Hi Geoff,
Here is another option:
Make up a backing plate for each cleanout ~ 1/4" thick and remove the
center. The plate should look like an aluminum donut assuming the
inspection cover is round. Drill and tap the backing plate to match the
existing cover plate holes. I suggest using machine, hex head bolts. Then
drill out the existing screw holes in the tank making them a bit larger so
that the new fasteners are threaded to the backing plate only.
If the cover plates and the existing access holes are rectangular, the
backing plates will slide into the tank easily. If the access holes are
round, cut the backing plate in one location ( from somewhere on the outside
circumference towards the center of the of the backing plate). You can now
bend the backing plate slightly, slide the tank edge into the slot/kerf and
maneuver it into the hole in the tank. I thought about cutting the backing
plate into two pieces and bolting them to the top of the tank, but it seemed
to make extra work and more precise activity
Clamp the backing plate in place and insert the screws without installing
the cover. Once everything is lined up, drill two small holes for a flat
head machine screw and attach the backing plate to the inside of the top of
the tank. Now the backing plate is in place and ready to accept a new
gasket and the cover.
When I installed two inspection plates on my tank, I used the above process
and can easily remove the covers without the backing plates falling into the
tank
BTW - I used 1/4" or larger hex head fasteners instead of screws.
S/V Endeavor
"Geoff Schultz" wrote in message
.. .
I have an aluminum fuel tank which has about a 6-8" inspection cover made
out of the same material. The cover screws through a rubber type gasket
and the screws are threaded into the tank material. One or two of the
screws have stripped the threads and the tank weeps diesel primarily when
it's completely full. Basically I think that I have 2 options to repair
this.
1) Redrill/tap with larger screws
2) JB Weld a nut on the inside.
Any comments/suggestions?
-- Geoff
www.GeoffSchultz.org