Cleaning under fuel tank

[GeorgeK]

Hello Peggie.

We had a small fuel spill from the diesel tank sender seal (on top of the tank) which dribbled down and accumulated under the tank. the tank sits in a compartment that does not drain into the main bilge. I can get bilge cleaner under it and let it oak, but how would you recommend then removing that and flushing it...some sort of pump maybe??? Thanks.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Bilge pads...BEFORE using any cleaning product.

Soak up all the oil/diesel with as many bilge pads as it takes to get it all, changing it every day or two. Do NOT use any cleaner first, 'cuz bilge cleaners emulsify petroleum...and once that happens the bilge pads can no longer separate the oil from the water to soak up the oil.

Once you've soaked up and removed all the oil, then you can clean the area with detergent bilge cleaner and degreaser. Rinse VERY thoroughly. Since that area doesn't drain into the bilge, you'll have to use a wet vac or dinghy bailer to remove the dirty soapy water and then the rinse water.

If you end up with any residual diesel odor, PureAyre will eliminate it. PureAyre

 

[dhays]

Something that worked for me after using the bilge pads to soak up as much as possible, then using them to wipe down every surface you can reach, is to flood the area with warm water and then use clean pads to float on the surface and pick up any fuel that the water was able to dislodge and float. I the water set there for a few days and kept catching any "slicks" that developed on the surface with the bilge pads. After that, there was very little if anything left and used a bilge cleaner and hand pump into a container I was able to carry off the boat.