Fuel tank cleaning

[fireman4074]

What is best way to clean diesel tank? I have had my filter that goes on drain valve clog up within 2 months. It got a lot of sludge in tank.

 

[RickB]

Remove the tank, remove the sending unit, any plugs or fittings and have at it with a hot water pressure washer. Drain, dry completely with compressed air. Repeat as required till the tank is clean.

 

[GeorgiaRebel]

Would a regular pressure washer and some detergent like Dawn do the same thing or does it need to be hot water?

 

[ruffdog]

Hot water and Dawn.....shake and repeat.

 

[RickB]

Would a regular pressure washer and some detergent like Dawn do the same thing or does it need to be hot water?

It would work, might not be as fast with cold water.

 

[Richard]

When I cleaned my tank (preface: It has something like a 1" bung on the bottom) I took a pressure washer to it and had at it.

When I was done, I took my garden pressure sprayer (that I use with diesel in it to start my fires) I filled it with fresh diesel, sprayed out the tank to ostensibly rinse the water out. Put bung back in place, filled with fuel and off I went. Probably used a pint or two of diesel to rinse it out.

 

[ruffdog]

To help get the water out of the tank after cleaning, you can use alcohol. It will absorb the water and you can pour it out. Then you can let the tank cook in the sun until dry.

 

[Dmacleo]

have not done it myself but instead of detergent would something like simple green work better?
my pressure washer allows me to mix 2 small tanks to coat before spraying.

 

[fireman4074]

On my MF 231S, fuel tank has something like baffle in it. Pressure washing would not get to bottom. Have anyone tried this product?

 

[def38]

Purchase one gallon of Super Clean at Walmart (less than $10.00). Ad it 1:1 (use water) to empty fuel tank. Agitate. Rinse with water. Dry. Change fuel filter and fill with fresh fuel.

Use caution. Super Clean is a very aggressive cleaner containing harsh chemicals that can damage skin.