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SV Demeter · 25-05-2011, 06:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by hummingway

It's a built in and the only access is through the hole where the gauge plugs in. I don't think I'll be able to get in to it. Maybe with a long bottle washer ...

It has been my experience that polishing fuel is a waste of time and if your tank is that dirty you are simply going to waste a lot of expensive filters. You need to clean the tank. If there is not a good inspection port in the tank now you should install one. Get the tank empty and clean it out. You can use a garden sprayer with clean deisel to get the gunk off the sides of the tank. This method will work even if your only access is through the sending unit hole, but you should install an access. Once the tank is clean a single 500 series Racor is all you will need for primary filtering. The trick is to get the tank clean first then maintain a good regimen of fuel treatment biocide to keep the kritters from growing. I wouldnt waste the time and money building a polishing system.

**hummingway** · 25-05-2011, 08:17

I've read reports from people for whom polishing has worked very well. To put an access hatch into the tank I may have to dismantle my galley although by moving the stove I might be able to remove that section of the cabinetry under it and get at the tank. The tank is aluminum but I don't suppose that poses too much of a challenge. I'm don't see myself taking that on before the fall anyway so if polishing can be effective I'll want to do it anyway.

SV Demeter · 25-05-2011, 08:21

Good luck. I have a dock neighbor who spent $600 with Petroscrub polishing his fuel only to stuff fuel filters the following month in rough weather. You might get the fuel itself clean but you wont get the crud stuck to the tank sides out by polishing. Once you are out in rough conditions or offshore the sloshing of fuel breaks some more crud loose and you will pick it up in your filters.

John A · 25-05-2011, 09:02

I went thru the expense of installing 5" access plates on both of my tanks. As the fuel was extracted and filtered, you'd have thought that I was pumping out my holding tank! After scrubing the interior of the tanks with a scrub brush, I still went thru a couple of racor filters, when I went offshore.
It's one of the most important items to take care of before going cruising!

zeehag · 25-05-2011, 09:20

i have a huge access port in mine-- was polished during our trip from cedros....found my tank to be less than we thought--is only 75 gallons instead of 120..eeps-- but i get to do it again--- is easily reached in mine---i just need the filters-- pumps in NAPA car parts arent too bad--i have assist pump i got for 40-50 dollars-- gets fuel to the lift pump nicely-- and helps polishing some---definitely helps in bleeding system...

nylajo · 25-05-2011, 09:36

This pump will work for you, Beck-Arnley Pt # 152-0568 it should be available from Baker Supply in Nanaimo. There is also a good chance you will find a used one at one of the auto wreckers in Nanaimo, just about every VW van had one of these retro fitted before fuel injection. I agree scrubbing out the tank is the best way, but you have to start somewhere.

good luck.

Nylajo