cmedsailor
Well-Known Member
Any idea how I could clean my diesel tank? I really cannot see how I could do it. The only "space" available is if I remove the tank sensor. Removing the tank is beyond even science fiction!
Fuel tank - how to clean this?
- Thread starter cmedsailor
- Start date
rob2
Well-Known Member
It looks like the bunk boards should unscrew and lift out of the way. I can't see whether there may be an inspection hatch hidden under there, but unless you can get your hands inside, you'll need to get the tank right out so you can shake it.
Are you sure it needs cleaning?
Rob.
Are you sure it needs cleaning?
Rob.
ksutton
Well-Known Member
Depending what muck is in there you may not need to remove it. You could consider getting a diesel pump and pumping it into another clean container, even pass it through a filter while doing this.
Once near emptied flush it out with clean diesel again filtering it as you pump out. You may be able to remove the gauge sender to use for pumping back in, try and use the drain plug at the bottom of the tank with a correct adapter for pumping out.
Obtaining the inline filter that would take some volume and the pump to be used will be the most difficult thing.
I am sure there would be someone available who may offer this service if you don't want to do it yourself, sometimes called fuel scrubbing.
Once near emptied flush it out with clean diesel again filtering it as you pump out. You may be able to remove the gauge sender to use for pumping back in, try and use the drain plug at the bottom of the tank with a correct adapter for pumping out.
Obtaining the inline filter that would take some volume and the pump to be used will be the most difficult thing.
I am sure there would be someone available who may offer this service if you don't want to do it yourself, sometimes called fuel scrubbing.
ksutton
Well-Known Member
ksutton
Well-Known Member
cmedsailor
Well-Known Member
I don't know. I never had (fingers crossed) any problems with my filters getting blocked or even dirty (they always look clean when I change them) but the boat is almost 10 years old and the tank was never cleaned.
FlyingDutchman
Well-Known Member
My boat is 18 years old and the tank has never been cleaned.
The filters are always muck free so I will leave it well alone. I do use the Startrek snake oil though! If you think your tank is a tad difficult to remove, look at mine...
The filters are always muck free so I will leave it well alone. I do use the Startrek snake oil though! If you think your tank is a tad difficult to remove, look at mine...
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
The best way to clean the tank is to empty it, take it out and steam it. But this is often not possible as in your case. However, the tank doesn't look that big from your phots and it might be possible to remove if you remove the big pipe in front of it and the lips round the locker. It depends how the tank is fixed down but with a bit of wiggling it might be possible.
If not recirculating/filtering the fuel might work via the drain and sender connection (or the normal filler) plus rooting around with a toilet or bottle brush to stir up the sediment.
There have been several lengthy threads on this as it's a common problem.
Heckler
Well-Known Member
My 351 was the same as that, I took the fuel level transmitter out and with a flashlight was able to see inside it. I had a 6 litre Pela oil removal pump and used the hose on that to suck out any bits of rubbish. It was easy!
Stu
Spyro
Well-Known Member
Almost 10 years Old, why bother?
It looks to me like you have pretty good access. Through the level sender hole would be the best way to do it but I wouldn't bother.
Is that a drain hole at the front or a fixing bolt?
If you are commited to doing it consider cutting a hole in the top and fitting a Wema inspection hatch. see link
http://www.tek-tanks.com/tek-tanks-tv/
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