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heintje23 · 16-08-2011, 12:50

Hello,

I am planning to clean my four dieseltanks and get rid of the sludge and water. After that i will not need all four tanks for a long time and am planning to leave two tanks empty for a year or two. Is it better to fill them with water in the meantime or leave them empty?

Cheers

DeepFrz · 16-08-2011, 12:54

Leave them empty. Filling with water for a year or two without using it will just hasten any corrosion.

**David M** · 16-08-2011, 14:01

Empty. The weight makes the boat less efficient.

heintje23 · 16-08-2011, 14:14

Okay thanks. I was thinking about using the keel tanks and leaving the higher located wing tanks empty.

nigelmercier · 19-08-2011, 01:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by heintje23

Is it better to fill them with water in the meantime or leave them empty?

Why not leave them with a bit of diesel plus a shock dose of biocide?

Talbot · 19-08-2011, 01:31

A bit of diesel will encourage condesation.

However, the biocide dose for the last couple of litres will ensure that the fuel lines remain good. The stuff I use is called "Fuel Set" and this is also a water emulsifier. It is proven to clear the fuel - I have just demonstrated this on my own tanks (long story)

Blue Stocking · 19-08-2011, 03:27

Seal all openings and fill with CO2 from an extinguisher. Works with black iron tanks.

**GordMay** · 19-08-2011, 05:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

Seal all openings and fill with CO2 from an extinguisher. Works with black iron tanks.

Or Nitrogen, if you can get it.

heintje23 · 19-08-2011, 05:47

Is that to take away the oxygen?

DeepFrz · 19-08-2011, 05:49

Yes, then seal around the outside of the tank with heavy duty vapor barrier and fill that with nitrogen, after you have carefully dried the inside of the boat to ensure no possible chance of water vapor getting to the tank.