I have a nice, 6 gallon diesel fuel can that I've used for years. (I fill up diesel from the gas station, where it's about $1/gallon cheaper and then from there into the boat.) Now, it seems to have some sort of algae growth in it (light brown color). I put a little diesel plus a heavy dose of biocide in it to kill off any algae, but I can't reach into the corners to wipe it clean. Is there any way to clean it out? Would steam cleaning work (if I can find a steam cleaner)?Or should I just discard it? (I tried to take a photo of the inside, but it didn't come out that great. Here's the best I could do.)
Clean fuel can?
- Thread starter John R
- Start date
I would put some CLEAN small gravel in it with some acetone (or whatever else will kill it) and tumble it about until it cleans up. Flush with diesel until clean. Chief
algae shouldnt stick to anything... it may be an additive that was put into the diesel by the supplier... try some seafoam as that should dissolve any gums and varnish that is in fuel.....
acetone and laquer thinner wont dissolve them, and neither will either one dissolve the black gum left over from evaporated ethanol gas
acetone and laquer thinner wont dissolve them, and neither will either one dissolve the black gum left over from evaporated ethanol gas
Centerline: Thats not accurate: in fact acetone is the active agent in carb cleaner and definately dissolves residue caused by ethanol gasoline! Fact! Chief
Thanks for all the suggestions. I tried cleaning it with a rag on a stick, but I couldn't get into the corners. I'll try some carburetor cleaner plus some gravel. From what everybody is saying, it may not be algae.
Just think how much dirtier the boat's tank should be and it is working fine. You are only using the fuel can for a short period of time, I would not worry about it. Just use an additive to control bio growth.
instead of gravel, I've used pennies and /or bb's to clean out gas tanks.
-but count them 1st.
acetone 'could' melt plastic. depends on the type
-but count them 1st.
acetone 'could' melt plastic. depends on the type
I wonder how to clean your boat fuel tank?
My reputable fuel source is for marine use and has a biocide added. Money back if algae forms. Price is usually determined by consumption.
Are you sure you are really saving money and your back?
Jim...
Mr Bill: Good point! I assumed a metal can but if plastic I would not use acetone. Acetone is indeed the curing agent for many types of plastic. Pressure washer sounds good also. Chief
try it before you naysay it... acetone by itself will not disolve the black gum residue.. it will not.... fact.
Centerline: I was an accomplished tuner and racer at flat track for many years and have personally used acetone to dissolve residue in motorcycle carburetors on many occasions. I was a tuner at flat track nationals at Victorville Ca. in past years. Few solvents are as effective and that is why we used it! I might also point out that I am small engine certified and was a practicing motorcycle mechanic in my Yamaha dealership. If your jets are clogged use acetone to clean the carb! It is used as an octane booster as well but be aware that it evaporates quickly so only use just before hitting the track. Don't know where you got this misinformation but I have been there, done that. My best, Chief, #6AMA Arizona
well, I dont really feel the need to give all my credentials, but I will say that I havent exactly been living in a vacuum all these years myself ;-)
I learned it by trying several different chemicals to clean old fuel tanks.... Naptha works pretty well by itself, but seafoam or berrymans cuts it fast. Maybe the black gum I'm talking about is older and dryer that what you were dealing with, but that acetone left it gummy and yet did not even discolor the acetone.... so that why I say it won't dissolve it.
Last edited: