paulrossall
New member
Having to replace petrol engine with a Perkins diesel. Seem to remember some problem concerning galvanised tanks and diesel. Can I use the tank or do I have to replace it? Thanks. Paul
Can I use galvanised tank for diesel?
- Thread starter paulrossall
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PuffTheMagicDragon
Active member
Don't even THINK about it Paul!
AFAIK the zinc from the galvanizing will be attacked by the diesel and will gum up your injectors, sooner rather than later. IMHO.
Fair Winds!
AFAIK the zinc from the galvanizing will be attacked by the diesel and will gum up your injectors, sooner rather than later. IMHO.
Fair Winds!
reeac
Well-known member
A few years ago I picked up a second-hand copy of "Marine Inboard Engines" by Loris Goring which contains a table of fuel tank materials for petrol, TVO and diesel. It covers stainless steel, copper/brass, galvanised steel, mild steel, tinned steel, nylon/polythene, light alloy, GRP and flexible tanks[?]. It states that both for diesel and for petrol the following materials are satisfactory: SS, MS, tinned steel, light alloy. Curiously it says that galvanised steel is unsatisfactory for petrol due to chemical reaction although I assume that you have had no problem.
Trevethan
New member
The boat safety scheme has a list of tank materials and fuels that are suitable. From memory galvanised and diesel were not compatible.
In my view best solution is a tek-tanks custom moulding or one of vetus' plastic tanks -- not expensive, and light, very strong.
All the best
Nick
In my view best solution is a tek-tanks custom moulding or one of vetus' plastic tanks -- not expensive, and light, very strong.
All the best
Nick
nedmin
Active member
Are you sure its galvanised inside?
paulrossall
New member
nedmin..How can I tell if it is galvanised inside easily? It is on a 1963 Freeman 22 mark1 motor boat and looks to be identical to the water tank which I assume must be galvanised inside.
Thanks to all others who replied.
Paul
Thanks to all others who replied.
Paul
alb40
Member
I have a freeman 22 as well. I believe the tanks are changed if u go to a diesel as they are galvanised, but a phone call to sheridan marine will tell you for certain
G
Guest
Guest
The possible problem is with the sulphur content in the diesel,
Red diesel tends to be high sulphur.
This combines with the galvanising to form Zinc sulphate which is a kind of gel and blocks the fuel system.
Therefore, better not to tale the risk and do not have a galvanised tank wtih diesel of high/dubious sulphur content
Red diesel tends to be high sulphur.
This combines with the galvanising to form Zinc sulphate which is a kind of gel and blocks the fuel system.
Therefore, better not to tale the risk and do not have a galvanised tank wtih diesel of high/dubious sulphur content
ashanta
New member
In my previous boat I had a plastic tank and I could see the volume through the skin so I had no concerns in that respect.
I have a stainless steel tank with my current boat and I have a fuel guage but i never feel the security that I had.
Regards.
Peter.
I have a stainless steel tank with my current boat and I have a fuel guage but i never feel the security that I had.
Regards.
Peter.
Avocet
Well-known member
That's all interesting!
Avocet has a galvanised fuel tank which, as far as I know, is original (1972) and I've had no problems whatsoever! That said, I've never used red diesel because we use so little in a season that its just easier to tip the odd gallon in from a jerry can every now and then. I've always wanted to try and look inside to see if its galvanised inside but its built into the boat and won't come out in a hurry!
Avocet has a galvanised fuel tank which, as far as I know, is original (1972) and I've had no problems whatsoever! That said, I've never used red diesel because we use so little in a season that its just easier to tip the odd gallon in from a jerry can every now and then. I've always wanted to try and look inside to see if its galvanised inside but its built into the boat and won't come out in a hurry!
