Cleaning a disel fuel tank

[Shipscarver]

I have my 12 gal tank pulled out, emptied, and flushed once with soap and water, but there is still gook/mold? on the inner surfaces.
I pulled it out to do it because the local talent wanted $300 to come out and do it onboard. So, I was going to take it to a radiator shop to have it cleaned, but with the EPA reg's. only one shop in the area does it, and they want about $100 for my little tank. :o
There must be a better way. What has Sairfar members experience shown to be effective?

[DavidCrosby]

My dad and I did a complete rebuild of a Morgan 30 about 12 years ago. The boat had been abandoned by the previous owner and the marina took possession. The marina manager tells me that the boat sat on the parking lot for 13 years. The boat has an Atomic 4, so we were dealing with a gas tank. The tank had multiple inches of gunk coating the sides.

Right, wrong or what have you, we rinsed numerous times with kerosene which was not very effective in breaking loose the gunk. So, we put a couple gallons of kerosene in the tank and then shoved a bunch of rags (torn into strips) and chain into the tank. We sealed the openings and then strapped it to the rear tire of our yard tractor (perfect size). I then drove the tractor around for an hour, cutting the grass while at it. We then emptied the tank and sloshed more kerosene around (by hand). The tank was as clean as new after that. I sailed that boat for five years after the rebuild. Never had a single problem with fuel.

Somewhere I have a picture of the tractor with the tank strapped to the wheel. If I can find it, I'll scan it and post it here.

You still are going to have a mess to deal with and you need a place to go with the kerosene and rags when done. We had a recycle center to take the waste to. And, don't leave wadded up kerosene soaked rags laying around, they will self combust.

Disclaimer: I did not manage to blow myself up. If you are not so lucky, I claim no responsibility!

[s/v Faith]

Sounds like it was a good approach David,  Have your first Grog on me.  ;D

  I wonder if some gravel and small rocks might have accomplished the same thing?


Dirty fuel is always good for lighting burn piles around here... kerosene, diesel, and even old gasoline (mixed with used motor oil to lower the volatility)  all get 'recycled' into fuel to start smudge fires and burn out stumps.