Flushing out the fuel tank

Chanchan168 · 30 July 2017, 18:50

Hi guys and girls,

I've got a 300l ally tank under the deck of my rib, that I know had contaminated fuel in it.

I've got all the fuel out of the tank, and I'm pretty sure there's no leaks in it as I've never had any smell of fuel in the bilge, but how can I be sure that it's not corroded??

Should I cut the tank out to inspect it or is there another way to do it without removing it?? The previous owner did say that he had issues with water in the fuel.

I've replaced the fuel lines and put in a new 10micron Racor. If I have to remove the floor, how easy is it to find the stringers to cut along??

Thanks in advance

Craig

jeffstevens763@g · 30 July 2017, 19:41

Why not hire an inspection camera and have a look

Chanchan168 · 30 July 2017, 19:59

Got a snake cam at work. Might bring it home to use.

Thanks for that.

ShinyShoe · 30 July 2017, 20:18

Pressure test?

Seal all openings. Have two tubes leaving tank - Connect one small air pump (like you use for your tubes) Put some GENTLE pressure in the fuel tank.

Connect the second to either a pressure gauge or just a clear tube with some coloured liquid in it - mark where liquid is.

If you have a leak - the liquid will move towards the tank when you stop adding pressure....

A1an · 30 July 2017, 23:39

stick a balloon on the breather pipe and pressurise the tank, balloon will expand and maintain pressure on the tank and if its flat in the morning you have a leak.

Chanchan168 · 31 July 2017, 19:08

Cheers peeps.

Probably a silly question. If I decide I need to remove the tank, how easy is it to find the stringers to cut along.

I don't want to remove the whole deck, just where the tank sits

gtflash · 01 August 2017, 20:16

I tried a cheap inspection camera once. It was rubbish in the bottom of the hull. If you just need to clean it out then I have managed to fill and empty a tank through a small inspection plate and flush it out. But be warned the water will get caught behind any anti sloshing bulk heads. A simple pressure test is to blow down the sealed tank. Put ur finger or hand over blow tube, count to your fav number then release. Obviously it should go phfffff in your face. Might not pick up a pin prick hole but works for anything bigger than a drill hole