Diesel hoses replacement and tank inspection / flush / cleaning

[ErikFinn]

I want to replace some of my fuel hoses and connections to/from the tank as they appear old and swetting some diesel through and while doing that I thought it would be prudent to check also if there is anything but clean diesel in the tank. By this I hope to achieve a reliable fuel system I don't have to worry about except for normal water check and changing the filters.
Anyone can direct me to some good links on how to go about this?
Or done this and have any good tips?
I only have my mobile internet available at the moment and would appreciate any help. I would like to be able to do the job with a minimum mess and fuss and thus the request.
Thank you,
Erik

[skipmac]

Well it isn't rocket science. Basically you just look at the tank and the fuel.

First step is just to visually inspect the inside of the tank. Best to do with tanks almost empty so if they're full pump the fuel into jerry jugs.

Does your fuel tank have an inspection port on top? Take it off and look inside with a light. Unless you have a fairly large inspection hole it's hard to shine a light into the hole and see at the same time so I made a small inspection light by soldering a 12V flashlight bulb onto two wires and drop it into the tank. DO NOT DO THIS WITH GASOLINE TANKS!!!

Then get a small pump, whatever you have around, and suck the fuel from the very lowest part of the tank into a clear bottle or jar to look at. I had to tie wrap the pump hose to a stick to get the hose into the low spot. You should do this with the boat at a very calm spot where it isn't rocking in waves or wake so any crud will settle into the bottom of the tank and be easier to see and remove.

If the tank is coated with black grunge and the fuel full of goo then time to get serious.

[Allan S]

Erik, when I opened my tank up, I of course knocked a wrench into it. Retrieving the wrench I felt grit down there. Look at my blog below, the 'sheppard' one, not the 'coronado' one to see my home built fuel polishing system.