Fuel Level Sight Tubes

[James Grant]

Good Morning:

I have a 82 Classic DC with two original fuel tanks - on each tank there is a vertical braided hose that indicates by sight the fuel levels in the tanks - these have become brown over the years and are now too dark so see through.

Question:
Has anyone replaced these ? If so what type of hose was used and where was it sourced?
And finally what is the diameter of the hose - save cutting a chunk out to take with me.

Thanks a lot

Grant

[jleonard]

Don't know the id..suspect 1/2 ". Tygon tubing from McMaster -Carr online will work.

[James Grant]

Thanks a lot - much appreciated

[James Grant]

Just visited the site there is a yellow tint Tygon that is perfect - that's an amazing supplier thanks so much

[jleonard]

Yes, I buy a lot from McMaster actually. I even bought spare stainless nuts and key stock for the prop shaft there....at a fraction of a marine price.

[rebuckley]

Hi - did the 1/2"-id work out? I was looking to change these tubes as well (same discoloration issue). I am also changing out the antiquated Fuel/water seperator we had. When you changed the sight tubes - any fuel leak issues - or was simply closing the valves enough to keep the fuel at bay?

[psneeld]

I used cheapo clear, non-reinforced vinyl tube from the local hardware store....yes the fuel stays put except for what's in the tube. Take the top off first and let it spilll into a small container.

Same tubing as on my water tanks.

[N4QC]

Scott:

Heads up - check out the specs of the "non-reinforced vinyl tube" for its compatibility with diesel fuel. As a short term trouble shooting technique that type of tubing may work fine. But for a long term installation I would have second thoughts...

Also, another consideration is how hot does your diesel tank fuel get. In my case, being in Tampa Bay, a combination of ambient air, sea water and engine return fuel temperatures, I see my fuel supply out of the Racor to the engine reaching greater than 104 F. This hot fuel impacts engine performance with a reduction of RPMs at the same throttle setting. Hot fuel will impact vinyl...

Hope this helps,

[James Grant]

Folks:

I used McMaster Carr part number 5187K74 - 7/16 ID - thick wall - specifically for diesel - it comes in 10 ft lengths and was more than enough.
The only issue I had was the "T" junction at the bottom of one tank was a 1/2" threaded connection so I went to the hardware store and purchased a reduction connector and it worked fine. The other tank was a perfect fit and I can see the fuel now.

Grant

[jleonard]

Also, another consideration is how hot does your diesel tank fuel get. In my case, being in Tampa Bay, a combination of ambient air, sea water and engine return fuel temperatures, I see my fuel supply out of the Racor to the engine reaching greater than 104 F. This hot fuel impacts engine performance with a reduction of RPMs at the same throttle setting. Hot fuel will impact vinyl...

Hope this helps,

Yea, my fuel was so hot yesterday and I could only cruise at 6.8 knots instead of 6.9. I don't really think an old Ford Lehman will care.
Yes I'm being somewhat facecious, I know that on SOME engines it can make a difference.

[psneeld]

Scott:

Heads up - check out the specs of the "non-reinforced vinyl tube" for its compatibility with diesel fuel. As a short term trouble shooting technique that type of tubing may work fine. But for a long term installation I would have second thoughts...

Also, another consideration is how hot does your diesel tank fuel get. In my case, being in Tampa Bay, a combination of ambient air, sea water and engine return fuel temperatures, I see my fuel supply out of the Racor to the engine reaching greater than 104 F. This hot fuel impacts engine performance with a reduction of RPMs at the same throttle setting. Hot fuel will impact vinyl...

Hope this helps,

I'm not worried...the tubes get replaced due to discoloration long before a failure...plus the valves are shut off when not actively taking a sight. Using more expensive, harder to see through hose in my opinion was just a waste of money.

[mike66]

Just went with Grant's recommendation and very happy with results. Thanks for the M-C source for tubing. Diesel rated and easy to work with.I'll use the leftovers to replace the sight tube on my water tank.
FWIW, just used the leftover tubing that fit perfectly on the water tank. Nice to see how much is in there without guessing. Also glad we don't use that water for drinking after seeing the inside of the old tubing, even though we have a water filter.