Champagne in Diesel?

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Dubo

.
Oct 26, 2010
86
Hunter 340 Deltaville Va
I was curious what the bottom of my fuel tank had so I used an oil extraction pump to see what flowed from the depths of my tank. Alot of gray water passed through the tube and to my surprise bubbles...tiny bubbles, as if I had an aerator on the end. The tank is about 7/8 full so I knew I was on the bottom. Plus the fact that water was passing through with bubbles confirmed the tube was not floating. The bubbles reminded me of champagne.

What is up with the tiny bubbles? If too much water sits on the bottom of the tank does a pocket of bubbles form between the diesel and water from organisms? For the sample I did extract, there was quite a bit of water. about 50/50.

My plan now is to empty the tank. Is there a good way to cleanse the tank without pulling it from its location? I don't want to turn the boat upside down either. I don't want to introduce a new problem by using a chemical that does more harm than good also. Should I just just flush it with clean diesel and drain again?
 
Jan 22, 2008
1,702
Hunter 34 Alameda CA
Your extraction system has a leak and is drawing air at a connection.

Once you have drawn all the water from the bottom, inspect a sample of fuel. If it is clean you are good to go. Check the gasket on your fuel filler cap. If it is loose or cracked, replace it.
 

Dubo

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Oct 26, 2010
86
Hunter 340 Deltaville Va
I would have thought the same thing but there were too many bubbles at times. it almost looked like caviar at some points had filled the tube, rather than a stream of bubbles. Then it gradually went to no bubbles, just fluid. Very odd I thought regarding the bubbles but then again I don't know too much about diesel.

Once I get the fuel out I was going to run some water over the fill opening to be sure there were no leaks.

Thanks
 
Jan 1, 2006
8,009
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
There are commercial fuel polishing companies that come to your boat. It's a bit pricey but a lot less than engine repairs from bad fuel or potential breakdowns at critical times.
 
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