Cleaning plastic fuel tank

[IH82BL8]

I have the fuel tank out of my Hunter 31. I want to clean the inside before reinstalling it. Is there any reason not install a deck plate in the top of it for access? Should I seal the deck plate collar with 4200 or with 5200?

Thanks.

 

[agprice22]

I would check the manufacturer info about whether those adhesives will break down with fuel.
You can get fuel tank gasket material at your auto parts stores. It is cheaper than either 4200 or 5200. Although you probably won't open it again for a long time, don't use a permanent adhesive like 5200. You will use screws I imagine, so it seems you are looking for more seal, not so much adhesion.

 

[Cwoody]

You might want to check these out. A little pricey but design for diesel fuel tanks.
http://seabuilt.com/6plates.php

 

[Jim 5757]

FWIW there seems to be very little that will bond to HDPE. I had this issue with our water tank. I suppose if you want a cleanout it should be a sturdy piece like cwoody suggested and a fuelproof foam gasket.

 

[Allan12210]

Here is a link to my write up installing the inspection port that Cwoody is referring to.

https://hunter.sailboatowners.com/mods.php?task=article&mid=31&aid=8144&mn=34

Since your tank is out, it would be an easy install.

 

[IH82BL8]

I hadn't thought about nothing bonding to the tank; I'm glad I posted this thread.
I would only buy the Seabuilt plate as a last resort. Since I have the tank out, and
at home, I might try putting some gravel in the tank and sloshing it back and forth
with cleaner inside to see what that does. Allen, you said you used lantern fuel?
BTW thanks for the note on the screen in the pick up tube.

 

[Richard Bryer]

I cut an opening in mine about 9 years ago. I re-sealed it with a piece of lexan sealed with a Permatex sealer- look for one that is impervious to kerosene or diesel if you can find it. I screwed it down with SS screws. It is important to pre drill and insert the screws in the holes before sealing, then do another wipe out of the tank. I found it adhered fine- I removed it about a year gao to check and clean- it was just fine, really didn't need cleaning.

 

[Richard Bryer]

I cut an opening in mine about 10 years ago and cleaned it out- it really needed it. I re-sealed the opening with a piece of lexan sealed with a permatex sealant- choose one that is impervious to kerosene or diesel. I screwed it down using ss screws. It is important to drill the holes and insert the screws before sealing. Than wipe down the inside again to get any plastic bits. Mine sealed fine- I removed it a year ago to check and clean and it was well stuck down. Here is a picture of the cover

 

[Allan12210]

Allen, you said you used lantern fuel?
BTW thanks for the note on the screen in the pick up tube.

Yes, I had a bottle of lamp oil for the trawler lamp on board. That is a nice clean solvent similar enough to diesel that cleaned up the inside of the tank really well. I wouldn't consider anything else like gasoline or acetone. Mineral spirits would be ok as it's a high boiling temperature solvent.

Shaking it up with BBs or ball bearings would work really well too and postpone maybe forever the need to cut a hole in the tank. I really didn't have too much crud to clean out, but I didn't know that until I had the large opening to peer through. Since I did not have the tank out of the boat my choices were limited, so I decided to go with the Seabuilt plate instead of hiring someone who might do a marginal job. The Seabuilt option was cheaper than hiring and I can get inside as much as I want in the future. It can also be modified for a fuel gauge, however I haven't done that.

 

[NYSail]

Sweet

 

[jmce1587]

Stu - what size Sea Built plate did you use? The one in the link looks fairly good sized.