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Old 01-01-2016, 12:12 PM   #32
hollywood8118
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City: Port Townsend Washington
Vessel Name: " OTTER "
Vessel Model: Ocean Alexander Europa 40
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,378
I think Marin is correct that this is being way overthought.. the risk of the existing valve working its way open is next to 0.
Everything in the E.R. is combustible.. the small amount of fuel in that sight hose is small compared to the spare gallons of oil we all carry in our E.R.
The bigger risk is loose items that can cause damage in a seaway. Who would leave the valve open when checking fuel levels.. my hand never comes off the bottom valve.. open it for about 5 seconds then close it.. done deal.
My solution is to replace the tubing often so it does not get cloudy of brittle.. then I don't worry about the tubing fracturing and causing a leak.
Finally glass sight tubes even with protection have always scared me.. sometimes in foul weather our boats take a pounding and a 36" to 48" long glass tube isn't that strong.
Happy New Year,
HOLLYWOOD
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