Fuel disposal - South coast

[lpdsn]

Two thick polythene chopping board ~12mm thick = £12.....cut a thick "ring" ...about 250mm diameter...and about 30mm across....like a flat donut. Countersink stainless bolts pointing down (into tank) but also countersink from other side some more bolts facing up. Two nitrile gaskets one between ring and tank and one on top of ring. Then cut suitably sized disc out of other chopping board and drill holes to suit the bolts already fitted to the ring. MEGA-BODGE.....or for £35 just buy one from seascrew.....like this one...

http://www.seascrew.com/suite_images/Tank-Plate.gif

Although looking at it I would have the same problem unless those screws in the photo are self tappers. Tanks is only a couple of mm at most.

As far as I can tell my tank's inspection hatch, fitted by the builder, is just a s/s cover for the rudder stock of the type you remove to fit an emergency tiller. Ring is bolted to the tank. Simply fit a winch handle (windlass gypsy handles are best) and unscrew to inspect.

It would be easier I think to fit such a hatch as you would be able to get your hand in to bolt it in place before screwing in the hatch.

 

[superheat6k]

The tank has two access points - the filler hole is to one side ~ 2" diameter, with a 3/8" BSP plug in the middle of the top, plus there is a low level drain with a suitable 3/8" BSP ball valve. I suggested the OP simply connects up my polishing rig to circulate the tank and see what, if anything comes out.

Then if it is mucky he can drain it down and make a simple rope flail to spin through the access holes in the chuck of a small drill. He can also get a small endoscope camera in through the filler and possibly the 3/8" BSP hole too.

 

[Sea-Fever]

The tank has two access points - the filler hole is to one side ~ 2" diameter, with a 3/8" BSP plug in the middle of the top, plus there is a low level drain with a suitable 3/8" BSP ball valve. I suggested the OP simply connects up my polishing rig to circulate the tank and see what, if anything comes out.

Then if it is mucky he can drain it down and make a simple rope flail to spin through the access holes in the chuck of a small drill. He can also get a small endoscope camera in through the filler and possibly the 3/8" BSP hole too.

...and a public thanks to Superheat6k for loan of his rig! I will be emptying the tank as soon as I get an opportunity and then exploring the various options but thanks to Superheat6k will be saving the fuel itself at the very least.

 

[HotProperty]

If it is of interest to you I own a diesel cleaning company and have a small polishing machine which will draw out your fuel, filter and return it at about 60lpm, this will stir up and draw out the build up of bacteria, sediment and fungal growth. I can do this through the fuel filler and fuel gauge float sensor if one is fitted. If not i can fit an inspection hatch for you 112mm in diameter. Your fuel is probably salvageable and really any fuel higher than the first few inches will probably be ok, but i would suggest anything lower than that is contaminated due to the length it has been left. You are sensible to get it checked before you go out for the first time as in my experience the bug that grows will clog your fuel lines before it reaches the filter. I have seen this issue first hand many times as i have worked for a marine breakdown company for many years. Give me a call and i will talk to you about the costs but i dont mind coming to have a look for free even if you just want some advice as i am based in warsash on the hamble river where i believe your boat is at the moment? Jonathan 07724 734 553

 

[Sea-Fever]

If it is of interest to you I own a diesel cleaning company and have a small polishing machine which will draw out your fuel, filter and return it at about 60lpm, this will stir up and draw out the build up of bacteria, sediment and fungal growth. I can do this through the fuel filler and fuel gauge float sensor if one is fitted. If not i can fit an inspection hatch for you 112mm in diameter. Your fuel is probably salvageable and really any fuel higher than the first few inches will probably be ok, but i would suggest anything lower than that is contaminated due to the length it has been left. You are sensible to get it checked before you go out for the first time as in my experience the bug that grows will clog your fuel lines before it reaches the filter. I have seen this issue first hand many times as i have worked for a marine breakdown company for many years. Give me a call and i will talk to you about the costs but i dont mind coming to have a look for free even if you just want some advice as i am based in warsash on the hamble river where i believe your boat is at the moment? Jonathan 07724 734 553

Jonathan thanks for the post, I'll PM you..... Might take you up on the hatch....even if I clean the fuel I'm just not particularly happy in proceeding to use the boat without a hatch to inspect the condition of the tank.