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Thread: surface finish
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5th Aug 2015, 08:18 PM #1Intermediate Member
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- Dec 2011
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- Sydney
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surface finish
Hi all
I have had reason to make a fuel dipstick, the stick looks o.k. and does what a fuel stick should do, however I can't see the fuel level on the stick.
The stick is made of aluminum with a brass insert, the reason for the insert is, after the first attempt to get a reading failed, I dipped a piece of brass in the fuel, I could see the level, so I added the brass strip.
Job done, nice and clean, too clean, can't see the fuel, I have removed the patina, so the question is how to get a finish on the brass that will} not contaminate the fuel and will stay put. I am unable to see the fuel on the aluminum whether it is polished or left dull. Has anybody had a similar problem?
Regards
Ted
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5th Aug 2015, 08:42 PM #2Philomath in training
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- Oct 2011
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- Norwood-ish, Adelaide
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- 59
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- 6,561
Off hand - no.
However, I have seen dipsticks with a cross hatch type pattern on them that helps hold on to oil, so possibly putting some slight grooves in with a file or even drilling some small holes (dimples really) that the fuel could get suck into with capillary action?
Michael
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5th Aug 2015, 09:35 PM #3Member
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- Jun 2010
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- Wimmera
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Wood works wonders. Just like the old fuel dip sticks the service stations used to use.
Hooroo.
John.
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5th Aug 2015, 10:00 PM #4Most Valued Member
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- Aug 2011
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- Melbourne
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Maybe try increasing the surface area, same reason as Michael says, to hold or trap the fuel long enough for you to get a reading. A knurled finish sounds like an idea worth trying but nore sure how it would go on a dipstick being so small in cross sectional area.
SimonGirl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.
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5th Aug 2015, 11:18 PM #5Senior Member
- Join Date
- May 2012
- Location
- Kimberley, West Australia
- Posts
- 176
Dipstick.
The last couple of dipsticks I have made for oil or small fuel tanks have used a bright steel rod and I have given them a quick "oil blue" job so that the fluid shows quite well and the finish is fairly durable. Easy to redo the finish if they ever rust or lose their finish.
Combustor.Old iron in the Outback, Kimberley WA.
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6th Aug 2015, 11:03 AM #6Senior Member
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- Jul 2007
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- Perth
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- 332
Ted,
The fuel dipsticks I've seen / used are aluminium with a sand blasted looking finish, quite fine, but the fuel line remains visible and doesn't run.
Alan
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6th Aug 2015, 11:48 AM #7Banned
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- Feb 2015
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- Oz
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- 73
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- 459
Bead blasted
I've used a bead blast finish to good effect, the matt finish highlights the fluid (petrol in my case).
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6th Aug 2015, 07:42 PM #8Intermediate Member
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- Dec 2011
- Location
- Sydney
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- 42
All,
Thanks, Alan and sacc51, I recon you're on the money. It will be put to use this weekend, the fuel we are using has a slight yellow colour, it might show up on the aluminum.If I can work out how to post a photo I'll post a pic.
Meanwhile I'm experimenting with brown vinegar on the brass strip.
Regards
Ted
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6th Aug 2015, 08:10 PM #9Pink 10EE owner
- Join Date
- Aug 2008
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- near Rockhampton
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- 6,218
Can you put an artificial patina on the brass?
Gold, the colour of choice for the discerning person.
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7th Aug 2015, 07:48 AM #10Intermediate Member
- Join Date
- Dec 2011
- Location
- Sydney
- Posts
- 42
R.C.
I'm going to attempt to do an artificial patina, however because I have attached the brass strip to the aluminum there is a concern that what may be good for the brass may not be good for the aluminum.
Regards
Ted
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