Diesel tank sludge

[Falcoron]

hi Folks,
I have 2 large fuel tanks that cannot be removed for cleaning, ( i have 2 smaller ones that were removed and properly cleaned i put in an earlier thread)

There is black sludge at the bottom of these tanks and 2 baffles inside which makes cleaning really difficult.
there is only one inspection hatch on the side of the tanks which is about 10" diameter. but this is only letting me into one small tank end compartment

what is the best product to breakdown this sludge into smaller particles? I
have read a few items that suggest fuel Doctor works well. Its really expensive so asking on here for anyone that has used stuff that works. ( ill buy the Fuel Dr if it really works)

I want to break down this sludge as much as possible and then polish out with a circulation pump and Racour filters.

I will not use this recirculated diesel afterwards in the boat ( heater in garage will do for this stuff)

Once I've cleaned as much as i can i will drain tanks and try to power hose with a powerful degreaser, drain and dry out.

Again, any suggestions welcome.

Bost is on the hard stand and will be for a few months so not bobbing about on the water.

Cheers

 

[burgundyben]

Christ. Thats pretty bad.

Your going to need to get better access through the baffles into all areas.

 

[ST840]

Think I'd be wanting to get another hatch installed and then the tanks professionally cleaned out. I had it done to my twin 200ltr tanks, it wasn't too bad cost wise.

 

[simonfraser]

depending on access you could cut the hatches, then clean it out yourself ?

 

[Mr Googler]

wet and dry vac?

 

[Falcoron]

Thanks guys,
Access to cut hatches is not good at all sadly.

Best I could do really is cut an 80-100mm hole with a hole saw and get a power washer in better.
Its an aluminium tank so easily cut, but how would I seal the holes up to make leak proof without a welded flange with tapped holes to fit a plate with nitrile gasket?

Idea's / solution's very welcome

Wet and dry vac I have and used for the 2 smaller tanks when emptied to get the last dregs out before removing from boat.
I can get into the 1 inspection hole but with the baffles its only a small space so rest of tank will be as bad or worse with no access.

2 smaller tanks are now permanently removed as I wanted to used the space to set in a new updated and larger battery bank and a calorifier.
So I've crossed that particular Rubicon and need to get these sorted before setting in new Racour filters and pipework.

 

[burgundyben]

Rivnuts?

 

[Falcoron]

Think I'd be wanting to get another hatch installed and then the tanks professionally cleaned out. I had it done to my twin 200ltr tanks, it wasn't too bad cost wise.

How bad wasn't it?

 

[Falcoron]

Rivnuts?

UMMM? not sure as the lip sits out on surface so might be hard to get a seal.
maybe try on a scrap bit of metal and see how it beds down.
cheers

 

[Keith-i]

I would think you will struggle to get that goop into suspension to filter or polish out. How about some form of extension on your vacuum tube to your wet & dry and lots of wiggling around?

 

[burgundyben]

UMMM? not sure as the lip sits out on surface so might be hard to get a seal.
maybe try on a scrap bit of metal and see how it beds down.
cheers

You can get csk rivnuts.

Or put a bigger hole in the lid so it sits round the rivnut, then use a bigger washer on top.

 

[ST840]

How bad wasn't it?

I used Clean Diesel Company, had 4 hatches cut in, tanks cleaned and fuel polished. Cost was £810.

 

[Falcoron]

Going to bite the bullet and try to cut more hatches, Csk rivnuts and get the hover in to suck out what I can then pressure wash and suck out.
cheers guys
I

 

[stelican]

Going to bite the bullet and try to cut more hatches, Csk rivnuts and get the hover in to suck out what I can then pressure wash and suck out.
cheers guys
I

Best wishes what a baster of a job

 

[Scarron]

Yes good luck, I currently have a bug infestation and don’t have proper inspection hatches in the top of my built in GRP tanks so are in the same situation as you.

Just trying to decide whether to tackle it myself with rivnuts and clear plastic lids or get the Clean Diesel Co. in to do it for me, £800 sounds quite attractive.

 

[ST840]

Yes good luck, I currently have a bug infestation and don’t have proper inspection hatches in the top of my built in GRP tanks so are in the same situation as you.

Just trying to decide whether to tackle it myself with rivnuts and clear plastic lids or get the Clean Diesel Co. in to do it for me, £800 sounds quite attractive.

It certainly takes any doubt away from the situation, £800 for peace of mind that your tanks are sparkling is well worth it imo.

 

[Falcoron]

Yeah it is the best solution, no one here in Northern Ireland as far as I know, but I like doing my own work where I can. Totally restoring this boat at the moment.
Rewire, Plumbing in diesel powered hot water heating system. Calorifier, New fuel filter and polishing system. Toilets, holding tank,
Galley, electric heads, then upholstery and all headlining.
basically Triggers Broom!

 

[Falcoron]

So anyone know what’s best gasket to use?
Nitrile rubber or nitrile and cork mix?
Also,
Do you need a sealant as well when using either? If so which is best?
Cheers

 

[Orthop]

There is a company MICROFILTERTECHNIK.
Inspektionsdeckel aus Edelstahl -MFT Mikrofiltertechnik GmbH
They offer a cleaning hatch, that might be interesting. They do a regularly inspection in my tanks. Perhaps get in contact with them...
I beliefe the only way to get this sludge out is mechanical cleaning by hand....

 

[burgundyben]

I beliefe the only way to get this sludge out is mechanical cleaning by hand....

Thats my experience too. I used a washing up brush strapped onto a bit of broomstick.