Diesel Tank Cleaning

[Bill Parks]

Hi,I have a 1987 Catalina 36, just purchased in Apr 2000. I have discovered I have a badly fouled fuel tank. The tank is now empty of fuel but, unfortunately, my tank does not have an inspection plate - just a sender access hole. I had planned on removing the tank and having it cleaned, but discovered that it is screwed down on one end and secured with adheasive at the other. I am uncertain how successful I will be in getting it out. I would appreciate hearing from one anyone who has tried to clean a tank similar to mine - procedures and results. Does anyone know of a mobile cleaning service that will do this in Southern MD?Thanks, Bill Parks "BITTERSWEET"

 

[Brian Pickton of BeneteauOwners.net]

Tank cleaning.

Feb.7,2001Dear Bill, I know its a pain and an intimidating and difficult job, but do yourself a favour over the long haul and tear the tank out and either have a new one built or have this one modified by adding an inspection plate or two or three that will allow you ready access to all parts of the tank for cleaning. At the same time you can have another set of tabs welded on to help mount the end that is currently held by adhesive and look at adding whatever structure is necessary to bolt it down or strap it in. Nothing else is going to result in a completely satisfactory job, since short of using a fibreoptic scope you will not be able to see if everything in fact was really cleaned out. If you have an iron tank I would replace it, but in the alternative you could have it lined to prevent corrosion. If your serious about keeping your diesel running you may as well do this job right, as much trouble and effort as it is.Fair Winds,Brian Pickton of BeneteauOwners.netaboard the Legend,Rodney Bay, St. Lucia

 

[Murray]

Replace iIt.

I had an estimate of $500 to replace my tank. I have the same problem with no vent access and we were unable to remove the gas intake tube to access through there. We were going to have the fuel cleaned but it was going to be impossible. The only alternative I was given was to replace the tank or leave as is. As is is my current choice for awhile. I was also told the live expectancy of a metal fuel tank was 10-12 years because of corrosion. Mine is a '89 Hunter Vision. My problem is I can only get the top 7-8 gallons of fuel out of a 22 gallon tank. Could not get the fuel intake out to replace. Only delaying the inevitable!

 

[al augustine]

cleaning of fuel tank

don't jump into removing the tank .i'm sure there are cleaning services in that area that can clean the tank . i'll assume that the tank is aluminum or something other than steel.we had a charter that needed the tank cleaned because of algae and they pumped out the tank filtered the fuel cleaned the tank and returned the cleaned fuel to the tank all in a matter of 3 hours.

 

[Chris Callaghan]

clean tank

I cleaned my own on a 85 Cat 30. The tank was screwed down on both sides, and I had to remove the referigerater to get to one side. Took it to town and scrubbed it out with a rag attaached to a 1/2' dowell thru the fuel gauge sender hole. Then took it to a self-serve car wash and pressure washed it. Used a little xmas light on a wire I rigged up to see inside, worked great and now I have a clean tank. Sure beats $500. for a new one. Messy but worth it.Good Luck!

 

[Richard Litchfield]

Complete Job is Best

About 3 years ago I had fuel problems and discovered my tank was full of yucky black stuff. I got the tank pumped out and supposedly cleaned. Everything worked great for almost 2 years and then I started having fuel problems again. Last year I removed the tank took it to a radiator shop. From the amount of junk that came out of the tank, I don't believe the previous cleaning was that good. At the radiator shop I had it cleaned and pressure tested for leaks. I installed the tank with new SS straps and installed new hoses, oring on the filler cap and a new Racor filter system. Everything is working great! So my advice is check all the fuel system components carefully even if it means removing the tank.BTW, I have a friend with an '82 C30 whose tank started leaking two years ago. When he removed it, he found cracks had developed along a couple of welds. He had a new tank fabricated at a local shop and all was well.