Keeping deck fills seperate

Irwin32 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006

I stumbled upon a great system for ensuring fuel does not go in water and vice versa. My fuel cap's pin holes had become elongated and difficult to use so I made a new tool with a larger pin size (5/16) and drilled the fuel cap's holes out to accept the new tool. Now I cannot use the old wrench for anythinks but water, and the fuel wrench's studs are too large to open the water tank.

TrueBlue · #2 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006

Wouldn't this be a fool proof option?

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006

No, because there are too many people who don't bother to read the caps. Either they're too lazy or illiterate.

I have the problem fixed on my boat. No fuel filler, as I use portable gas tanks for the outboard, the water is in the cockpit, and the waste is near the bow. Hard to mistake any one for the others, as the distance separating them makes it difficult to screwup.

Irwin32 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006

Yes, fillers are labeled, but it is not uncommen for people to screw it up anyways. One can get distracted. Some of us are ADD and a good failsafe system is invaluable.

Irwin32 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006

I have heard more than one story of someone putting diesel into water or visa versa.

jared · #6 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006

Some folks use a slotted "universal" tool, odds are your fuel dock has and uses one. So anything with a slot on it, won't be fool proof.

I'd just as soon use the plastic ones that are color coded as well as labeled, and pop up so no tool is needed. "Fool proofing" is called being actively in command during all operations. (At least that way you know exactly which fool was in charge.)