Help with Oil (kerosene) Tank for Central Heating

djp64

I've just purchased a property that has oil central heating - it's new to me, always had main gas.

I have a 1500L single skin oil tank,  At one end of the top is the screw fitting filling cap and at the end other is a domed cap that appears to be a push fit into a round opening.  This opening has fine fins around the inside I presume to hold the cap in place.

This domed cap has a small split it in and I'm concerned that if this worsens it will allow water to enter the tank.

I've googled it and I think it's a vent.

Does this sound right?  Hoping someone can confirm what it is and if I can buy a replacement.

I won't be able to post a picture at the moment as I'm not back there for a couple of weeks

Thanks in advance.

Debbie

Hasbeen

Its a vent. could be push in or screwed. Can either replace for a few £ or put some sticky waterproof tape over split.

Hasbeen

Cover below if you cannot get it off. Easy DIY.    If you can or want to replace then google to get one same.

Also being new to oil you should be aware that prices vary locally. Wait till you need at least 1000 Litres to top up and phone at least 6 local suppliers. Prices vary here by up to £70 per fill.

djp64

Thank you Hasbeen - I will tape for now and then source a replacement or 'manufacture' a waterproof cover.

djp64

Hasbeen - I wonder if I can ask you another question?

The tank has a sight guide comprising a plastic tube running down one end to a valve / outlet.  The sight guide is useless as it's gone opaque in the sun / over time.  Is it possible to isolate the supply to the sight guide tube by turning the round knob just in front of the inlet to it on the bottom.  I'm concerned that the sight guide might start leaking (when I'm not there) as the plastic is splayed at little at the bottom

Thanks

Debbie

Hasbeen

djp64 said:

Hasbeen - I wonder if I can ask you another question?

The tank has a sight guide comprising a plastic tube running down one end to a valve / outlet.  The sight guide is useless as it's gone opaque in the sun / over time.  Is it possible to isolate the supply to the sight guide tube by turning the round knob just in front of the inlet to it on the bottom.  I'm concerned that the sight guide might start leaking (when I'm not there) as the plastic is splayed at little at the bottom

Thanks

Debbie

No.
The round knob is to isolate the tank from the supply pipe /  boiler.

If it leaks because of splayed part you should only lose what is in sight tube

There should be a small round knob to RH or LH side above the round turn off knob that can be pulled out to check level in tank?
It should spring back in when checked to isolate / stop any tank leaks via sight tube.

I would suggest simply turning tube so opaque part is at back. Hand turn at bottom of tube, it is pushed into a seal but will turn easily by gentle turning.

But If you want to:
If splayed at bottom you "could to be safe" screw in large knob to isolate. Pull plastic tube out "push fit" and reverse so splayed part is at top. Turn plastic tube around so opaque is at back. Good side if any at front.  Push back in. Turn all back on etc

If sight tube is  not "see able" then you can replace. Much better than all the electronic gadgets you get for checking how much oil in tank.

djp64

Hasbeen - thank you once again.

Your detailed explanation has put my mind at rest that I'm not going to have a garden flooded with kerosene from a potential leaking sight tube

I will be there in a couple of weeks so will follow your instructions and see if I can get it to work / be readable.

I appreciate your advice on the electronic devices.  I've been looking at them but the reviews aren't great.

Hasbeen

No problem.
 A lot of modern tanks did away with the site tubes and went into the electronic ones like Watchman etc.

But users tend to ditch these because of problems and tend to use a marked piece of wood etc, dipped into tank to tell amount left.

Check how much is in your tank and order as required before winter if needed.

Oil prices at an all time low at the moment, but may go up as demand increases as it gets colder.

djp64

Thank you.  As far as I can see there are no identifying marks on the tank (manufacturer / capacity etc).  It's a horizontal, cylindrical tank so using a calculator I found on a website https://www.crownoilenvironmental.co.uk/tank-size-calculator/ I've managed to work out the capacity (1500L) and then using a clean bamboo cane as a dipstick I've established the current level and therefore approximately what's left.  The website that calculates the tank size (from the dimensions) also calculates approx what's left if you provide a dipstick reading.  If I've done it right I think I've got around 1000 litres left.

I'm planning on arranging a delivery when it gets to around 500 litres so I don't risk circulating any debris on the bottom of the tank.  I believe the minimum delivery is around 500L and they like to leave some room for expansion so I'm thinking that 500 to 750L should do it : )

Thanks for the tip on prices - it sounds like a delivery sooner rather than later would be a good idea..

dogshome

Plastic Tanks are degraded by UV light, get some sort of Roof or Cover over it to protect it from direct sunlight

Ebe_Scrooge

djp64 said:

I believe the minimum delivery is around 500L and they like to leave some room for expansion so I'm thinking that 500 to 750L should do it : )

Just one additional tip.  You're right that most suppliers (certainly my local ones) have a minimum delivery of 500 litres.  But the price per litre drops slightly if you order 900 litres or more - may be worth bearing in mind.  Alway shop around every time you order - the price between different suppliers can be quite substantial, and the cheapest supplier one time will not necessarily be the cheapest the next time.  Many of them will haggle and try to price-match their competitors as well.  Finally, a big thumbs-up from me for the garden cane over the Watchman - far simpler and a lot more reliable.