40.5 Fuel Polishing Question

Michael G

Michael G

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Jun 13, 2004
90
Hunter 40.5 Hampton,Virginia
I recently had my fuel pickup tube clog due to stuff in the bottom of my fuel tank. My problem is I have a 6KW generator that sits on top of my fuel tank which totally blocks access to the top of the tank. QUESTION: Has anyone been able to successfully polish the fuel by going through the fill port ? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Mike
S/V "Island Girl"
 
S

scottdube

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Aug 17, 2010
208
Hunter 410 Dover NH
On my 410 the fuel deck fill is a straight shot from the deck to the top of the tank and a very short run. It seems like that would be no problem on my boat. Not sure about the 40.5 layout. Can you access the side of the tank to install a clean out? Not sure if that's a good idea or not. I have found in past hunters that they had a stupid screen on the bottom of the pick up tube. That is a real pain I removed it on my 340 and I recently found my 410 had no such screen. Though when I bought a replacement the new one did. I removed it. What about pumping via the normal fuel pick you though? and returning through the deck fill? If the screen block you should be able to gently blow it clear.
 
Michael G

Michael G

.
Jun 13, 2004
90
Hunter 40.5 Hampton,Virginia
Thanks for the reply Scott. The biggest problem with the fill tube is that although it is a short run the goose neck is a 90 degree turn and I have not been able to pass that point. Using the internal pickup tube is an option but really didn't want to take a chance of clogging the screen. More background: I have installed two racors with a manifold system for a quick change over when necessary . I have also installed a racor vacuum gauge at the helm with is really nice to see when the filter starts to get dirty. Thanks
 
S

scottdube

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Aug 17, 2010
208
Hunter 410 Dover NH
No way to get that pick up tube out I imagine? Can you get to the 90? Could you separate that?
 
H

Hunter legend collabsa

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Mar 28, 2015
16
Hunter 40.5 Ipswich, UK
Michael G said:
I recently had my fuel pickup tube clog due to stuff in the bottom of my fuel tank. My problem is I have a 6KW generator that sits on top of my fuel tank which totally blocks access to the top of the tank. QUESTION: Has anyone been able to successfully polish the fuel by going through the fill port ? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Mike S/V "Island Girl"
Click to expand
I have just had a new tank made for my 40.5. You may find there is a unused port on the top of the tank (for a heater I suspect.) you may be able to get a pipe down there and use a pump to clean and recirculate the fuel through your nice racors. Iv had a small sump fitted to the new tank and a pick up pipe going into the sump which will go to a pump and dedicated filter. I have the drawings for the hunter tank somewhere if you need them
 
Charles Erwin

Charles Erwin

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Jan 30, 2012
1,147
Nor'Sea 27 "Kiwanda" Portland/ Anacortes
If you just polish the problem you describe will not go away. Fuel polishing without first physically cleaning the interior tank surfaces results in now clean fuel gathering suspended bio material which are living on the tank surfaces. This is the same situation you presently have.

Consider installing a clean out/inspection plate in the tank side such as http://www.seabuilt.com/6plates.php. Once the tank is clean use Biobor JF to keep the fuel relatively free of living bio contaminants.

If you cannot or are not interested using a clean out plate at least consider using an enzyme based tank cleaner product like Startron.

Charles
 
Michael G

Michael G

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Jun 13, 2004
90
Hunter 40.5 Hampton,Virginia
Thanks so much for all the post but unfortunately sense I originally posted this my fuel tank let go. Started leaking fuel from the bottom of the tank . I am now in the process of pulling out the generator to gain access to pull the tank. Ordered a new tank from Ezell in Florida and should be installed shortly. Fuel problem resolved !!!
 
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