Sylvie Willis
Keeping your diesel fuel tank clean is essential to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and lasts longer. Gunk and grime can build up in the tank over time, causing issues with the engine. To clean your diesel fuel tank, you must first drain it and ensure it is aired out to remove any vapours. You can then pour a diesel fuel tank cleaner into the tank and swirl it around to dissolve any contaminants and residues. After this, you should drain the solution into a separate container and allow the tank to air dry completely. It is important to keep a fire extinguisher nearby when cleaning your fuel tank as any kind of fuel is highly flammable.
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What You'll Learn
Drain the tank and use an additive
Draining a diesel fuel tank can be a messy and challenging task. The first step is to locate the drain plug, usually at the bottom of the tank. If your tank does not have a drain plug, you may need to remove the tank entirely, which can be a complex process.
Once you have located the drain plug, place a container underneath to collect the fuel. Then, remove the plug and let the fuel drain out. If your tank is in a truck, draining it will be easier as you may be able to crawl under the vehicle and remove the plug, allowing the fuel to drain into a barrel. This will remove most of the fuel, as well as any sediment or "gunk".
However, it is important to note that this method may not get rid of all the fuel, and you may need to use a tool like a sump or a wet-vac to get the remaining fuel out. Alternatively, you can use gravity to get out as much fuel as possible and then use a hose to suck out the remaining fuel. This method carries a risk of inhaling toxic fumes or getting fuel in your mouth, so proceed with caution.
After draining the tank, it is essential to dispose of the old fuel properly. At this point, you can also clean the filter housings, as they may be full of gunk. Then, add new, fresh fuel to your tank.
To prevent future build-ups of gunk and to maintain the performance of your diesel engine, consider using a fuel additive. One recommended product is Startron Diesel Fuel Additive, an enzyme-based treatment. This product breaks down water or moisture in the tank and removes residue from the tank, lines, and filter housings. Another option is Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner, which removes water and slime, disperses contaminants, and stabilizes fuel during long-term storage.
By regularly draining your diesel fuel tank and using an effective additive, you can keep your fuel system clean and your engine running smoothly.
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Use a diesel fuel tank cleaner
One of the most common causes of a diesel engine not starting is a fuel problem. Fuel tank treatment is necessary to maintain your vehicle and ensure it runs smoothly. A diesel fuel tank treatment uses detergents and solvents to eliminate carbon deposits, varnish, and contaminants from the fuel system, including injectors, lines, and the combustion chamber.
If you are unable to clean the tank manually, you can use a diesel fuel tank cleaner. Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner is an advanced diesel fuel and tank-cleaning technology. It removes water and slime, disperses fuel contaminants, and stabilizes fuel during long-term storage. It can be used as a vital part of any preventive maintenance program or for immediate clean-up of equipment or fuel storage tanks. Add Clear-Diesel at least quarterly or as needed.
To clean your fuel tank and prevent premature fuel filter plugging, first pump or drain excess water and fuel contaminants from the bottom of the fuel tank until diesel fuel appears. Then, add the recommended amount of Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner to the diesel fuel. The amount of Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner you need to add depends on your tank size. For example, if you have a 500-gallon tank, add 1 gallon of Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner.
To maintain a clean fuel tank and stabilize fuel for long-term storage, add 1 gallon of Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner to each 1,000 gallons of fuel tank capacity. Fill the tank with diesel fuel.
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Power wash with hot soapy water
Power washing with hot soapy water is an effective method for cleaning gunk out of a diesel fuel tank. This method is recommended for those who want to avoid using chemicals.
Firstly, ensure you take the necessary safety precautions. Fuel is highly flammable, so keep a fire extinguisher nearby and remove any potential ignition sources. Tidy up your workspace to prevent accidents and make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area.
Next, drain the tank of any remaining fuel. This can be done by removing the drain plug at the bottom of the tank and allowing the fuel to drain into a barrel or another suitable container. It is important to do this carefully to avoid spills and to dispose of the old fuel responsibly.
