POR 15 marine fuel tank cleaner.

[Bubba1235]

Heres the deal, picked up a decent little (19') bowrider this week that is in great condition and runs well, until the fuel filters clog up. Problem, the tank is full of varnish (kaw kaw) and its breaking loose from the inside of the tank and plugging the fuel filtres in about 15 minutes. (Aluminum tank.)

Taking the tank out of it is going to be a nightmare and will requrie removal or partial removal of the deck, something I very much would like to avoid!

I was reading about the POR 15 Marine Clean (http://www.por15.com/Data Sheets/marine clean directions.pdf) and it claims to be able to clean the tank of sludge and varnish without removing the tank.

Has anyone tried it and what sort of success did you have?

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: POR 15 marine fuel tank cleaner.

Seafoam works amazingly well as well, but it requires a tank of fuel, and will loosen all the nasty stuff in the fuel system, meaning more fuel filters! The nice part is that it will clean the entire fuel system, the bad part, if the fuel system is all gummed up a lot of crap will end up in your carbs, requiring a full carb service/rebuild. I know, it happened to me. If you're planning on doing that anyhow, then it's the route I'd take.

ian

 

[JoLin]

Re: POR 15 marine fuel tank cleaner.

POR-15 products have been used by the classic car community for years and they have a good rep. I've used several of their products over the years (tho not this one) and those I've used worked as advertised.

Now, would I would advise- if POR makes a tank cleaner for auto tanks, and it's cheaper than the "marine" version , I'd use the auto version instead. The problems with varnish and crud in your boat tank are no different than they are in an auto that's been sitting in the barn for 20 years.

Good luck!

 

[dingbat]

Re: POR 15 marine fuel tank cleaner.

Startron makes a tank cleaner as well. I used it when I switched over to E-10 2 years ago. Worked well. Changed my fuel filter after 20 hours and never looked back

http://www.starbrite.com/productdet... Additives&ProductSSCat=Startron Tank Cleaner

 

[JoLin]

Re: POR 15 marine fuel tank cleaner.

Car tanks are usually steel, this is an aluminum tank and I would be concerened with damaging the tank with the automotive products. But good to hear their other products have a good rep.

I agree- that could make a difference. Sorry, scrap my earlier advice and use what they recommend.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: POR 15 marine fuel tank cleaner.

Definately the POR stuff then Bubba. I wasn't thinking straight. The seafoam is great to use as a regular treatment though...I was shocked at the difference it makes.

Ian

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: POR 15 marine fuel tank cleaner.

Believe it or not but the E-10 fuel has a significant "side effect" when used in a boat. The ethanol cleans stuff up I would only go with less gas so there is sloshing around (ie 1/2 tank) and get a handfull of fuel filters ..... just ride it out.

 

[gatormeat]

Re: POR 15 marine fuel tank cleaner.

I had the same problem last summer with a bayliner my dad gave me. I went thur about 100.00 in filters. I finally decided to pull the floor so I could pull the tank out and clean. Thank god I did becauce once I got the tank out and cleaned it there was tons of pin holes, needless to say I had a custom tank built and not one problem since. So save yourself alot of trouble and just pull the tank so you can clean it right. Who knows what could of happened to me and my family if I didn't pull the tank.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: POR 15 marine fuel tank cleaner.

Problem, the tank is full of varnish (kaw kaw) and its breaking loose from the inside of the tank and plugging the fuel filtres in about 15 minutes. (Aluminum tank.)

OMG that evil stinky stuff can be anywhere.

 

[gss036]

Re: POR 15 marine fuel tank cleaner.

Chances are one you get the tank cleaned you will find corrosion inside the tank, I know I did and ended up ordering a new custom tank and currently waiting for it to be made. Then you know your problem is solved.

 

[dingbat]

Re: POR 15 marine fuel tank cleaner.

Went to their web site and it didn't say it was safe for use in aluminum tanks so I called their 800 number they said they don't recommend it.

Very interesting.
Did he say why? I've used the product as have quite a few people I know.
Litterly thousands are using this product as recommended to help with E-10 issues.

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: POR 15 marine fuel tank cleaner.

I have used POR15 products extensively in car restoration. I have used their tank restoration products on motorcycle tanks that were so rusty, they clogged up the filter in seconds. The tanks had stale gas in them that you could not pour out.

I had the advantage of being able to extricate the tank and use mechanical means to help speed the process of removing the offending material. I put in the Marine Clean along with a short length of appropriately sized chain. Shake, shake shake... Lather, rinse, repeat. Dump out chain and nasty solution. Then follow up with their sealer.

You have an advantage- the aluminum won't be sloughing off material after you get rid of the gum and scale. Without agitation, it might take a lot longer to work through the gunk but it's only time...