Sylvie Willis
Keeping your diesel fuel jugs clean is important for maintaining the performance of your vehicle. While some residual gasoline in your diesel fuel jug may not be harmful, it is important to ensure that your fuel jugs are properly cleaned to prevent contamination and maintain fuel stability during long-term storage. There are various methods and products available for cleaning diesel fuel jugs, such as using diesel fuel to swish and rinse the jug, employing commercial additives like Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner, or utilising a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water with small rocks for more intensive cleaning.
Characteristics and Values of Cleaning Diesel Fuel Jugs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner, Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide, Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost, Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost, Diesel 9•1•1, Dawn dishwashing liquid |
| Cleaning methods | Pump or drain excess water and fuel contaminants, add entire contents of Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner, swirl new diesel fuel around, soak and swirl, use small rocks and dish soap and water solution, rinse and dry, use a stick with a cloth to brush gunk |
| Amount of Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner to use | Add entire contents (16 ounces) of Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner to each 20 gallons of diesel fuel for cleaning; add entire contents (16 ounces) of Clear-Diesel to each 40 gallons of fuel tank capacity for maintaining |
| Amount of Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner to use for larger tanks | Add 26 ounces of Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner to each 50 gallons of diesel fuel for cleaning; add 26 ounces of Clear-Diesel to each 100 gallons of fuel tank capacity for maintaining |
| Additional notes | Biodiesel can be used to clean the tank; use a few handfuls of broken glass to agitate the tank; a small amount of gasoline left in the jug is not a problem |
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What You'll Learn
Using commercial products like Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner
Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner is an advanced diesel fuel and tank cleaning technology. It is a fuel additive designed to clean and protect diesel fuel systems. Clear-Diesel's Fuel Polishing Formula removes water and slime, disperses fuel contaminants, and stabilizes fuel during long-term storage.
The product is effective in all diesel fuels, including Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and biodiesel blends. It can be used as part of a preventive maintenance program or for immediate clean-up of equipment or fuel storage tanks. Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner is added to the fuel, not the diesel exhaust fluid tank.
To clean fuel tanks and prevent premature fuel-filter plugging, pump or drain excess water and fuel contaminants from the bottom of the fuel tank until diesel fuel appears. Then, add one gallon of Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner to every 500 gallons of diesel fuel.
To maintain a clean fuel tank and stabilize fuel for long-term storage, add one gallon of Clear-Diesel to every 1,000 gallons of fuel tank capacity, then fill the tank with diesel fuel. Clear-Diesel recommends using their product at least quarterly or as needed.
Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner has proven effective across various industries, including agriculture, marine, and large-scale construction.
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Removing excess water and fuel contaminants
Water contamination is a critical issue for diesel fuel. Diesel fuel has hygroscopic qualities, meaning it attracts and absorbs moisture from the air at the molecular level, so it almost always contains some water. Condensation can also occur in storage tanks, especially above-ground tanks, due to temperature fluctuations and humid air being drawn into the tank during operation. Water in diesel fuel can lead to serious problems, including microbial growth, clogged filters, corrosion, and damage to various components. Therefore, it is important to regularly check for and remove water from diesel fuel tanks.
To remove excess water from a diesel fuel tank, the first step is to test the fuel for water by extracting a small amount of fuel and letting it sit in a clear container in a dark place for about 24 hours. Water is denser than diesel, so it will sink to the bottom. If water is present, allow the fuel to settle, then use a fuel-water separator to drain off the accumulated water. You may also need to use a pump with an extended hose to reach the bottom of the tank.
To remove fuel contaminants, including microbes, you can use a fuel additive such as Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner or Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide. Clear-Diesel is an advanced fuel cleaning technology that removes water and slime, disperses contaminants, and stabilizes fuel during long-term storage. It can be added to the fuel tank quarterly or as needed. Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide is effective in conjunction with Clear-Diesel during microbial contamination clean-ups.
Another way to remove water and contaminants from diesel fuel is to invest in a high-quality filtration system, such as the AirDog® FPII system, which passes the fuel through a water separator before sending it to a particulate filter. This helps to protect your engine from the adverse effects of water-contaminated fuel and maintain the efficiency and longevity of your vehicle.
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Using small rocks and a mixture of dish soap and water
One method for cleaning diesel fuel jugs is to use small rocks and a mixture of dish soap and water. This process involves several steps to ensure the jugs are thoroughly cleaned.
Firstly, gather small rocks with rounded edges, similar in size to pea gravel. These rocks will act as an abrasive agent to help scrub the interior of the jugs. Next, prepare a solution of dishwashing liquid and water, using a ratio of about 30% dish soap to 70% water. Pour this solution into the diesel fuel jugs, adding the small rocks as well.
