Tanker Dome Gasket

Back each one off a little at a time using the star pattern. When the job is done, re-tighten the same way using the star pattern.

 

Its best to do the star pattern as it keeps the lid from warping and just tighten a little bit as you go around. With my chem tankers we have 6 clamps and I just take them as tight as I can by hand and never had any leak but have had to take a hammer to get some loose from other guys hammering them tight which ruins lids, gaskets, clamps and could even ruin dome collors if not careful. Tank could even be under a vacume depending on the temperature or altitude difference from where it was loaded and that will suck the lid down tight but sense its leaking I dont think thats an issue.

 

That's a good point; don't over tighten. The gasket is soft and doesn't need much pressure to form a seal.

 

When you start to open the dome lid, quickly put your hand on the dome gasket so it doesn't fall inside the tank. You'll really be in a mess if that happens, trying to find another gasket.

 

Probably no risk of gas. Just think of sniffing a bottle of sunflower oil in your kitchen then multiplying that. Turn your face away from the opening or if there's a little breeze, stay on the upwind side of the opening. You won't have the lid open but a few minutes anyway.

 

There is a tank wash in SLC, it's only a few miles from the J. I would stop there and get a new gasket put in. I find it amazing that any tanker company would want you to travel with a leaky trailer. That doesn't speak well for them.

The gasket is probably so badly deformed by now that it won't work.

 

As far as opening the dome yourself it's no big deal. If it's leaking product then it's leaking air, so I doubt pressure is an issue.

 

I don't know of one in Nevada. You might have to try and fix it yourself but I bet it won't seal. It might though, you never know.