Tanksight by small Marine

[Osprey69]

Very old school fuel and water tank gauges. It is not working but would like to fix it (because it is very simple and in place) but have found very little on-line.

Any experience out there? Thanks in advance.

 

[C lectric]

I take it you are looking at sight glasses of sorts for your tanks.
If you are asking about something specific it would help if you posted a link to what you are considering.
I spent some time Googling and basically came up with nothing about what you asked about other than some general postings.

 

[taolsen6]

https://www.mcmaster.com/sight-tubes/

 

[C lectric]

Or some photos, GOOD ones, of what you have may get some help.

 

[TJM]

Years ago I worked for a company that made these for military ships. If you are just thinking a site tube be sure and add ball valves at the top and bottom and ALWAYS have them closed when not viewing the contents. They can be hard glass tubes or more forgiving thick tygon tubing that is fluid compatible of course.

 

[Osprey69]

Or some photos, GOOD ones, of what you have may get some help.

Yup. Sorry about that.

 

[OldDan1943]

LOL I read the title wrong. I was thinking, what can he do with a sight from a tank.

 

[AlanT]

Very old school fuel and water tank gauges. It is not working but would like to fix it (because it is very simple and in place) but have found very little on-line.

Any experience out there? Thanks in advance.

I just looked at the photo you posted. When you open up the cabinet what is behind the two round black "knobs"? Are they electrical switches or are they connected to small diameter plastic hose?

Is there a circuit breaker associated with this gauge?

 

[Osprey69]

Thanks Alan...I believe it is tubes, but will verify this weekend.

 

[AlanT]

Thanks Alan...I believe it is tubes, but will verify this weekend.

That is what I am thinking. It seems similar in design to a more modern unit I had on a prior boat.

Here is a link to the manual for that modern unit, that may help you visualize and determine if yours is similar:

Installation & Operation |

You pull, then push on the knob and it pressurizes the tank and the needle on the gauge is somehow connected in a way to register that pressure without any need for wiring.

First test would be to test the gauge. Connect a piece of spare plastic tubing to one of the two nipples on the back of the device. Blowing into the tube on each of those should move the needle. If it does the Gauge works and the problem is either a blockage or a leak or disconnect in the piping.

If you can get access to both ends of the tubing, you can blow it through to determine (a) if there is an obstruction, or (b) if there are leaks in the length of the tubing.

If it were me I would suspect the connections where the plastic tubing makes its connections. That stuff can harden and lose its seal.

~A

 

[Osprey69]

Awesome Alan. Thank you!

 

[Portage_Bay]

I agree with Alan, you've likely got a pneumatic system. Very simple once you grasp the principal. When you next get a look you will likely find that none of the parts are anything special. All can be replaced with current off the shelf parts though they may not be an exact match.

 

[C lectric]

A very similar unit is called Hart TankTender. Google them. Unfortunately the URL does not see to want to work.

I have known these as the above. THey have been around for several donkeys ages although I don't recognize yours specifically.

I do not have one. But I have known several with them.

Maybe contact Tank Tender , above. Maybe they can help.

If the little pump does not work it may need to be taken apart and new seals installed. Likely just O rings but I don't know.

B ut the ones I have seen have had long lives and the owners LIKED them.

 

[Portage_Bay]

Here's a good link for Tank Tender.
http://tanktender.com/

 

[C lectric]

While poking about I noticed a manual for the Hart. Try looking around for it. Although you have a different unit the info should help you, hopefully.

https://www.improducts.co.uk/download/1562

Installation & Operation |