Cleaning fuel tank

[oakleyb]

Our tank doesn't have an inspection hatch but easily removed. Going to remove this week as I have rust stains showing beneath. Whilst removed want to give it a good clean out. Any advice ?)

 

[Boater Sam]

Empty it first. Washout with old fuel, empty it again, refit and put new fuel in. Dont' smoke.

 

[Pete7]

Why not take the opportunity to put an inspection hatch in it. Perhaps use one of these:

Clear Henderson TCL4 Inspection Hatch TCL4-CLEAR | Tek-Tanks

 

[Poignard]

I cleaned mine using a hired steam wallpaper stripper.

I connected the hose to the tank and steamed it for 2 days, turning the tank over at intervals.

A lot of muck came out.

 

[Plum]

Why not take the opportunity to put an inspection hatch in it. Perhaps use one of these:

Clear Henderson TCL4 Inspection Hatch TCL4-CLEAR | Tek-Tanks

That one says "Not suitable for diesel or petrol"

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Klausen]

Perhaps this Inspection hatch will work: Vetus ILT 120?

 

[Praxinoscope]

The Italian company Osculatti do a range of s/s inspection hatches, there is one about 132mm dia which would do the job, Seascrew in Southend stock them.
To cut the hole Starrett do a range of bi-metalic hole cutters and would certainly have one the right size, and sheets of gasket can be bought on ebay.
I fitted one in the cockpit sole a couple of years ago to improve access to the engine. and it is certainly waterproof so would be suitable on a fuel tank.

 

[geem]

A steam cleaner is the most effective way of cleaning a fuel tank.

 

[Fimacca]

My fuel tank is impossible to get out. I bought a endoscope to check it. Not expensive and I can use it to check rudder and prop when needed with no cold immersion!

I treat the hell out of the fuel and cycle as I can. No idea what the previous owner did tho......

 

[vyv_cox]

I took my tank out with a little difficulty, no inspection hatch but a 50 mm hole for a level gauge. I cleaned the relatively small amount of deposit out with mains water pressure, in Greece. Dried with a small dose of acetone followed by Greek sunshine.
When I cleaned the far more badly gunged tanks from my motor sailer I had inspection hatches and used a pressure washer. Drying them in UK was a longer job but again acetone did it well.

 

[eilerts]

I had the same problem. I emptied the tank and took it to a welder that cut a rectangular hole and made a lid. Then I scrubbed the tank with warm soap water, that took all of the residue. Gave it several flushes with ethanol, and let it dry.
The residue on the wall, is there exactly because it is not soluble in diesel, but easily cleaned with water. When you wash the tank with water, you may as well use a lot of it, and soap too, even if you don't have a hatch.

 

[Restoration man]

Just recently removed and cleaned my stainless tanks I know chap who makes tanks he gave me the measurements for the inspection hatches he fits from new , I just cut extra hole in the top and used my pressure washer to get most of it out and then got a pump up Garden sprayer with a lance sprayed the inside with neat traffic film remover and that got it spotless don’t use tfr on aluminium tank it will eat it , I bought a special articulated joint for my pressure washer and that was amazing , I dried the tank in minutes with a dog vacuum