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I have read the 2007 survey “dirty fuel and what to do with it”. The survey was very helpful. I noticed several people mentioned cleaning the fuel tank, but gave no details as to how to do it. Is there away it can be done by the captain or is there a professional service that would steam clean it? Can it be cleaned while still mounted in the boat or does the tank have to be removed?
Would appreciate good advice soon so I can make the Western shore roundup.
Thanks,
ParkerHi Parker,
I will defer to Irish Mist and others who have beaten back the gremlins of dirty fuel. But off hand, none of the remedies require removing the fuel tank. The exisiting fuel can be “polished” (the captain really meant to say say “filtered”) to the point that the gunk is removed. If you don’t have a closed filtering system as part of your fuel system design, there are professional services available to do the work and get you to the roundup on time.
Some of our “experts” will come up on line and give you first hand advice.
Cheers,
BarryHi Parker.
I hope you have your fuel problems fixed for West Shore Round UP. As I wrote you I have entire tank pumped out. Surprising the sludge is really thick. In fact when clogged fuel line from tank had solid fuel–like a cigar in it.
See you soon
Joe
I used to attach a copper tube on the end of a hand pump to reach the bottom of the tank and pump out any gunk that way several times during the season on the charter boats. You should do this after the boat has sat for a while so all sediment has settled – quick, cheap and easy!
Depending on the “problem”, a hand pump on a tube is good, a priming bulb also works on a hose – need a pipe on the end to prevent “curls” in the hose – If the tank has sat for lots of time, had water condensation in it, or is prone to water problems/gunk in the tank a removal might be in order. I had to remove the tank (Allcraft monel round tank) in our D36 when we bought it ’cause it had sat for a long time & condensation allowed the “little yeasties” to grow in the tank. Tank removal is not that big a deal – remove the wires/turnbuckles holding the tank in the saddles, and pass it up thru the engine hatch – good idea to remove as much fuel as possible to keep the mess down & keep the tank lighter. I “brushed” the inside of the tank using a large “bottle”brush taped to a piece of wire (coat hanger). Got lots of sludge off the sides of the tank – rinsed with a little gasoline/naptha & the inside looked like new – lots of “crud” attached to the tank sides after 30 odd years. The AllCRAFT Monel tanks have no baffles in them & will clean up great and last a long time. If you do not trust your current fuel tank set up, it’s worth the effort. Takes about 2 hours to remove the tank (including removal of fuel) – cheap insurance for peace of mind on a boat that’s new to you.
I also have installed a larger “sludge/water” filter in front of my Racor to eliminate any issues with future junk – acts as a large water seperator – bulk junk filter. I run a #0 micron in this & a 10 micron in the Racor – the Racor bowl stays very clear/clean – works great.
Mike
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