I have just acquired a fuel tank. I'm going to use it for Diesel fuel. Is there a good method for cleaning the inside of fuel tanks that have been sitting for awhile? I thought of trying to rinse it out with carb cleaner but that could get expensive. Any ideas are appreciated.

 

Do NOT, repeat DO NOT use carb cleaner or any solvent that is not designed for cleaning diesel tanks. As I've said before, solvents or gasoline mixed with diesel fuel, even in small qtys changes the combustion point/temp. Static electricity can ignite the mix with a explosive results in both plastic and metal tanks. Take care, Nathan

 

I cleaned them like that before by loading the tank in the back of my truck.
Putting about 10~15 gals. of fuel in it and let it ride a few days.
About two of these flushes usually will do the trick.
Then make sure you use a new filter on the pump when you fill the tank and change it regulary .

: Eddie :

 

Question: Does code call for building a dry moat around a fuel tank in Indiana like it does in NC, in case of a leak in the tank?
I have another idea kinda off thread. Wait until the middle of October to fill the tank with fuel. Two weeks before the election the price is expected to go down. Nat

 

Is there a "solvent designed for cleaning Diesel tanks"?

 

Do what Eddie prescribed. Diesel is a good enough solvent to clean out anything in there. 2 flushes an you should be fine.

 

Call your tractor dealer/supply store or perhaps your heating oil distributor and ask. The bottle I bought a couple of years back to flush the tractor tank mixes with diesel fuel and you drive it; and after 4 tanks you replace the filter(s). You may still be able to get a tank flush at a radiator shop also. Nat

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by natstayl
[B]Question: Does code call for building a dry moat around a fuel tank in Indiana like it does in NC, in case of a leak in the tank?

If it does maybe you can set the tank inside of a stock watering tank.

 

Why not use a pressure washer?Works fine at work!

 

Over here we just empty the tank, pressure-wash with good soap, rinse with water and let dry out in the sun. Look like new then. Usually we remove the plumbing and clean it too. If your tank has a water separator on the bottom and an elevated pickup for the fuel you don't have to dry it thoroughly- just let it sit for 2-4 days after the first fill and drain the residual water.

Just my 2c

AlpineRAM

 

This sounds like a good idea. I wonder if using a degreaser instead of soap would do a better job?

 

Well, an industrial soap over here is a water soluble degreaser-detergent combo. I didn't write this out precisely enough.... but english isn't my mother tongue.

AlpineRAM

 

Alpine, IMO your English is better than many whose mother tongue is English. BTW what is the mother language of Austria? Record a clip and post it here one of these days when you get an opp. Nat

 

I believe that would be Austrian, just like AHHnold "I`ll be back"

 

Thanks for the comppliments on my English, now about my mother tongue.
Actually it's German, but with a whole lot of different dialects. Arnold came from the same province as I do. (And he is only about four times my size )
Here you should be able to listen to one of our radio stations.

AlpineRAM