Fuel tank serviced

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Billylll

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It looks like I will own a 1976 36' Gulfstar trawler if it passes survey and the sea trial. Since the boat is so old I am thinking about having a diesel tank service company clean the tanks and polish and test the fuel in the boat. I was quoted between 300 to $400.00 for the on-site service. My question is would you do the same? I can't think of a negative in having this service performed. It might prevent me from clogging fuel filters and I will know the fuel tanks are either in good condition or need attention. There are no signs of drips or leaks in the bilge.
Bill
 
Sounds like a good idea and money well spent.
They can probably pressure test tanks to get piece of mind that there are no pin holes forming. A tank that old would make me nervous too.

Best of luck!
 
Bill. For $400 you could build your own system and do it as often as you want. However....

When I bought my boat it was recommended I do the same. Instead I bought a case of fuel filters filled the tanks there's of the way with fresh fuel and ran the tanks down to the last 21 gallons. And then again down to the last 48 gallons. This according to the tank sizes and my log bringing it north. I changed the racors three times and the motor filters twice. I have changed my fuel filters annually since and have yet to have messy filters. And I only have burned a tank a year. In fuel.
 
John they will also pressure test the tanks. I would have to think if this has never been done the bottom of the tank could have some real deposits of sludge. I'd rather not have to try changing filters in the middle of a busy channel if this will help me avoid it. Keep in mind this boat's coming up on it's 40th birthday.
Bill
 
Do you smell diesel fuel if not just polish your fuel and clean fuel tank. Pressure testing might cause a problem, check all fuel lines and run it this summer. All you need is a pin hole leak and that diesl fumes will not go away.
 
There is no diesel fuel smell. However if the tanks do have a pin hole they have a system to repair the tanks while they are in the boat.
I would rather know if there is the potential for a problem and address it now prior to leaving the dock.
The tank service company are marine certified to check and test the entire fuel system.
To be honest the fuel lines look new'ish and the motors look great they have never had a spray bomb or rattle can rebuild.
The rubber on the engines looks new and the hoses showed no outward signs of cracking or deterioration.
Bill
 
It will add to piece of mind especially on an older slow boat where fuel is unlikely to have been stirred up. though how well they do the job is important. Some old tanks have inspection ports that may make it easier. Usually they allow a return line to flail around stirring up the junk as they suck it out through filters. Tank baffles make getting to all areas randomly more difficult so if they can direct the spray through a big opening all the better.
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

It will add to piece of mind especially on an older slow boat where fuel is unlikely to have been stirred up. though how well they do the job is important. Some old tanks have inspection ports that may make it easier. Usually they allow a return line to flail around stirring up the junk as they suck it out through filters. Tank baffles make getting to all areas randomly more difficult so if they can direct the spray through a big opening all the better.

Click to expand...

I saw an inspection plate that appeared to be 6" in diameter.
Bill
 
quote:
Originally posted by Salvatore356

Good luck on your new boat, did you sell your Mainship?

Click to expand...

Not yet, I have not officially put the Mainship up for sale. I have too many devices I am removing. The new owner won't even know the devices were there all holes will be repaired and new face plates will be made for inside components that won't be replaced.
There are a fair amount of antennas and the Sat domes that will be removed.
I also have to visit the marina once the trawler passes it's tests and get them to prep the Mainship for a sale.
 
Bill, it sounds like you are sold on the idea. If it gives you piece of mind, then the price is minuscule as compared to sleepless nights and worrying about every little smell
 
I'd run the boat first. $400 buys a lot of filters. And as mentioned you could spend the money on an on board "polishing" system that you would always have with you for future use.

Unless there are multiple access plates that allow access to all or most all of the baffled areas in the tank, fuel tank cleaning can be a waste of money. It can end up just stirring up one small area of the tank.

If you do have at least one access plate on the tank, I'd open that up and take a look for yourself before doing anything.
 
Bill I just had mine done. Because they had to make the access holes it was $1200. I would think you should do it just for the peace of mind, and to know the fuel is fresh.
Prior to cleaning I added a Racor T-Handle Vacuum Restriction Indicator Gauge. This was a great addition I did not have to worry when to change the fuel filters the gauge shows me when to change. The company that polished my fuel and cleaned the tanks, Recommended algae-X additive because it suspends the particles and prevents sludge build up.

Will you be able to get on 40 now with the new trawler? I have not copied you on 14300 yet.

Paul KK4SAC
 
quote:
Originally posted by PJ

Bill I just had mine done. Because they had to make the access holes it was $1200. I would think you should do it just for the peace of mind, and to know the fuel is fresh.
Prior to cleaning I added a Racor T-Handle Vacuum Restriction Indicator Gauge. This was a great addition I did not have to worry when to change the fuel filters the gauge shows me when to change. The company that polished my fuel and cleaned the tanks, Recommended algae-X additive because it suspends the particles and prevents sludge build up.

Will you be able to get on 40 now with the new trawler? I have not copied you on 14300 yet.

Paul KK4SAC

Click to expand...

PJ I will be installing my ICOM IC7000, tuner and a 23' whip. I think I should be able to get on 40 meters it will probably be a month or so out.
Bill
AA2UK
 
quote:
Originally posted by Billylll

Since the boat is so old I am thinking about having a diesel tank service company clean the tanks and polish and test the fuel in the boat. I was quoted between 300 to $400.00 for the on-site service. My question is would you do the same?

Click to expand...


I'd do it. I'd also do several other "baseline" things, like complete engine service, deep cleaning the bilges, shocking the fresh water system, converting raw water heads to fresh, etc. Partly to get it all done and establish a schedule from there, partly for peace of mind...

-Chris
 
quote:
Originally posted by ranger42c

quote:
Originally posted by Billylll

Since the boat is so old I am thinking about having a diesel tank service company clean the tanks and polish and test the fuel in the boat. I was quoted between 300 to $400.00 for the on-site service. My question is would you do the same?

Click to expand...


I'd do it. I'd also do several other "baseline" things, like complete engine service, deep cleaning the bilges, shocking the fresh water system, converting raw water heads to fresh, etc. Partly to get it all done and establish a schedule from there, partly for peace of mind...

-Chris

Click to expand...
I plan on having all of the above done Chris. Thanks for "all" the advice. I really see no downside to this and if the tank is pressure tested and has a problem then that will be dealt with as needed. I'm only converting the rear head, the front head will now be a utility room with a washer dryer in it.
Bill
 
Bill, sounds like you want to do it, so spend the money and you'll have peace of mind. Good luck with the new boat!
 
quote:
Originally posted by HOGAN

Bill, sounds like you want to do it, so spend the money and you'll have peace of mind. Good luck with the new boat!

Click to expand...

Thanks Mike, I do want to do it for peace of mind. I know slow trawlers are not a hot topic here on BE but I will start posting the installation and upgrading of this vessel should everything work out during the survey/ sea trial phases.
Bill
 
If you compare a boat diesel tank to a home heating oil tank, then I think what Bill wants to do makes alot of sense.

I recently sold a house that was built in 1979.
New owners wanted oil tank tested.
Test showed 2 issues.
First the pickup line was too high, it was 13" off bottom!
Second, the bottom 13" was about 5" of water and 8" of sludge.
Oil company said it was not a issue considering how high the pickup was.

Now flip this around and put the tank in a boat! Granted a home tank does not get stirred up like a boat.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Billylll

I know slow trawlers are not a hot topic here on BE
Click to expand...


Neither are catamarans :-)
 
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