charles wrote:
I add to this discussion,, for the benefit of any novice boater, that no matter how many and much additives that one adds to diesel fuel that will NOT CLEAN THE TANK, period. It may clean the fuel but the crud is still on the bottom of the tank and in a rough sea it will get into suspension and the cleanest of fuel will pick that up and into the filters it goes.
Same for "fuel polishing" polish all you want but the crud is in the bottom. That must be removed by some means. Then keep the fuel clean.
JUst a heads up
Charles
In similarity to as you mention, it is also my belief that if a fuel tank is toooo thicky filled (coated) with too-old crap on its bottom or walls then it is only that opening it up for hand scraping will be the best action to take.* But, if the tanks crud is not too thick, nor been there too many years (I do not know how to accurately approximate either of those measurements), then there are fuel additives that can actually clean the inside of a tank and fuel line as well as to keep them clean and increase the duration of*fuel stability thereafter.* There are intricacies too specific to address in this post regarding some forms (i.e. Toluene - toxic*chemical) of liquid insertion for tank cleaning... but, I have found Soltron does work and is very simple/safe/affordable to regularly use.**Suggestions:
Soltron: http://www.soltron-gtr.com/english.htm Entire site has really interesting stats etc.* Ive found that Soltron has cleaned the interior of my gasoline tanks, fuel lines and carburetors, then kept them clean.* It also allows me to keep gasoline for long durations without experiencing problems of it getting stale.* I understand it works amply well with diesel and other fuel types.
Visit Soltron FAQ link at page top... then punch up:
-***** What benefits can be expected from using Soltron Enzyme Fuel Treatment?... then read popup box, especially center area
-***** Why will Soltron be different than any other fuel treatments I have used before?... then read popup box, especially from the center down
Toluene: For aggressive liquid cleaning action (one with considerable intricacies regarding application and finalization, and, not necessarily to be used as a fuel additive, but rather as a standalone product) Ive found there is virtually no fuel propagated tank buildup or crud that Toluene (a very hazardous chemical) will not eventually breakdown and emulsify to enable various means of the cruds removal.* I do not recommend any novice to use Toluene unless an experienced person is available.* There are several handling precautions/procedures that should be followed. See CAUTION below.
CAUTION Toluene Hazards Identification:
Potential Acute Health Effects:
Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (permeator).
Potential Chronic Health Effects:
CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: A4 (Not classifiable for human or animal.) by ACGIH, 3 (Not classifiable for human.) by IARC.* MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available. The substance may be toxic to blood, kidneys, the nervous system, liver, brain, central nervous system (CNS).
Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance Toluene can produce target organs damage
*