Fuel Sender Install

[Lowranger]

I purchased two new Moeller cross linked polyethyline fuel tanks w/o senders. The installation will require a 2" diameter hole and 5 holes for the screws. Moeller and Tempo tanks w/ senders have a metal retaining ring with threaded holes molded into them. My tanks lack this ring. Since I won't have access to the inside of the tank I won't be able to use washers and nuts. I'll need to use some type of blind fastener such as a rivet or a rivet nut. http://www.rivetsplus.com/manufacture/avdel/dk_insert.asp Obviously, I want to ensure that fuel won't get by the fasteners or the sender. For liability reasons Tempo and Moeller don't endorse modifying their products. Can anyone advise me? Also, will a hole saw do the job w/o melting, cracking, or deformation? Thanks

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Fuel Sender Install

Brand new tank and ya gotta start drilling, I know how you feel.<br /><br />Many auto tanks are plastic, the senders are held in with self tapers - in your case use stainless. I don't know about the riveting, they work loose over time and when you need to replace them what do you do with the stuff that drops into the tank? Use self tapers. I also don't trust the seal that comes with the sender, I like to use a good goop as well.<br /><br />A hole saw is the only way to drill a 2" hole but use a good quality saw, you don't want an egg shaped hole - just vaccum out the tailings. Don't worry about melting, the saw will cut quickly & cleanly. Plan your placement carefully, allow for the swing of the arm (should be instructions with the tank). You also need to take into account the fact that boats don't sit level - usually stern down.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Lowranger]

Re: Fuel Sender Install

Hi Aldo, Thank you for your reply. It's beginning to look like a good method is also the most obvious. Others have repeated your opinion. However, on a different user-group a fellow described an item to me and I googled around until I found it http://www.wemausa.com/tank_sensors/tank_level_sensors.htm . At the bottom of the page are c-shaped adapters. The Stainless Steel one is designed specifically for senderless tanks. I hope this thread helps others. It was great hearing from a fellow boater/fisherman down under. Tight Lines Mate!

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Fuel Sender Install

I didn't know that type of adapter was available.<br /><br />Definetely the way to go.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Dexloy]

Re: Fuel Sender Install

Great link, thanks