Cleaning and new fittings for old stainless Steel diesel tank

[Captain Crisp]

Hi - I'm currently cleaning out my old diesel SS tank and then I want to change the fuel line and fittings as far as the primary filter.

Cleaning questions - I'm currently steaming out as much crud as I can using the @Poignard recommended Method. There's no inspection hatch. Is it worth adding any kind of cleaning products?
Are there any other suggestions for getting crud out? from what I can see with the torch, it's not too bad, although the sump is pretty filthy.

New fittings:

1. Should I be using bronze or brass fittings?
2. What is the recommended type of fuel pipe?
3. I am planning to include a stop cock immediately under the tank - is there anything else to include before the pipe meets the primary filter?

The image below shows the underside of the sump where the new fittings need to go. Interestingly, the previous set up had the fuel leading straight off the the sump drain hole rather than the pick-up tube which extends into the main tank... not sure whether this was intentional or not...

Thanks,
Crisp

 

[rogerthebodger]

I would fit an access hatch for facture cleaning.

I use stainless steel fittings in my steel and stainless tanks all except the drain are fitted to the top of the tank to reduce the possibility of leaks

I would not fit the fittings in the access hatch to make it easy to remove the hatch.

I have used a high flow fuel polishing pump to flush out any crud in the corners of my tank

 

[Freebee]

I suggest stainless fittings just remember to put some anti galling on the threads

 

[Poignard]

I used brass fittings.

 

[NormanS]

Your photo doesn't show the depth of the sump, but the bottom of the sump should NOT be the connection for fuel to the engine. The fuel take-off should be above the base of the tank. If you have the space available, fit a drain cock on the bottom of the sump. Then you can periodically drain off any accumulation of water and dirt

 

[Captain Crisp]

Just to say that my tank is now shiny and spotless inside! I bought a 10 M length of 3mm x 22mm galvanised chain (£8) and - keeping a tail of chain out for retrieval - I then sloshed the rest around inside the tank with a litre of brick acid and a liberal squirt of fairy liquid. I then gave it another hour from my wallpaper steamer, then rinsed it all out. Shone the torch in and was met by nothing but the shiny insides of my hitherto filthy tank!
Job done! Many thanks for the tips. Now to see if I can get the thing back in place.......