S28 diesel tank

[markod]

I'm hoping to empty and then clean the diesel tank on our 1998 Sealine S28, but accessing it look's like it may be a problem, although I haven't started taking anything apart yet.

The owner's manual seems to indicate that some boats were fitted with a fuel tank inspection cover. Does anyone know where this might be located and how you would gain access to it?

Also, if anyone has cleaned out their S28 tank before I'd be grateful for any hints/tips as to the best way to go about it.

Thanks!

 

[Peanuts]

Hi

I have to say when I fitted the heating in my S28 I did not see any inspection hatch on the top of the fuel tank. The only way in would be by removing the fuel gauge sender.
To get to the tank, it is under the centre panel in the aft cabin, remove all the cushions it makes life easier, then unscrew the panel to get to the tank.
My question is why do you need to clean it, do you suspect the bug or something.

 

[markod]

Thanks Peanuts. I'll have a look behind the panel next time I'm down at the boat.

We don't suspect the diesel bug, but do suffer from a very sooty transom when the diesel level gets low. When the tank has a decent amount of fuel onboard there's not much smoke or soot.

We have serviced the engines, cleaned the injectors and changed filters which has improved the problem somewhat, but not eliminated it.

So, I wondered if as a next stage it was worth emptying and cleaning the diesel tank in case some sludge or muck at the bottom was getting stirred up when the fuel level was low.