Cleaning the tank
There's really no reason to drain diesel fuel simply because its a few years old, but in this case it might be worth it. If the take was significantly bigger I'd have the fuel polished - it would work out cheaper that way. In this case, I'd disconnect the fuel line between the tank and the filter and drain the tank into some jerry cans. Blue ones, please. Then I'd replace the filter. If you don't have one, intall a good racor filter. Fill the tank all the way with fuel you know is good. This can be new fuel or it can be the old fuel, filtered for gunk and water. As you do, add an appropriate amount of a good treatment periodically so that it gets well mixed. You want to get stuff that emulsifies any sludge in the tank instead of simply killing any algae. Go run the engine - a lot. Motor around until you've burned half of your new fuel. Check the filter every half hour. Remove the water from the bowl every time you check. Don't let it build up even if you think you'll get a couple of hours between drainng it. Wait for a rough day. Leave the boat in her slip or on her mooring. The key is to make sure she's getting knocked around a bit. The half tank of fuel is now scrubbing itself. The next day go back to the boat. Remove the fuel line above the filter again. Removed the fuel from the tank. Pour some good fuel into the tank and pull it out through the fuel line to make sure there's no gunk left in the line. Reconnect the fuel line and change and toss the filder. Fill the tank back up and go sailing. Key note: when you're motoring around burning your half tank of fuel carry two spare filters. If crap starts coming loose you might go from getting hours out of a good filter to getting minutes. Justin
