#34 Cleaning the diesel in our tank

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Thanks Rob. A useful and as you say, a cheap way to deal with that issue without having to drain the whole tank. I note Will does his once a month. Thanks for that info.

[@mobiusfugue2582]

Don't get me started on this, Rob. Any second hand boat is likely to have a bad diesel tank situation, either becuase it's been sat for too long in a marina or hasn't had a consistent source of clean fuel. You don't just have to worry about your own tank, you also have to think about where you are getting it from. There is some nasty stuff out there. Traditional fuel boats and very busy marinas are the best source of diesel because they actually sell the stuff and have a good turnover of clean fuel. They also add fuel additive in the case of most fuel boats. In my own case when I bought my boat there was a ton of crud and (thankfully) dead diesel bug in the tank... ballast your boat to one side, let it settle and then suck all the crap out of the corner. My tank is now clean but I'm still dealing with the fallout because the fuel line to my Eberspaecher is clogged. If you do have water in your diesel there are two options. Most fuel additives attempt to emulsify (I think that's the word) into the diesel so you can just draw it through the engine. Marine 16 is the stuff that RCR recommend because it seperates the water out so you can then syphone it from the bottom of your tank. You pays your money and takes your choice. Also... regarding water in tanks. Deal with the root causes. Even though I didn't actually have water in my fuel I ended up replacing the fuel cap assembly, sticking a pan lid over the whole thing so there was no way water could get at it and also putting the traditional baked bean tin over the fuel vent (usually on the opposing bollard). Water will find a way...

[@NarrowboatLiberty]

Thanks for that, a very useful video indeed! I had our fuel polished in 2021 at a cost of £100 by a chap with a mobile filtration system - a great deal of crud came out! Many professional fuel polishers charge considerably more, so your method provides a great low cost alternative. I’m interested in fitting an in-line polishing system between the tank and the fuel filter. Probably fuel contamination is the most common cause of breakdowns, I suspect. Thanks again :)

[@robtheplod]

You're very welcome, thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@renemooij5340]

what dit you do to get the water out?

[@robtheplod]

Just didn't take from the very bottom of the blue bucket... not very scientific! Thanks for watching!

[@DEmma1972]

How did you get rid of the water?

[@robtheplod]

anywhere really as its just water once separated...

[@NarrowboatWill]

Blimey so much crap. These tanks are just a rubbish design. My tanks pretty clear now. I keep sucking the bottom bit out with my hand pump. I think you've seen it. Once a month. I don't get any rubbish now. That's a good and cheap way to clean your tank. I wonder if womens tights would do it or paint filters Mr still watering his Lillie's. Some dry humour in there as well. Excellent. Cheers

[@robtheplod]

I'm learning.... what denier should i have used Will.... I wont tell anyone honest!!!