Poly/Plastic Fuel tank cleaning - interior

[-dirt-]

Hi all:

I purchased a boat with a "permanent mount" style fuel tank in it. (The clear/yellowish style similar to this.)The boat has been sitting for about 7 years, and the tank is about 3/4 full of gas. Once I drain the gas, I imagine the inside will need cleaning (at least rinsing).

#1 - Is this tank still OK to use? It does not leak, and it doesn't look badly swelled. Maybe just a tad.

#2 - Any suggestions on cleaning the inside of the tank besides just rinsing with clean gas? Just picked up a new motor and don't want to clog up the fuel filter right off the bat (or worse).

Thanks!

 

[robert graham]

Re: Poly/Plastic Fuel tank cleaning - interior

My questions would be: how big is the tank and what/how much contamination is in the tank? It would be helpful to get a bore-scope to inspect inside the tank to see what's there. Then you gotta figure how much and what type of cleaner/solvent to use, how to circulate it, how long to leave it in there, and how to remove it from the tank. A drum and circulation pump arrangement would be helpful for this. I'm thinking a solvent like Berryman's B-12 would remove most crud. Be sure to install a fuel/water separater type canister filter on your fuel line to the motor, so you can filter and dump all trash coming from the tank before it gets to your motor. Maybe your local boat shop or marina can offer their services on cleaning your tank? Good Luck!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Poly/Plastic Fuel tank cleaning - interior

Be careful with the Berrymans B-12 because it will attack plastics (read the bottle).

Install a good quality fuel filter too so when any little pieces of crud break away they will be caught in the filter........... be prepared to change that filter often during the first season.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Poly/Plastic Fuel tank cleaning - interior

if you can get to the sender and remove it, I would use POR 15's Marine Clean if needed.