Aluminum sewage tank on Legend 40.5, 1993

[Irek]

Just a piece of advice. I have recently replaced (maninly because of advises on the forum) my Al-made sewage tank with polyethylene one. And it was a last minute call. On taking tank out I found one place at the bottom that finger could push through. After looking around I found a SS screw which was most likely for long time under the tank. It was a perfect galvanic cell and galvanic corrosion took place. So, it is not just the age but also some unforeseen circumstances that can lead to a "very smelly" problem. I was lucky to be a step ahead./ik

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

After looking around I found a SS screw which was most likely for long time under the tank.

OUCH !

I shouldn't mention this but what about your fuel tank ? Aluminum, loose screws ?

 

[Irek]

Hi
There is much more of a void space under fuel than sewage tk. But when I worked on the fuel tank last summer I found it black, like painted. An as there were no manholes (the only opening was fuel gauge sensor) I had to cut a 5" hole and install a new access. I was lucky to cut it right in the way of internal separation zone to have access to both sides of the tank. But the blackness of the tk was astonishing!/ik

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

You now have a 31 year old aluminum fuel tank. Maybe time to start worrying.

If I were to be offered only two choices of eternal hell to suffer for my earthly sins, I think I'd rather go with a perforated holding tank rather than a perforated fuel tank. Somehow I think you'd have better luck with removing the last traces of sewage rather than removing the last traces of diesel fuel. Organic sewage can be removed/destroyed with caustic cleaners while diesel fuel ........................................ not so much.

 

[Irek]

Hi Ralph
The best is to have both in good order. I have replaced my sewage tank, next will be fuel tk, at the convenient time. For the time being and after latest cleaning and checking, it seems tb OK. In spite of age. Lets keep fingers crossed./ik

 

[east coaster]

Regarding get rid of diesel fuel smell from a spill or whatever, I have had very good luck using a product called "Pur Ayre". I had to order it on line at www.purayre.com. It may be available at marine chandeliers but none here in Nova Scotia.

 

[dLj]

Regarding get rid of diesel fuel smell from a spill or whatever, I have had very good luck using a product called "Pur Ayre". I had to order it on line at www.purayre.com. It may be available at marine chandeliers but none here in Nova Scotia.

What specific product? They list many, none say specifically diesel.

dj

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

PureAyre has been my go-to odor eliminator ever since I "tripped over" it at boat show in 2005. When used as directed it will eliminate any odor including diesel.

How to use it:
You can never eliminate any odor unless you first eliminate the source...'cuz as long as the source continues to exist, it'll continue to generate new odor. So first you have to find and fix any leak or replace the stinky hoses (which can leave residual odor on every surface through which they passed), then thoroughly clean the site, including every nook and cranny ...a good scrubbing with detergent and water. Mop up an excess water and let the air dry till it's at least only damp...no standing puddles. Now you're ready to eliminate the residual odor. Use PureAyre full strength...I'd use pump garden spray jug set to a fine mist. Spray every surface, nook and cranny...just a light spray. Do NOT rinse...just let it dry with hatches open so that plenty of fresh air can circulate. If the soft goods in the cabin have picked up the odor, just spraying it on the surface won't do much...you need to spray enough on carpets and rugs to penetrate to the backing...enough to penetrate cushions to the middle from both sides..not enough to make 'em drippy, just enough to get into the cushion....you'll prob'ly have to remove the covers and send 'em to be cleaned. Again, just let everything dry. If you still have any odor, you missed a spot.

Btw...Amazon sells it...you should be able to order from Amazon.ca

--Peggie

 

[Tally Ho]

I tried it when I had a diesel spill…got into some of the “carpet” on the wall of the aft cabin.
Maybe I was expecting a miracle, but it didn’t work as well as I expected. I did cut the carpet out since there was no good way to get of the diesel in the fabric…but still had an odor in the cabin. Maybe, as Peggy points put, I didn’t get all of the nooks and crannies completely scrubbed free of diesel.

Greg

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

It's also possible that you tried using PureAyre without first cleaning the area very thoroughly with detergent and water. If so, you wouldn't be the first to jump to the wrong conclusion that PureAyre is a cleaning product that deodorizes too. I've seen more complaints that it didn't work than I count from people who've done that.

--Peggie

 

[east coaster]

The headmistress speaks exactly of my procedure and practice. No more stink that the admiral finally returned to the boat.