What do u think?

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gps999

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Ive removed the MD7A and saildrive from my boat. Engine room cleaned painted and refitted ready for a Beta 20 and saildrive.

My question concerns the tank of red diesel. Now would be the perfect time to drain and clean if necessary.

I am thinking about running the new engine only on the white stuff in anticipation of the red disappearing,(not not mention problems when across the channel) ?

What do the informed folk on here think?
 
gps999 said:
Ive removed the MD7A and saildrive from my boat. Engine room cleaned painted and refitted ready for a Beta 20 and saildrive.

My question concerns the tank of red diesel. Now would be the perfect time to drain and clean if necessary.

I am thinking about running the new engine only on the white stuff in anticipation of the red disappearing,(not not mention problems when across the channel) ?

What do the informed folk on here think?
Click to expand...

do you plan to visit Belgium then
 
Don't think anyone checks whether the engine has any red stain in it - only the colour of the fuel in the tank. So if you can use up the existing fuel on this side of the channel, why waste it? If you're about to head off for Belgium, then I guess it might be worth draining the tank.
 
If the tank can only be removed after removing the engine then now is a good time to take it out to clean and inspect ... irrespective of the colour or creed of the fuel it contains.
 
gps999 said:
Ive removed the MD7A and saildrive from my boat. Engine room cleaned painted and refitted ready for a Beta 20 and saildrive.

My question concerns the tank of red diesel. Now would be the perfect time to drain and clean if necessary.

I am thinking about running the new engine only on the white stuff in anticipation of the red disappearing,(not not mention problems when across the channel) ?

What do the informed folk on here think?
Click to expand...

I have 120 litres of it in my tank in Holland, Been there near 12 months now and no one has checked, customs been on 3 times but havent asked to look. Ive even got the receipt there waiting to shop them.
 
Think laterally. If you're going to clean the tank, regardless of whether you then change to road derv, why not get value from your discarded fuel by offering it in appreciation of other boat owners' assistance with your refit? I'm all for trading favours to save cash, but some form of thankyou is appreciated - like when someone has done half a day's work for you, commercial value nigh on two hundred smackers (?), paying for the pub lunch just lets them how much it was appreciated and gives you an excuse for a decent meal.

Rob.
 
Cleaning & checking the tank is far more important than the fuel in it; if it's a valuable amount, decant it then refill afterwards, but I suggest you don't pass up a chance like this.

I was once on a motorsailer with 2 large tanks, untouched for years; I insisted on checking & cleaning the tanks, as were obviously in for a rolly ride in this boat across Biscay.

Both tanks had a layer of sludge a good inch deep, just waiting for a chance for a blockage .
 
Unless your tank is a stainless one there's likely to be some corrosion and grunge in the bottom of it. If it is sound then perhaps a PELA pump could be used to drain it in situ and perhaps remove some of the grunge, however at the stage you've reached and have the access, I'd get the whole tank out so it can be thoroughly drained/cleaned more easily. Make sure you don't crush the vent pipe when putting it back in.

ianat182
 
ianat182 said:
If it is sound then perhaps a PELA pump could be used to drain it in situ and perhaps remove some of the grunge
Click to expand...

If you try this, don't use the thin black dipstick tube as it blocks very easily. I had to cut mine to get rid of the blockage (fortunately still long enough to go into the engine sump). However, it does work well as a gunge-hoover if you just use the clear tubing - it pulls apart at the connector with the black tube. As well as the diesel tank gunge last year, I used it the other week to empty out my engine bilge which contained a lot of oil (as well as water and bits of moulting insulation foam) from my gearbox mishap during the season.

Pete
 
thanks

Thanks for all your replies (don't think "sailorman" actually understood the question but hey)

Your replies prompted me to investigate further. Its a stainless steel tank with a fuel water seperator directly underneath, The tank is totally accessible with the engine fitted, through the cockpit main locker so it could be removed anytime. The tank has a drain tap and the fuel is filled to the brim.

I have no real concerns now about running on red as the "its whats in your tank now" answer which cleared up the issue I was concerned about.

And, yes I might be going to Belgium.............. :D
 
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