A while back while motoring in bad weather, the sludge sits in the bottom (the tank probably never cleaned) of the fuel tank was stirred and then entering into the fuel line. You know the rest. I am thought of cutting a hole about 4"x4" on top of the plastic fuel tank then covered with a piece of acrylic with screws so I can eye check fuel level anytime and to wipe clean tank bottom when necessary. Could anyone ever done this on a plastic fuel tank? Any risk in doing so?
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I wouldn't do that.
JP: I would not do that. The tank is made from Poly. You may or may not ever be able to seal it correctly again. There is an adheasive that is suppose to work but who knows. Caulking would probably never seal it. Anyway. Why don't you make yourself a fuel polishing rig. Get a electric pump that you can pump diesel fuel. Then get yourself a racor fuel filter. You can run a hose down the pipe for the fuel pick up and another one down the run line. Be sure that the hose is down on the bottom of the tank. Let this run for about 1-2 hours. It should completely circulate your entire tank through the filter many times. I would also consider using some fuel cleaner in the system for a one time cleanup. You could also use Soy-diesel in a high mixture of 50/50 or even higher. This will clean the remaining crap out of your system. Be sure to add biocide to your fuel each time you fill up. It take very little (something like 1/4 -1/2 oz in 20 gals).
JP: I would not do that. The tank is made from Poly. You may or may not ever be able to seal it correctly again. There is an adheasive that is suppose to work but who knows. Caulking would probably never seal it. Anyway. Why don't you make yourself a fuel polishing rig. Get a electric pump that you can pump diesel fuel. Then get yourself a racor fuel filter. You can run a hose down the pipe for the fuel pick up and another one down the run line. Be sure that the hose is down on the bottom of the tank. Let this run for about 1-2 hours. It should completely circulate your entire tank through the filter many times. I would also consider using some fuel cleaner in the system for a one time cleanup. You could also use Soy-diesel in a high mixture of 50/50 or even higher. This will clean the remaining crap out of your system. Be sure to add biocide to your fuel each time you fill up. It take very little (something like 1/4 -1/2 oz in 20 gals).
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Andy Howard
Cut away!
Got this off the board about 2 years ago from Bruce another H34 owner: "Order the 17 3/4" size Tempo mechanical gauge from West Marine. I cut a hole large enough to mount a 5" pry-off inspection port and mounted the gauge on that. Gives me the ability to check the fuel and tank condition and clean if necessary." I folled his advice to the letter and it's worked great. I used a sturdy knife to cut the hole in the tank, and an automotive sealer on the inspection port. Of course you don't have to install the gauge but the pry off port gives you access. I was concerned because the top of the tank is a little concave but it works fine. While fuel polishing will help you havn't solved the problem until you get your hands in there and give the sides of the tank a good scrubbin'.
Got this off the board about 2 years ago from Bruce another H34 owner: "Order the 17 3/4" size Tempo mechanical gauge from West Marine. I cut a hole large enough to mount a 5" pry-off inspection port and mounted the gauge on that. Gives me the ability to check the fuel and tank condition and clean if necessary." I folled his advice to the letter and it's worked great. I used a sturdy knife to cut the hole in the tank, and an automotive sealer on the inspection port. Of course you don't have to install the gauge but the pry off port gives you access. I was concerned because the top of the tank is a little concave but it works fine. While fuel polishing will help you havn't solved the problem until you get your hands in there and give the sides of the tank a good scrubbin'.
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Bill O'Donovan
Caution
I'd worry that any cutting would inadvertently drop thousands of small pieces of poly into the tank, running a new risk of fouling. I like Steve's idea of the filtration. Also note that he said to add "very little" of the fuel cleaner. It's imperative that you follow the directions to the letter. Too many people figure what-the-hell and put two oz. in instead of one, running a new risk of fouling the injectors.
I'd worry that any cutting would inadvertently drop thousands of small pieces of poly into the tank, running a new risk of fouling. I like Steve's idea of the filtration. Also note that he said to add "very little" of the fuel cleaner. It's imperative that you follow the directions to the letter. Too many people figure what-the-hell and put two oz. in instead of one, running a new risk of fouling the injectors.
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John K Kudera
I did just that
I did that 6 years ago, removed the inspection port two years ago to clean the tank again, found the piece of clear plastic was just as when I installed it. Clean clear, no leaks. not lexan, just plexiglas 1/8" thick, 4 screws on each side, just check and be sure the sealant you use is OK to use with diesel. During this winter I plan to clean the tank again, just bought an electric fuel pump (on Ebay) rigged it for changing the oil, I will use that pump to empty the tank too. I have a big truck oil filter to run the fuel thru, both on the way out, and again pumping it back in. That should work.
I did that 6 years ago, removed the inspection port two years ago to clean the tank again, found the piece of clear plastic was just as when I installed it. Clean clear, no leaks. not lexan, just plexiglas 1/8" thick, 4 screws on each side, just check and be sure the sealant you use is OK to use with diesel. During this winter I plan to clean the tank again, just bought an electric fuel pump (on Ebay) rigged it for changing the oil, I will use that pump to empty the tank too. I have a big truck oil filter to run the fuel thru, both on the way out, and again pumping it back in. That should work.
J
Joe O
Clean-out port
JP...I had the same problem. I cleaned and cleaned the fuel, but could never seem to get the gunk off the bottom of the tank. I bought a 6in diameter stainless steel access plate from a local chandlery (Svendsen's Boatworks). It was made for metal tanks and came with two thick rubber gaskets. It also had a cool metal backing plate with threaded studs that folded so you put it thru the hole in the tank and use to bolt the coverplate to the top of the tank. It neatly held the plate, gaskets and tank material together for a robust seal. No sealant required. I cut the 6in hole in the polyethelene tank using a razor knife and tin snips. I also had to drill six holes for the bolts holes. Sounds like overkill for a plastic tank, but I never have to worry about leaks and I can fit my arm thru the hole to clean out the tank 100%.
JP...I had the same problem. I cleaned and cleaned the fuel, but could never seem to get the gunk off the bottom of the tank. I bought a 6in diameter stainless steel access plate from a local chandlery (Svendsen's Boatworks). It was made for metal tanks and came with two thick rubber gaskets. It also had a cool metal backing plate with threaded studs that folded so you put it thru the hole in the tank and use to bolt the coverplate to the top of the tank. It neatly held the plate, gaskets and tank material together for a robust seal. No sealant required. I cut the 6in hole in the polyethelene tank using a razor knife and tin snips. I also had to drill six holes for the bolts holes. Sounds like overkill for a plastic tank, but I never have to worry about leaks and I can fit my arm thru the hole to clean out the tank 100%.
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