Fuel system question

Discussion in 'Powerboats' started by fallguy, Nov 11, 2025.

  1. fallguy
    Joined: Dec 2016
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    fallguy Boat Builder

    the lower screws are machine screws that go into threaded inserts in the roto moulded plastic tank, so those holes are the same as the thread OD or plus a bit, no threads

    the top screws could have been engineered larger, but the lidar sensor is sized to work on the tank which is what I did on the portside to get the thing to seal now (removed the badly engineered focuse tube.
     
  2. fallguy
    Joined: Dec 2016
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    fallguy Boat Builder

    I want to thank everyone again.

    I think Phil’s idea to cut a philips tip into a long machine screw has some promise.
     
  3. Barry
    Joined: Mar 2002
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    Barry Senior Member

    Alternatively, you could drill out the upper threaded holes large enough to put a regular screwdriver through to tighten the lower screws and then use the same bolts with nylocks to hold the top unit onto the top flange with a cost of 5 nylocks and 5 flat washers
     
  4. Barry
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    Barry Senior Member

    I am assuming that there would be enough room under the flange for a nut to lay flat, ie the radius not provide enough flat area for the nut
     
  5. fallguy
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    fallguy Boat Builder

    I thought about that already.

    I was worried oversizing the holes might made the lidar sensor move around some.

    I was also a bit nervous drilling above the fuel tanks, but I can tape off the opening and run a fan to disperse any fumes.

    I suppose I could also use bushings to repair the holes and get close to the size.

    I think this is my plan B now after I try to make a
    Phillips tip in a machine screw.
     
  6. Barry
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    Barry Senior Member

    As a machine screw will be quite soft, you could consider just taking a screwdrive which has a shaft size of the existing upper machine screw ( the shaft size could be a little smaller or
    larger as the die would cut the diameter to size) and running a die from the top to the bottom of the screwdriver shaft. Depending on the hardness of the screwdriver bit there is a slim chance that you may damage the die but I would think that this would not happen. Then you can be assured that the bit will fit tightly in the bottom screw and not strip the bit to screw head pocket
    I would expect that a screwdriver that you buy for 5 bucks would not have a hardened tip
     
  7. fallguy
    Joined: Dec 2016
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    fallguy Boat Builder

    Other than it being 2” riser, this is probably easier than making a phillips tip. Thanks. I plan to try it.
     

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