Once the tank is empty, allow it to air out sufficiently to remove any remaining vapors. You may need to leave it for a few days to ensure it is completely dry, both inside and outside.
Now, you can begin power washing the tank. Use hot water and a suitable detergent that can cut through grease, such as solvent dawn dish soap. Be careful not to get hurt when handling the power washer, especially when inserting the nozzle into the tank. Pay close attention to the interior sides of the tank, as these areas can be difficult to clean thoroughly without a manhole for access.
Finally, rinse the tank thoroughly and ensure that all soap residue is removed. Dry the tank completely before refilling it with diesel fuel. You may want to conduct a "hydro test" by filling the tank with water to check for leaks before refilling with diesel.
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Use a fuel additive to break down water
To clean gunk out of a diesel fuel tank, one method is to use a fuel additive to break down water. This is because water in the fuel tank can cause corrosion, rust, reduced lubricity, and, in winter, strip anti-gels from your fuel.
There are two types of fuel additives: demulsifiers and emulsifiers. Demulsifiers cause the water and fuel to separate, allowing your water separator to catch the water and keep it from entering your engine. Emulsifiers, on the other hand, cause the fuel and water to mix, which can lead to engine issues. Therefore, it is important to choose a demulsifier additive.
Some recommended diesel fuel additives include Opti-Lube, Power Service Diesel Kleen, Stanadyne, and Startron. When using a fuel additive, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage and application.
In addition to using a fuel additive, it is important to take preventative measures to keep your fuel tank clean and dry. This includes regularly changing your fuel filters and ensuring proper ventilation when working with diesel fuel.
- Choose a suitable demulsifier additive such as those mentioned above.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage and application.
- Add the recommended amount of additive to your fuel tank.
- Allow the additive to work by letting it sit for a period of time.
- Drain the water from the bottom of the fuel tank or use a water-absorbing sock to remove the water.
- Ensure that your fuel tank is thoroughly dry before adding fresh fuel.
- Consider using a fuel stabilizer for the first few tank fill-ups after treating the fuel tank.
- Regularly check your fuel filters and water separators to ensure they are functioning properly and replace them as needed.
- Take preventative measures to keep your fuel tank clean and dry, including regular maintenance and ventilation when working with diesel fuel.
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Flush and filter the tank
Flushing and filtering your diesel fuel tank is a necessary maintenance task that can extend your equipment's lifespan and prevent shutdowns caused by contaminated fuel. Here is a step-by-step guide to flush and filter your diesel fuel tank:
Step 1: Safety First
Before starting, ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area. Diesel fumes can be hazardous, so proper ventilation is crucial. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and remove any potential ignition sources.
Step 2: Drain the Tank
Drain the diesel fuel tank by removing the drain plug at the bottom of the tank. This will remove the majority of the fuel, along with any sediment or "gunk." You can drain the fuel into a barrel or container.
Step 3: Clean the Tank
After draining the tank, you can manually clean the inside of the tank using cloths, paper towels, or similar materials. This step ensures that any remaining residue or contaminants are removed.
Step 4: Treat with Additives (Optional)
Consider using fuel additives to treat the tank. Enzyme-based treatments, such as Startron Diesel Fuel Additive, can help break down water or moisture and “eat” the residue in the tank, lines, and filter housings. Fuel stabilizers and biocides can also be added to prevent microbial growth and maintain fuel integrity.
Step 5: Flush the System
Use a wandering suction pipe to flush out any remaining contaminants and water from the tank, pipes, and filters. You can also install a fuel polishing system, which will draw the fuel through a filter and back into the tank, ensuring that the fuel is clean and free of contaminants.
Step 6: Refill and Inspect
Once the tank is thoroughly cleaned, dried, and inspected for any damage, you can refill it with fresh, high-quality diesel fuel from a trusted supplier. Regularly inspect your tank, especially in humid or wet environments, to prevent moisture buildup and contamination.
Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using fuel additives and to comply with environmental standards and safety precautions during the cleaning process.
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