it is.

Brenda and Alan · Guru

We made up a dip stick from a piece of yellow tongue from chipboard flooring. It was calibrated by filling tank 1 Lt. at a time and marking level with a hacksaw blade. As noted previously it goes in at an angle and stays in the tank as it is cut slightly too long and pops up when lid is unscrewed.

Alan

Rongela · Veteran Member

Another great idea. Thanks.

spida · Guru

Had a couple of blokes who decided by tapping the side of the tank that it needed topping up. So with them holding the container with one of those 'jiggle' nozzles to siphon , and me holding the end in the tank we started filling it. BUT - it was actually full so there was a sudden flood of diesel into my boot! YUK. Will work out a dip stick thing for next time I think about filling it LOL!

JCT · Veteran Member

Brenda and Alan wrote:
We made up a dip stick from a piece of yellow tongue from chipboard flooring. It was calibrated by filling tank 1 Lt. at a time and marking level with a hacksaw blade. As noted previously it goes in at an angle and stays in the tank as it is cut slightly too long and pops up when lid is unscrewed.
Alan

Whilst Alan's and my suggestion have the same result, I hesitate as to the actual dip stick.

Personally I would use something similar to a piece of dowel (or wooden broom shank). Using a piece of a chipboard product could in my opinion allow a 'flake' of the product to break off and possibly block the flow pipe.

I say this as my opinion and not as a definite fact or in any way to cast disagreement with Alan.

Alan's chipboard yellow tongue suggestion may not be actual chipboard and as he has used it, it appears to be fit for the purpose. It's possible that I am just being over cautious.

Merry Christmas to all

Colin

elliemike · Guru

JCT wrote:
Brenda and Alan wrote:
We made up a dip stick from a piece of yellow tongue from chipboard flooring. It was calibrated by filling tank 1 Lt. at a time and marking level with a hacksaw blade. As noted previously it goes in at an angle and stays in the tank as it is cut slightly too long and pops up when lid is unscrewed.
Alan
Whilst Alan's and my suggestion have the same result, I hesitate as to the actual dip stick.
Personally I would use something similar to a piece of dowel (or wooden broom shank). Using a piece of a chipboard product could in my opinion allow a 'flake' of the product to break off and possibly block the flow pipe.
I say this as my opinion and not as a definite fact or in any way to cast disagreement with Alan.
Alan's chipboard yellow tongue suggestion may not be actual chipboard and as he has used it, it appears to be fit for the purpose. It's possible that I am just being over cautious.
Merry Christmas to all
Colin

I think the Yellow Tongue is possibly a PVC type of material . We use a Wooden Dowel, although I do no not keep it in the tank. Easier to dip it while dry and see the tide line. Wipe it once and store it away again. PVC pipe does the same job.

-- Edited by elliemike on Saturday 19th of December 2015 08:43:07 PM

Brenda and Alan · Guru

Sorry if misinterpreted but the yellow tongue is indeed the plastic joining strip used in the sheets of chipboard flooring. It has been in the tank for three years without detriment and is still supple and springy.

Alan

JCT · Veteran Member

Brenda and Alan wrote:
Sorry if misinterpreted but the yellow tongue is indeed the plastic joining strip used in the sheets of chipboard flooring. It has been in the tank for three years without detriment and is still supple and springy.
Alan

Thanks for the clarification Alan.

I am very wary of chipboard in any liquid.

Plastic jointing strip is is a very different proposition.

Colin

-- Edited by JCT on Monday 21st of December 2015 06:04:47 PM

D and D · Guru

I use a length of rigid, 6 mm irrigation pipe as a dipstick. Its rigid enough not to bend but flexible enough to get around the twists in the tank filler tube, its cheap and readily available at any hardware shop.

Dave