Custom HDPE (plastic) Fuel Tanks

[Ryan Lipgens]

Here's was my first attempt at a baffled tank. All input is appreciated.

Ryan

 

[57fairlane500]

Picture sent, I hope it helps.

 

[RodneyPierce]

ah, yes. It would need to be an actual separate tank inside. Check out the picture that Kelly sent you. I think that will give you a great idea of what we are referring to.

 

[Ryan Lipgens]

I got the picture, is the hopper tank sealed? If so, how do you get fuel in and out of it? I see one tube coming out of the hopper tank, I guess I don't understand how it would be plumbed if it was sealed and only one tube coming out of it. I sure I'm missing something simple here.

Thanks

Ryan

 

[57fairlane500]

Ryan,

I just sent you another email to explain what you are seeing in the picture. Give me a call if you need more info.

Kelly.

 

[Ryan Lipgens]

Thanks for clearing everything up for me this morning Kelly. I will start working on a test tank this weekend.

Ryan

 

[bzubee]

Ryan if your switching over to the barbed fittings you may want to stick with the 1/8" versus 1/16" material at least on the end where the fittings go. more meat for the threads.

 

[Ryan Lipgens]

Thanks for the heads up Bill. The ones I use don't thread though, they get welded in on the front and back. It helps get the fitting closer to the corner for maximum pickup. I've used 1/16" with barbs on two tanks so far and they seem to hold up, but your right it might not hurt to use the 1/8" for added strength. I'll experiment some more with different combos this weekend.

I've had alot of great conversations with members over the past few weeks and received some awesome input/ feedback. I plan to incorporate their ideas into this tank design and hopefully turn out something cool that works.

Thanks

Ryan

 

[Ryan Lipgens]

Here's a picture of the barb welded in on the front and back. What size nitro line are most of you using? I'd like to have fittings on hand to support all your needs.

 

[RodneyPierce]

Ryan, 1/16th is fine since your welding them. Are you using a weldon product? Like weldon #16 or similar?

 

[RodneyPierce]

and fittings for medium fuel tubing would work fine I bet.

 

[Ryan Lipgens]

I use a mini plastic welder, you can't use any adhesives on this stuff it has to be melted together.

 

[RodneyPierce]

ah, ic. I figured they would have a chemical similar to weldon that would react and fuse the two pieces together. Kind of like #16 does to acrylic.

Cool to know! I work for a sign shop, so work around acrylic/PVC/Polycarbonate daily.

Anyhow, back on track. sorry man.

 

[Ryan Lipgens]

No worries, this is one of the only materials that's so chemical resistant nothing wants to bond to it. It would be cool if there was something like that for HDPE.

 

[Ryan Lipgens]

Just finished this one for a nitro tunnel hull.

 

[ggeiselman]

Just finished this one for a nitro tunnel hull.

Can't wait to get it in the boat.

 

[Ryan Lipgens]

Looks great

Does this help explain the hopper ?

Greg

Great picture Greg! I will be making my first attempt at this style tank today. Stay tuned for updates.

Thanks

Ryan

 

[Ryan Lipgens]

Just finished this one for a nitro tunnel hull.

Can't wait to get it in the boat.

Thanks for your order Gary, Shipping it out first thing this morning. Let me know how it works out.

Ryan

 

[Ryan Lipgens]

Here's my first shot at an internal hopper tank. Thanks for all the input.

Ryan

 

[RodneyPierce]

Ryan, looks good! Only thing I would be worried about is the tubing come off inside the tank and not being able to put it back on.

BUT, do they make an HDPE tubing that you could bend and weld to the tank? Then it would be a permanent fixture, and you would have it licked! Also make sure to keep it 1/8 inch away from both the bottom and sides (the pickup tube that transfers from tank to hopper)