Anybody have any idea on what I might expect to pay to have someone come out and clean my fuel tank. I will pump out the fuel into jerry cans [the H31 only holds 18 gal], filter it, and add biocide. I would like to have a clean tank to work with. I read other posts that suggest a variety of solvents to clean the tank, and I would have to invest in a pressure washer [which, like the purchase of any tool, will pay dividends in the future]. It sounds like a messy job that I would avoid depending on what the pros charge.
Fuel Tank Cleaning
- Thread starter wufibugs
- Start date
- Status
Richard, I truly can save you some grief. To start with, I own a nice pressure washer, and see no need to clean a tank with it. At NAPA, Auto Shack, whatever, buy a gallon can of carburetor dip cleaner. It's purpose is to soak carb parts in, and removing the varnish. The stuff works excellent, and I've used it for that use many times. So the last tank I approached with the usuals, all KINDS of utterly useless fuel 'cleaners' that folks suggested. Worthless crap, all of it.
But one of these bleary eyed yard hacks suggested the dip cleaner, so it was on the list, why not. I poured about three quarters of the gallon in the fuel hole, and saved a splash to rinse it out. Next day, damn. It was astounding man. When I poured it out, the bottom looked like the day it was made. Aluminum tank by the way. And it rinses out with water well, so with the standard shop-vac, it ain't as bad as it seems. Under twenty bucks too.
But one of these bleary eyed yard hacks suggested the dip cleaner, so it was on the list, why not. I poured about three quarters of the gallon in the fuel hole, and saved a splash to rinse it out. Next day, damn. It was astounding man. When I poured it out, the bottom looked like the day it was made. Aluminum tank by the way. And it rinses out with water well, so with the standard shop-vac, it ain't as bad as it seems. Under twenty bucks too.
Chris, that's an awesome idea! I'm getting ready to drain out my tank as well (just bought a 1969 Chris Craft Cherokee 32 and it hasn't been started in 7 years, so the fuel that's in there is...well, let's just say, not usable) - this is gonna save me a bundle!
Last spring I wanted to have my tank cleaned and was given numbers on the order of $300. With no cleanout port the effectiveness of cleaning through the filler opening would be marginal at best. With a plastic tank (possibly like yours) it was straight forward to install a clean out port kit. The tank was then easy to clean by hand using some oil absorbing pillows. The final wipe was after using some lantern oil to rinse down the interior.
Here is the link to my clean out installation.
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...mid=267&cat_id=31&aid=8144&page=article&mn=34
I think this project is money well spent for the future. It was cheaper than for an inadequate cleaning and if needed I can get into the tank again easily.
Allan
Here is the link to my clean out installation.
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...mid=267&cat_id=31&aid=8144&page=article&mn=34
I think this project is money well spent for the future. It was cheaper than for an inadequate cleaning and if needed I can get into the tank again easily.
Allan
Chris, the hang with carb cleaner, is, as Allan pointed out, that my tank is plastic or some fiber which I am afraid the carb cleaner will attack. Took a look at your link, Allan. Did the inspection plate you used have a backing ring that went inside the tank? A gasket? What was it made of?
Answered my own question, Allan by going to the Seabuilt website. Nice unit but beyond my budget. Will keep looking for a port that will work.
Have you considered removing the tank (after pumping out everything you can get out of it. Then you can probably just use a water hose and some cleaner.
To answer your original question it is probably $200-300 and it may not be any cleaner than it is now. I believe that you can remove it by removing the panel under the sink. That is where the water heater comes out too.
To answer your original question it is probably $200-300 and it may not be any cleaner than it is now. I believe that you can remove it by removing the panel under the sink. That is where the water heater comes out too.
Redhead, the H31 was equipped with a 2GM Yanmar diesel.
But your point is well taken if one starts using other fluids in that tank too.
But your point is well taken if one starts using other fluids in that tank too.
Dip cleaner won't hurt plastic. And I'm not sure of the explosive nature of it, I've never had an issue with it.
And as caustic as this is going to sound, and I've actually seen it said here before, but only idiots blow themselves up fooling with flammable mixtures.
And as caustic as this is going to sound, and I've actually seen it said here before, but only idiots blow themselves up fooling with flammable mixtures.
- Status