Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

[superharmonix]

I have a small pool of cludge, looks like oil and gas in the bilge area of my 1978 Chrysler Bass Runner. (outboard of course)

The previous owner had removed an under the deck gas tank and I believe it may have been leaking and that's where the sludge came from.

My question is, what should I use to soak it up and get it out of there?

 

[not enuf toys]

Re: Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

why not dissolve it with a degreaser or kerosene? let it soak for a little bit and drain it out the plug into a bucket? you could then take the mixture to a recycle place (auto store).

 

[superharmonix]

Re: Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

My drain is slightly off to the port side, and the pool up of sludge is in between stringers on the starboard side, so there's no way to fully drain that side. It's not up to the bilge pump. If it were merely water, I would suck it out with a wet vac.
Herein lies my quandry.

 

[FlyinGuy1017]

Re: Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

Soak up any standing stuff with shop towels (like the disposable blue ones). To clean, use Oil Eaters (avail at autozone). That stuff is non-toxic, non-caustic, won't dull any paint or finishes (doesn't even burn if you get overspray in your eyes), and breaks up petroleum based products well. Liquid dishsoap will work, but takes a bit more scurbbing/rinsing especially if using cold water.

Good luck!!

 

[ebrich2]

Re: Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

try this
http://www.labsafety.com/ESP-Evolut...f-100_s_153833/Maintenance-Sorbents_24542138/

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

I used this stuff in my bilge....worked great!!

http://www.unitedlabsinc.com/canada/catalog/shopexd.asp?id=960

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

Soak up any standing stuff with shop towels (like the disposable blue ones). To clean, use Oil Eaters (avail at autozone). That stuff is non-toxic, non-caustic, won't dull any paint or finishes (doesn't even burn if you get overspray in your eyes), and breaks up petroleum based products well. Liquid dishsoap will work, but takes a bit more scurbbing/rinsing especially if using cold water.

Good luck!!

I've used Dawn dish soap before and it worked surprisingly well.

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

I've used Dawn dish soap before and it worked surprisingly well.

X2 409 or Purple Power works well for removing the final film

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

X2 409 or Purple Power works well for removing the final film

I second the Purple Power as a good degreaser. Works great in both marine and automotive applications.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

Any of the cleaners mentioned work very well, including tide detergent. However, you are going to have to get the majority of it up first with paper towles or rags and then just clean up remaining residue.

 

[superharmonix]

Re: Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

I saw these things somewhere shaped almost like a boat bumper, and were covered in a type of netting to be used to soak up oil and gasoline. I can't remember where I saw them, or what they were called. Have any of you seen anything like this??
I may end up soaking up with towels and bagging them up, but if I do, where can I dispose safely?

By the way, thanks for all the tips so far!!! Much appreciated!

 

[partskenn]

Re: Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

Simple Green also works well, biodegradable too. Around here we would buy those absorbent pads, mats etc. at a place called Safety First. They sell fire extinguishers, safety clothing, construction safety equipment etc.

 

[RZR2007]

Re: Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

Pig mat will work very well for soaking up the oil and gas....

 

[superharmonix]

Re: Sludge in the bilge area, best way to soak up?

thanks for all the tips!
I am going to soak up the sludge with shop towels.
then, I am going to wash it out with Simple Green or Purple Power.