Fuel Cap Attachment

[ALICE J]

The other day I went to fill up with diesel, and unscrewing the cap I almost lost it overboard because the ball chain had come loose. Inspection of the chain revealed that where the chain separated the small round balls had been crushed. allowing the connecting piece to pop out of the ball. This was in the middle of the chain. I recalled that at the last fill up that the diesel nozzle was extra large and to get it to fit into the fill hole i pushed it extra hard.
So my conclusion was that the little ball was crushed by the metal nozzle. But the cap was not lost at that point because it was hanging on the crushed ball, however when at the next refill I tugged a little hard to clear the ball chain from the fill hole and bingo, the cap came free. So the lesson is beware of the large diesel hoses and inspect that little safety chain. I changed my chain for a coated stainless steel flexible cable about 1/16th and nicro pressed fittings.

 

[Mr. Ed]

Thanks for the post! You have just solidified my thinking that it would be good to add a spare fuel cap to the box of spare parts. I've come close to losing a fuel fill cap overboard several times in the past.

 

[knotflying]

My chain broke and I was able to reattach the pieces with a chain coupling purchased at the hardware store. I like the cable idea much better. How did you get it fastened inside the fill line? As a precautionary measure I purchased a PVC pipe plug in case I lose the cap. Sorry I can't remember the size. It may be 1 -1/4 inch.

 

[TugScout]

Knot:

Using a PVC end cap for an emergency fuel cap is a genius idea. I will pick one up next time I'm at the local hardware store. Thanks!!

Cheers,
Mark

 

[ALICE J]

I had to disconnect the hose, and grounding wire pretty easy to work on, and levered the fitting off the hose and the screw that holds the chain is then exposed, I made the wire I think it's 7x7 SS about a foot long with loops at each end the fit into the chain holder. I do have to stuff the wire into the filler tube as its not as flexible at the chain. I too like the PVC cap idea but hopefully the wire strop will "never" fail :lol:

 

[PetDrs]

I use a stainless fishing leader, which is very strong and takes up virtually no room. Cheap and simple solution.

 

[Wee Venture]

For $1.63, you can buy a ready made stainless steel wire with attaching points at both ends from Clean Way Fuel Fill website. Super simple to attach it between your existing chain and the cap.
https://cleanwayfuelfill.shop/collectio ... nder-leash

 

[Captain Steve]

ordering today.... what a clever idea!

 

[Brian B]

Nothing more than a fishing wire leader. I installed one in about 2 minutes.