Gene Kearns wrote:
On Tue, 01 Jun 2004 10:38:25 -0400, DSK wrote:


K. Smith wrote:

The usual method to "test" is to;
(i) clamp all usual outlets at the end of their runs (that way you
test the unions taps etc),
(ii) fill with diesel or water,

WRONG

Do *not* fill a fuel tank with the wrong kind of fuel, or water. I think
most people would be smarter than to do this anyway, but I felt I should
speak up just in case.



Yep.... a really stupid idea. Here's a better way:

First, mix an indicator solution of:
1/2 Gal. distilled water
1/2 Gal denatured alcohol
15 grams of phenolphthalein powder

Take a large cloth that will absorb 3cc of household ammonia per cubic
foot of tank capacity. Stuff dampened cloth into the tank. Tank
should be empty, except for the ammonia rag.

Pressurize the tank to a VERY LOW pressure.... certainly not over 5
psi.... use good judgment.... drinking comes *later*.

Soak another cloth with the indicator solution and use it to
wipe/cover the tank. Leaks will show up as pink or red stains on the
indicator cloth.

Remove the ammonia cloth and either hit the bar or the bay.....


I know from experience not to even argue with Gene, who is a classic
case of older but no wiser, however I better go on the record:-)

Again, "Don't under any circumstances pressurise a 250 gal alloy fuel
tank to anything remotely like 5 psi of anything much less air!!!"

You will need a new tank if you do, but that'll be letting you off
light, you might need a new hull & deck or even an ambulance. Del would
work out the stored energy for us in a flash:-) Oops did I say flash:-)

Again there is only one correct way to test & it's simple, easy & cheap
so why not???? Yes you probably do need a new tank, but what if it's
just a leak in a connection etc .

Anyway tried to answer, wouldn't have had not someone suggested 3 psi
of air.

K