Cleaning a fuel tank

ggrizzard · Mar 9, 2016

Please let us know how you get the tank out. I see you've already removed the quarter berth bulkhead, which I had to replace. I've thought of replacing my tank but I don't want to start the project until someone else does it and will share the process.
G.

Ralph Johnstone · Mar 9, 2016

Robert1224 said:
The most common advice I have gotten so far is to take it out, put kerosene in it and shake it up.

My first question would be "how dirty is the tank ?" Removing the tank looks like a hefty undertaking so be sure it does need cleaning. If it is dirty and you do proceed, I would think if a thinner liquid (better penetrant) such as paint solvent or gasoline would do a better job of removing the old crud. Maybe sit for a few days. Once you can determine that the tank is cleaner than before, repeatedly rinse and drain it with a few ounces of diesel fuel each time to ensure all of the old solvent has been removed.

John T1594 · Mar 9, 2016

I had a 1980 H30 that had a removeable cockpit floor panel just forward of the steering pedestal. I was able to remove the fuel tank thru this openning, rinse it with whatever and replace it (along with the hoses). I used a strap tie-down to remount the tank and hold it in place. The floor panel also gave me access to the batteries and transmission from above.

ggrizzard · Mar 9, 2016

John,
Sadly (or not) we don't have that option.

Justin_NSA · Mar 9, 2016

Can't help with the tank removal, my model is different. I think mine comes out thru a hatch in the stern. I don't want to find out.
When you get done, I would recommend installing one of these H2out vent filters to keep moisture from entering the tank. Helps prevent corrosion and fuel deteriorization. Turns pink as it gets saturated. Can be renewed on a stove following H2out's instructions.

Dalliance · Mar 9, 2016

I have the same tank. In my '82 H30, it would come out easily through the starboard lazzarette. Don't know about the H30's from other model years though. It seems like Hunter changed things every year.
It probably goes without saying, but......regardless of what you do with the tank, that fuel fill hose has to go. It's probably original and is well past it's expected life span.

shemandr · Mar 10, 2016

In our local area you can hire contractors who will come to the boat and polish your fuel. In the process they wash the tank with fuel under pressure to clean it. They are a bit pricy but as an alternative to removing the tank it may be worth it.
Also, when I needed my tank cleaned on the Ranger 29, I took it to a radiator place. They cleaned it at an affordable price and coated it on the interior. The coating would be optional and for some a negative.

Justin_NSA · Mar 10, 2016

I agree with Dalliance. That hose is worn out. Will probably break when you remove it.

Ed Schenck · Mar 10, 2016

I cleaned mine in the boat by adding cleanout ports. I had to add two because the tank had a baffle. I pumped out the tank into a barrel and gave it to the marina for the yard tractor. I was surprised how little crud was in there after twenty years.

Richard Bryer · Mar 10, 2016

I cleaned mine about 10 years ago likely for the first time. If I had known how much crud was in it I would never have ventured out in waves over 6"! The last gal and a half looked more like they had come out of my eavestrough than the tank. DO clean it. I cut a hole in the top- easy cut with a utility knife- then wiped it out, then again with a kerosene soaked rag. I closed the opening with a rectangle of lexan screwed down every 2" with SS self tapping screws. Sealed first with liquid gasket - choose a type that is resistant to kerosene or diesel. I opened and cleaned again this fall after haulout. Not very dirty at all after only 10 years. Here is a pic of the cover

Ed Schenck · Mar 10, 2016

Richard has a poly tank, either a later model boat or an upgrade. I wonder if polyurethane contributes? I've known others with aluminum tanks that found theirs to be like mine, just a little crud at the pickup.

Richard Bryer · Mar 11, 2016

Yes mine is poly- I only took a quick glance at your pic and it was about the same colour as mine so thought poly. Cutting will be a bit more tricky- making sure no particles stay in the tank and get into the fuel. I wonder if poly accumulates more crud somehow. The boat was always a freshwater boat, but maybe additives contributed?

largojimbo2003 · Mar 28, 2016

Hi Dalliance, By chance would you happen to know the dimensions of your tank? Also, have you ever thought of getting a newer larger poly tank? Please let me know. Thank you.

Dalliance · Mar 28, 2016

largojimbo2003 said:
Hi Dalliance, By chance would you happen to know the dimensions of your tank? Also, have you ever thought of getting a newer larger poly tank? Please let me know. Thank you.

Largojimbo,
Sorry, I don't know the exact dimensions of the tank. I might be at the boat next weekend (depending on the weather) and could easily measure it if that would be helpful. I have not considered a larger tank. With a only five month sailing season up here, I use no more than ten gallons of fuel per year. It's a pretty tight fit where my tank is located. If I wanted a larger tank, I would probably need to find a new location for it.

Dalliance · Apr 3, 2016

Largojimbo,
I got to the boat today and remembered to measure the fuel tank. It is 16" x 21.5" x 9.5" high. I have 8.5" clear above the tank and need most of that for the bend of the fuel fill hose, which is offset about 2 feet (not measured) from the fuel fill inlet in the aft lazzarette.

Cleaning a fuel tank

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