Seal the jugs and begin to move them around, either by rolling them on the ground or gently shaking them. This motion ensures that the rocks and soap solution can reach all interior surfaces of the jugs. The rocks will help dislodge any built-up residue, while the dish soap and water mixture will clean and wash away the dirt.
After agitating the jugs for a while, thoroughly rinse the interior with clean water to remove any remaining soap solution and dislodged debris. Finally, allow the jugs to air dry completely before refilling them. This method has proven effective for cleaning diesel fuel jugs and similar containers, restoring them to a like-new condition.
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Using biodiesel to clean the tank
Biodiesel can be used to clean diesel tanks. Some US states have mandated that all diesel fuels contain varying percentages of biodiesel, and the US government has authorized B20 fuel (20% biodiesel and 80% diesel fuel) for use in non-strategic applications.
Biodiesel blends are more susceptible to microbial infestation, especially with the reduced sulfur content in today's fuels, which creates an ideal environment for microbes to grow in fuel tanks. To combat this, a diesel fuel biocide can be used to kill microbes, including bacteria and fungi. This is the only way to get rid of microbial contamination.
Power Service offers a dual-phase biocide called Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide Treatment, which is effective in both diesel fuel and water. It kills microbes and prevents fuel-filter plugging, helping to prevent fuel system failures. It also comes with directions for use printed on the back of the container.
To clean a diesel fuel tank with biodiesel, you can use a product like Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner. First, pump or drain excess water and fuel contaminants from the bottom of the fuel tank until diesel fuel appears. Then, add the entire contents (16 ounces) of Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner to each 20 gallons of diesel fuel. This will remove water and slime, disperse contaminants, and stabilize fuel during long-term storage.
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$156
Rinsing with diesel fuel
When it comes to effectively cleaning diesel fuel jugs, one of the key steps is rinsing them with diesel fuel itself. This might seem counterintuitive, but it is a crucial part of ensuring that your diesel fuel jugs are thoroughly cleaned and ready for reuse. Here's a detailed guide on how to go about this process:
Start by acquiring fresh, clean diesel fuel from a reliable source. It is important to use high-quality diesel fuel for this rinsing process to avoid introducing new contaminants into your jugs. If you have access to filtered or purified diesel, that would be ideal.
Pour a sufficient quantity of the clean diesel fuel into each jug that you intend to clean. The amount should be enough to cover the bottom and sides of the jug, allowing you to scrub and rinse away any remaining residue. Typically, filling the jugs to about a quarter to a third of their capacity should be enough for effective rinsing.
Secure the lids of the jugs tightly and begin agitating them. You can do this by shaking the jugs vigorously or using a long-handled, sturdy brush to stir the diesel fuel inside. This agitation helps loosen and dissolve any stubborn residue or contaminants that might be stuck to the walls and bottom of the jugs. Make sure to wear protective gloves and clothing during this process to avoid direct contact with the diesel fuel.
After a few minutes of agitation, use a clean, absorbent cloth or towel to wipe down the interior surfaces of the jugs. The diesel fuel will have helped to dissolve and lift away any grime or residue, making it easier to wipe clean. Pay extra attention to the threads and seals of the jugs, as these areas can accumulate dirt and debris. You may use a small brush or cotton swab dipped in diesel fuel to carefully clean these tight spaces.
Repeat the process of filling, agitating, and wiping as necessary until you are satisfied that the jugs are thoroughly cleaned. With each cycle, you should notice the diesel fuel becoming dirtier as it picks up the residue from the jugs. Change the diesel fuel after a few wipes to ensure you are always using relatively clean diesel for the rinsing process.
Finally, after you have thoroughly rinsed and wiped the jugs, dispose of the dirty diesel fuel appropriately. Check with your local regulations for guidelines on how to safely dispose of or recycle diesel fuel. Make sure to thoroughly dry the jugs before refilling them with fresh diesel fuel or storing them.
By following these detailed steps for rinsing with diesel fuel, you can effectively clean your diesel fuel jugs, ensuring they are free from contaminants and ready for your next adventure or project. Remember always to take the necessary precautions when handling diesel fuel and to be mindful of proper disposal methods.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are looking for a quick fix, swishing some diesel fuel around the jug should do the trick. However, for a more thorough cleaning, you can use a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water, along with some small rocks to scrub the bottom of the jug. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and let it dry.
Yes, Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner is a popular choice for cleaning diesel fuel tanks and jugs. It removes water, disperses contaminants, and stabilizes fuel during long-term storage.
It is important to ensure that the jugs are properly labelled, especially if they are being reused after containing a different type of fuel. Additionally, always work in a well-ventilated area and dispose of any cleaning solutions or contaminated water responsibly.
