Visit our Popular Forums

Mckelley · 10-04-2014, 21:53

Hi all, I'm hoping for some advice on how to clean out my fuel tank and water tank. The tanks on my new boat seem to be in good condition, but it has been out of the water for years, and I am sure they need to be cleaned out.
Thanks, Michael

Maren · 11-04-2014, 20:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mckelley

Hi all, I'm hoping for some advice on how to clean out my fuel tank and water tank. The tanks on my new boat seem to be in good condition, but it has been out of the water for years, and I am sure they need to be cleaned out.
Thanks, Michael

Before we answer, what are your tanks made of and is there an inspection port?

Kevin84 · 12-04-2014, 12:48

And is there anything still in the tanks? That could make a difference.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

Greenhand · 12-04-2014, 13:07

Not the OP, but I will tell you that my potential project has two 50 gallon tanks under the settees with a 6" inspection port on the aft end.

I haven't looked as closely at the fuel tank, but will get to that on Wednesday with inspections.

Hopefully, OP won't mind me chiming in with a similar question.

Kenomac · 12-04-2014, 13:13

Drain everything, get rid of the fuel (you can usually sell older diesel at a discount to a large powerboat with a large fuel polishing system), then scrub both tanks thoroughly. While you're at it, blow out the water lines with compressed air. Install a fuel tank inspection port if you don't already have one.

When everything is spick & span, pre-filter the diesel that goes back in.

ranger58sb · 12-04-2014, 15:25

For water tanks, search the forum for posts on the topic by Peggie Hall.

-Chris

SaltyMonkey · 12-04-2014, 15:32

u gonna do it yourself? or may I suggest hire someone to steam clean the fuel tanks.

Mckelley · 13-04-2014, 11:31

The fuel tank is a fairly small 29gal aluminum tank with about a six inch viewing hole. I do believe that I would be able to remove the tank entirely if i needed to. I haven't gotten a peak into the tank yet... What am I looking for/what should i be concerned with? Would simply draining any old fuel and filling the tank with clean fuel be okay? I know that diesels are pretty finicky about having very clean fuel, but wont the fuel filter take care of any remaining sediment?
The fresh water tank is a plastic 40 gal tank. It's been stored empty. There are no smells or anything coming from the tank and it seems pretty clean. Would cycling a few tank fulls of clean water with bleach suffice for cleaning the system?

ranger58sb · 14-04-2014, 04:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mckelley

The fresh water tank is a plastic 40 gal tank. It's been stored empty. There are no smells or anything coming from the tank and it seems pretty clean. Would cycling a few tank fulls of clean water with bleach suffice for cleaning the system?

One of Peggie's posts includes a recipe for flushing...

-Chris