cleaning a diesel tank

[co256]

I've removed the tank from the boat and drained it.

There's some sludge in the bottom and I want it out.

There's no large inspection hatch so I can't reach in and wipe around.

Rinsing it out seems the only option....

....but with what???

Parafin, Diesel, Degreaser???

Many thanks!

 

[sarabande]

cheapest hydrocarbon you can find !

Paraffin seems the best, as you are going to chuck the ullage*
away, aren't you ? If you want to use diesel, you could let it out the tank, settle in a barrel, anti-bug, filter and replace.

What about innoculating the tank when it's cleaned with a anti-bug ?

* err, sorry, for chuck read "dispose of in accordance with the appropriate regulations covering special waste" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[LORDNELSON]

I have heard people refer to "Steam Cleaning" which sounds good but I have no practical experience of it. I believe that there are contractors who do it.

 

[earlybird]

I cleaned a removeable s/s tank with detergent powder and a bucket of hot water, shake vigorously, repeat a few times. Dried it by leaving in a warm place for a while.

 

[Goldie]

Just a thought, but what about fitting an inspection hatch whilst the tank is out of the boat? That way, you won't have to remove it next time.

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

One thing that you might wish to try is to drop a short length of chain, say a couple of feet, into the tank and shake it round to help dislodge any stubborn deposits.

It's also good for the biceps! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[vyv_cox]

With the tank out of the boat, steam cleaning is by far the best option. Any garage that services diesel trucks on a regular basis will have one, they use them to clean up the engine before starting work.

 

[NorthUp]

local car wash, late at night....

 

[Stemar]

My crud-lined tank is glassed into a cockpit locker. Getting it out would involve taking an angle grinder to significant bits of the cockpit side or destroying the tank in situ (not sure if even that would be possible!). There's no access port, nor simple access to cut one of a useful size.

Any suggestions for cleaning this one?