“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you”
Diesel fuel tanks can become dirty and contaminated for a variety of reasons.
A build-up of dirt and sediment in the tank can lead to decreased performance and even engine failure. A diesel fuel tank can also become contaminated with water, bio-growth, or an additive.
In addition to a decrease in performance and engine failure, a dirty diesel fuel tank will usually have a noticeable odor of dirt and decay.
In this article, we will show you how to clean a diesel fuel tank using simple household items.
We will also provide tips on how to prevent contamination in the future.
So let’s jump in!
What you’ll need
- Gloves
- Rags
- Bucket
- Dishwashing Soap
- Baking Soda
- A Wire Brush
Step 1: Empty the tank of all diesel.
Step 2: Remove any dirt or debris with a rag or vacuum. Remove the fuel filter and gaskets from the tank as well
Step 3: Mix 2 gallons of hot water with 3 oz of dishwashing soap, a few drops of a degreaser such as Dawn or Simple Green, and a half cup of baking soda.
Step 4: Pour this mixture into the diesel fuel tank until it is about three-quarters full.
Step 5: Take a wire brush and scrub all sides of the tank in sections, top to bottom. Use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas like around bolts or through holes in the tank
Step 6: After scouring, fill the tank with freshwater. Pour it around the tank so you can stir up any remaining dirt or soap solution.
Step 7:Let the diesel fuel tank sit overnight with the cap off, allowing any solid contaminants to settle at the bottom of the tank.
Step 8: After 24 hours, pour out as much water as possible into a bucket or other large container.
Step 9: Repeat the process with clean water until you no longer see any dirt coming out of the tank.
Step 10: Remove all caps on your fuel line and injector ports to allow the inside of the fuel system to dry completely.
Step 11: Replace all parts in their original positions, replace the fuel filter, and fill up with diesel fuel.
Your diesel fuel tank should be clean and safe for use!
There you go, that’s how you can clean a diesel fuel tank with household items in about 3-4 hours.
You can prevent future contamination by using additives like Diesel Kleen or Turbo Kleen or an oil treatment like Lubegard for between fills.
Here are some other tips on how to prevent contamination in the future:
- Always use filtered or pre-treated fuel when storing a portable fuel tank over the winter months.
- Hose out the inside of your portable diesel fuel tank occasionally to remove any sediment build-up.
- Try not to leave diesel fuel in your tank when it is not in use, as this will cause the fuel to break down and become less effective.
It is always best to safely dispose of any leftover fuel at a supplier or automotive shop that can put the unused diesel into their facility’s holding tanks for safe disposal.
How do I know if my diesel fuel tank is contaminated?
A murky or milky appearance with particles floating in the fuel is a sign of contamination.
A strong chemical odor is also a sign of contamination.
You can also refer to your owner’s manual or diesel equipment guide for how much sediment or water should be expected in the tank.
What are the symptoms of a dirty diesel fuel tank?
A dirty diesel fuel tank can cause several issues, from decreased performance to engine failure.
This is especially problematic for large equipment or multiple vehicle fleets, as the issue will not be easily discovered and many contaminated tanks can have negative effects on overall equipment effectiveness.
How often should I clean my diesel fuel tank?
This depends on how often the equipment has been used and how dirty it got.
If a portable diesel fuel tank is being used every day, it should ideally be flushed out with clean water between each use to prevent excess sediment from building up.
How do I tell how old my diesel fuel is?
The best way to tell how old your diesel fuel is – is to look at the sell-by date and how long you’ve had it.
If you can’t find a date, most fuels will have a production code that indicates the month and year of production.
What do I do if my fuel tank has irreparable damage?
There’s not much you can do if your portable diesel fuel tank is too damaged.
You may want to replace the entire unit for safety reasons, or you might just opt to install a new portable diesel fuel tank in place of your old one.
What kind of cleaning products do I need to clean my diesel fuel tank?
It’s best to use household items, like dish soap and a carboy brush or carboy sponge.
Do not use bleach or any other hazardous chemical when cleaning your diesel fuel tank because it can damage fuel system components like filters and injectors if it is introduced into the fuel supply.
How can I remove sludge from a diesel fuel tank?
There are several methods for how to remove sludge, but the most effective one is using a diesel-fuel solvent such as Diesel Kleen or TurboKleen. This will help break up the sludge and allow it to exit the tank.
Once that product is used, you can then flush out the inside of the tank with fresh water to remove any remaining contaminants.
Make sure you check with your owner’s manual before using any chemicals on your equipment to prevent damaging components or fuel system parts.
Cleaning a diesel fuel tank can be a daunting task, but it’s important to do to prevent future contamination and ensure optimal equipment performance. In this article, we’ve outlined the steps necessary to clean your fuel tank as well as how often you should perform this maintenance task. We’ve also provided information on how to tell if your tank is contaminated and what to do if it is. If you have any further questions about cleaning your diesel fuel tank, please consult your owner’s manual.
