fuel tank cleanout

Sailgunner · Jun 12, 2015

Is there any place in the boat you can remove a panel or cut an access panel to gain access to the tank? Then you could install an inspection/cleanout plate in the tank.
Another option may be to have a fuel cleaning service come out and clean your fuel. They recirculate the fuel in the tank, thereby cleaning the tank as they clean the fuel.

woodster · Jun 12, 2015

when these tanks are as old as his it may have residue in the tank that has attached its self to the inside of the tank and it has to be removed by hand ....but before you do that pull the fuel pickup tube out and get rid of the screen that is on the end and that should help you get fuel to the engine....you did not say if you had a gas or diesel engine if gas it will not be as bad on the growth as a diesel will but with the ethanol in the gas it will cause problems so get rid of the screen on the end first then try it and make sure you have a good clean fuel filter between the tank and the fuel pump

Richard Bryer · Jun 12, 2015

Cutting a cleanout port is the right thing- there will be muck adhering to the sides of the tank. I did this about 8 years ago and if I had known how much muck was in the tank, I would never have left the dock! the last 3 or so gallons looked more like they came out of my eavestrough than out of the fuel tank. Here is a picture of the closure I made out of 3/16 lexan.

Sailgunner · Jun 12, 2015

Just this morning I did my annual cleaning of my fuel tank. This time I purchased a cheap little suction pump from Lowe's, added 10' of tubing and hand pumped out the remaing 6 gallons in my tank. The tank was fairly clean. I wiped it out, filtered the fuel back in and ready to go for another year. It is a secure feeling knowing your fuel is clean and that you won't clog up your filters and lose power when you need it the most.

SailormanDan · Jun 12, 2015

"Wheelsteering" is why I bought a Hunter instead of a Catalina when I stepped up from my C22.

Do a search in these forums, I remember a post about removing the panel in the starboard quarterberth by taking out the access
ports that are there and then you can reach in and unscrew the whole panel from the backside. Will give you some more room to work.

There was another post that talked about removing the fuel tank, but that involved cutting out the cockpit sole. I'd look at all the other solutions first unless the tank is leaking.

Benny17441 · Jun 12, 2015

The tank is removable. A crumpled or cut apart tank is easily removable but getting a new one in might be the problem. There is always the option of abandoning it in place and installing a new one at a different location. Seen a boat one time running with a portable 6 gallon tank and a squeeze pump. Remove the hose from the primary filter and open the fuel valve and fuel should flow by gravity out the hose. If it does not the pick up tube in the tank is clogged. Blow back through the hose with a pump or compressed air until you hear air bubbles, repeat until fuel starts flowing by gravity at a fair rate. Re-connect the fuel line and bleed the air out of the lines and the engine should start. No guarantees how long it will run before it clogs again which it will but could be months before it does. It would be advisable to polish the fuel as it will filtrate many impurities and water found loosely suspended in the tank but I do not know if any one does it in your area. Inquire around for fuel polishing services. In the meantime get some diesel fuel treatment additive to reduce bacterial growth. Keep spare filters as they may foul early if boat motion starts sloshing fuel around the tank and brings up the sediment. I believe the tank sits behind the starboard lazarette and through there might be the way of getting it out. I do not think there is much room for adding an inspection port but check and see. If you are concerned about the engine quitting when least expected you could always prepare a small 3.5 gallon portable tank with a hose that you could connect to the engine to help get you home.

SailormanDan · Jun 19, 2015

Let us know what you do when you get to it, photos would be a plus.
Dan

thinwater · Jun 19, 2015

If the tank is unbaffled there is no reason this cannot be done through the level unit hole if there is access for a power washer. Simply place different bend angles and work your way around, sucking out the water as you work. I've seen all sorts of vessels cleaned this way.

Plugged lines are also common place. Be prepared to remove all and replace many.

Richard Bryer · Jun 20, 2015

wheelsteering27 said:
Richard : thanks for the note and picture; is that the side of the tank?

Sorry to be so long answering- no that is the top of the tank

fuel tank cleanout

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