How do you wash out a water tank that is contaminated with diesel ?

[Walkabout4242]

I have a Hunter 1996 40.5 and I have filled one of the water tanks with diesel... any suggestions ?

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: How do you wash out a water tank that is contaminated with diesel ?

I would think, if this is likely to be drunk or used for anything in contact with food, that you are out of luck. Probably are going to have to replace the tank and any hoses that came into contact with the diesel.

On the plus side, I don't know what I talking about.

 

[Walkabout4242]

Re: How do you wash out a water tank that is contaminated with diesel ?

Thanks... I supposed as much...on the plus side I did not run it through the system and I have 3 other water tanks... so I can take my time cleaning it out ...... thanks anyway..

 

[oldjeep]

Re: How do you wash out a water tank that is contaminated with diesel ?

I guess if it were me I would try getting some of that enzyme stuff that eats fuel and then flush the tank repeatedly with bleach. Once that was all done you might want to fill it, let it sit and then have the water tested.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: How do you wash out a water tank that is contaminated with diesel ?

I would think, if this is likely to be drunk or used for anything in contact with food, that you are out of luck. Probably are going to have to replace the tank and any hoses that came into contact with the diesel.

On the plus side, I don't know what I talking about.

Now that is the most honest "internet info" I have seen in a long time!

Also, don't use bleach (chlorine) in an aluminum tank.

My guess (and I also don't know what I'm talking about!) is you'll never get the aftertaste out. Maybe there are other uses on board for that water after it's as clean as you can get it (washing, etc.)

 

[oldjeep]

Re: How do you wash out a water tank that is contaminated with diesel ?

Also, don't use bleach (chlorine) in an aluminum tank.

Good point, I was assuming plastic water tanks

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: How do you wash out a water tank that is contaminated with diesel ?

you can try a water biased solvent like purple power and flush it many times

 

[Levinz11]

Re: How do you wash out a water tank that is contaminated with diesel ?

On the plus side, I don't know what I talking about.

This is going in my sig! haha

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: How do you wash out a water tank that is contaminated with diesel ?

For all the Ethanol Haters out there.... This looks like a job for Alcohol.

Get all the fuel out of the tank that you can.
Pour in a couple of gallons of alcohol.
Available at Lowe's or Home Depot.

Let it splash around at full strength for a few days.
Then fill the tank with water.
The alcohol will dissolve the the fuel and the fuel and alcohol will dissolve in the water.
Let the alcohol strip the tank clean for a few more days.

Drain it again as dry as you can get.
Then fill it up again , this time with water and RV antifreeze.
The Propylene Glycol will pull the last of the Alcohol/fuel out of the tank and keep it in solution.

Drain and refill it a few more times with fresh water until the RV Antifreeze taste is gone.

While you are waiting for the alcohol to work, Go Label the Fill Fittings so you don't do it again!

When you think you are done.
Take some water that has been sitting in the tank for a week or so and fill a closed glass jar about a quarter way full.
Let it sit in a warm place for a couple of days, them smell the air in the jar.
If there is the slightest hint of fuel smell, you're probably SOL.
If it just smells like old water, have a fresh sample tested to be sure.

And don't assume that I know what I am talking about either!