clean out diesel tank

[redhead78]

Hi all I saw a post a while back about diesel fuel polishing and had a question on cleaning out my tank. Removing the stainless beast is not an option right now. Do u think a 3 or 4" hole saw will cut thru the top of the tank, and if so is there I can get a ss cover plate and gaskets, any thoughts, oh and I will be using a rightangle drill I only have about 10-12" space in a tight location... Red

 

[gandalf]

I found a copper pipe that fit in my check fuel opening attached twenty feet of hose to it and ran it out of my cabin and over the side so it was below the tank. Then I attached a hand pump to it and pumped until it was siphoning. I can move the pipe around and suck out from the very bottom of the tank. So far I have never had any serious sediment or gunk so I have stopped the syphon after a 5 gallon tank or two. Because they appeared clean I then used my baja and put the fuel back in the tank. i supose if there are problems I would keep syphoning and replace the fuel. obviously this happens while on the hard.

 

[higgs]

What makes you think your tank needs a cleaning?

 

[bria46]

<H1 class=P_ShortDesc>Why don't you get one of these? I've had one for years. WEST MARINE
Manual Oil Changer - 2.85 Quart

Model # 11097714 | Manuf. # CJ125WM </H1>iews
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[redhead78]

I can get the fuel out ,its making a hole to clean out the tank. Last year in the lower harbor it was choppy and I clogged up pretty quickly, with brand new fuel system, hoses, filters, all new. Boats a 1977 been all over, I was thinking its probabaly a mess. Red

 

[Stu Jackson]

Have you considered removing the tank? We have a similar condition and our skippers remove them for cleaning, and can use the sender hole. Once you drill, you'll end up dropping 'bits" into the tank anyway and with your limited access how would you ever get to see inside from your description?

 

[RAD]

Try this link......the smallest is 6" but maybe it will work with a 4" hole or get a bigger hole saw

http://www.seabuilt.com/index.php

Edit.....just read that a 6" plate is for a 4" hole

 

[RAD]

Here's another link to the exact product needed
http://www.seabuilt.com/6plates.php

 

[higgs]

Answered my question

 

[John Howitt]

doesn't $152 seem like an awful lot for a six inch aluminum plate and gasket?

 

[Dan Johnson]

Seabuilt access ports...

I don't work for or sell them, but highly recommend their product for fuel tank installations. Many have tried other solutions but they make these for commercial applications that must pass CG inspections. Mine's (SS one) been installed in a poly tank for over five years without a drop leaked. The price seemed steep, but it's the price of peace of mind to me.

 

[redhead78]

If I use a gasket I can use the aluminum plate wf my ss tank? Tank removal is not an option right now, it a major with Dr. Sawzall....Red

 

[Bob J.]

I've had this running thru my head for some time now, I'm a yankee so I'm cheap..

When the fuel pump died on the tractor, rather than spending 400 bucks for a John Deere replacement, I went to NAPA & bought a $45 in-line 4 or 5 PSI electric, tied it in with a toggle switch & it ran like a charm. I would even leave it on during those -20 degree nights to keep the fuel flowing to help prevent gelling.

In regards to the prices out there for a "marine fuel polishing systems" why couldn't you install one of these in-line electric pumps after the primary racor filter & dump the return back into the tank or the return line? All you would need is 4-1/4 turn valves & a couple of tees to pull it together. Plus if the fuel pump on the motor ever quit, you've got the electric to fall back on.

Any thoughts on this one?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Thoughts? That's pretty much what Catalina has been doing for years. I have the tank, the Racor, the electric pump and then on to the engine. Many folks don't have elefctric pumps and bleeding becomes a real chore.

 

[MitchMan406]

I cut holes in the top of my 35 gallon tank with a 4" hole saw. Buch of nasty stuff in there.

I scraped and cleaned. Then vacuumed (diesel only!) out the tank with a shop vac.

Sealed it up by tapping the tank and sealing it with gasket sealant and star bright plastic covers.

The stainless inspection covers would be better. And they're Coast gaurd approved.

Replaced all filters, ALL fuel lines, cleaned out tank, and then made a 444 nautical mile trip. Engine never missed a beat.

Be sure and put a anti-microbial/herbacide additive when done!

So you won't have to do it again!

Total cost: +-$50.00!

 

[Bob J.]

Thoughts? That's pretty much what Catalina has been doing for years. I have the tank, the Racor, the electric pump and then on to the engine. Many folks don't have elefctric pumps and bleeding becomes a real chore.

Thanks Stu!

It's good to know that I wasn't out in left field on this