Cleaning Dielsel Tanks

[Thepipdoc]

Cleaning Diesel Tanks

Some of you will know I'm in the process of buying a sealine F43 of 2000 vintage and expect to complete the purchase towards the end of Jan 2012.
During the recent sea trial It was identified that there is a problem in the starboard tank with water or sludge, or both, in the tank (only apparent at maximum reves). The boat is currently having a fair bit of cosmetic works carried out - new upholstery and carpets and while the boat is being pulled to bits I'm considering having the tanks properly cleaned. As I understand it when they are done properly a hole is cut in the tanks and all the Cr*p is vacumed out through the hole.
If this is the case it follows that now would be a good time to havev this work done, not least becuase there's virtually no fuel left on the boat.
My question is - has anyone had this sort of cleaning done before and can anyone recommend a good diesel cleaner based in or aroung the Hamble?
I have googled this but the only companies that appear in the search are many many miles away from the Sarf Coast . i.e Scotland!

 

[andy59]

Hi Pipdoc , have just done a very similar thing on our F36 , ( new upholstery etc ) and as i could lift the floor easily on the starboard side i had easy access to tank .

Just removed sender and main filler pipe and used plastic pipe to hoover out the bottom25 litres in the two rear sections ,( baffles in tank ) . After all that only got half a cup of water and black sediment but its nice to know whats not in there now . On the port side i could access the filler pipe on the tank by removing the saloon fridge (easy ) and just did the same on that side . Your layout is not the same though is it ? Are the tanks aluminium ?

 

[dj43]

On our 43 there were acces covers through seating floor and under double seat,senders were set in large access plates,removed plates with senders still attached and cleaned out tanks,(had to replace both tanks as they were leaking.

 

[HotProperty]

Hi, i run a fuel cleaning company based in hamble, its called Diesel Clean Machine and is a new company i started in September. I can normally be found working for Sea Start as that is my main job and this is a machine i have developed from the experience gained from years of breakdowns due to contaminated fuel. If you would like a chat call me on 07595 709941.
Jonathan

 

[Thepipdoc]

Excellent replies as always.

dj43 - I'm no where near the boat so I can't actullay check for myself but can you tell me how easy is it to lift the flooring to get access to the tanks? Is it just a simple matter of moving the bench seating and then lifting a flooring panel?

 

[pappaecho]

I would be a bit sceptical as to the cause of the engine not running at full pelt.

Whilst sludge and debris could be the problem, assuming that the filters are OK and not clogged, then the cause of the "stuttering" could be more serious than a simple tank clean, and I would suggest lift pump, injector pump etc should be suspect as well as dodgy injectors

 

[Thepipdoc]

I would be a bit sceptical as to the cause of the engine not running at full pelt.

Whilst sludge and debris could be the problem, assuming that the filters are OK and not clogged, then the cause of the "stuttering" could be more serious than a simple tank clean, and I would suggest lift pump, injector pump etc should be suspect as well as dodgy injectors

A valid point but following the sea trial the starboard hand filter and bowl was full of cr8p so I think it's fair to assume that this was the cause of the problem.
I should perhaps had said that the filters had only just been changed prior to the sea trial so it wasn't a case of a build up over a period of time.

 

[dj43]

Excellent replies as always.

dj43 - I'm no where near the boat so I can't actullay check for myself but can you tell me how easy is it to lift the flooring to get access to the tanks? Is it just a simple matter of moving the bench seating and then lifting a flooring panel?

Hi
No its a big job,all fixed furniture has to be removed(fridge and cabinet) on port side,the lounge seating is built in and attached to steps,as I was removing both tanks this is the only way I could get them out,as my tanks were bigger than standard,for cleaning them out,the top access all you need.hope this helps

 

[Thepipdoc]

Hi
No its a big job,all fixed furniture has to be removed(fridge and cabinet) on port side,the lounge seating is built in and attached to steps,as I was removing both tanks this is the only way I could get them out,as my tanks were bigger than standard,for cleaning them out,the top access all you need.hope this helps

Thanks but I'm still not 100% sure if you're saying I will need to remove the fridge and cabinet just to get top access to the port side tank - I think thats what you're saying but can you confirm please?
What about the starboard side, is that just as bad to get top access?

 

[dj43]

No to gain access to port tank,only need to move double seat,(which is removable )starboard tank,access through main seat base,you might need to install access covers if not already fitted,

 

[Assassin]

I prefer to reverse flush mine, ensure the tanks outlet (the pipe to the filters) has a shut off valve installed, close the valve and remove the outlet pipe. Ensure you have something large enough to catch the fuel spilling from the fuel lines.

I attach a high pressure pump to this which operates both ways, fill with cleaner and pump into the tank through the outlet and leave to work. Remove the inspection hatch or filler or filler pipe and spray some cleaner through the top so it works its way down the tank and covers the sides and baffles.

Reverse the pump and pump the cleaner/ rubbish out into a suitable receptacle until the tanks empty of cleaner. Spray with water through the top of the tank to neutralise the cleaner (i use water soluble) and pump this out, the tank should be nice and clean.
Place a heater close to the tank to dry it out thoroughly if the tank is metal, refit any inspection hatches/filler pipes, and the fuel outlet pipe, prime the fuel system and away you go.