Having problems reading the tank measuring tape.

We use baby powder to see the line. I usually run the tape down into the tank and get a rough idea of where the oil line is. Then wipe the area of the tape with a rag, sprinkle baby powder onto the tape ( I usually do about a 1' section) then roll back down how you usually do. When you bring it back up you should see a nice line where the powder was removed by the oil.

 

Good idea Doc!-I used to use chalk, but I can see that baby powder would work better.

 

Baby powder trick works, as does a tape with a black edge.

 

like I said, get a tape with a black background, or like the one we use, where 1/2 the tape is black, and half is silver.

 

Is it possible to use one of those optical range finders, those things are pretty dependable. They can measure pretty accurately how far something is away from and if you have fixed point to measure from and you know the distance from say the top of your tank to how far it is to the level you want. Just thinking if it is possible.

 

Who cares, look in the hole, make a guess & write it down. Do the math and get your bottom number. Haul the load and deliver it. Repeat.