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Writer's pictureScotty

DIY Fuel Tank Polisher

Updated: Mar 13

It's not an adventure unless something goes wrong! (I make videos for a hobby, This is how I cleaned my fuel tank) Here is the video, below is the description and tools links. I hope you enjoy.


Storytime...... In short we crashed the boat into a wall, It's not just because I'm not very good. But we had a couple of days motor sailing around 100 miles with no problem, engine started ect no problem. On the way into a harbor both the wind and wave pushing us in. Shifted the boat into neutral engine cut out, The entrance was on our left / port side and there's a big wall as it dries out. We got in any who clogged filter. I do use a product called Marine 16 which is a diesel bug/fuel treatment that is recommended by many.

Results cleaning fuel tank
Fuel polishing

I do use marine 16. As part of my regular service, I also now clean the fuel tank at the start of the year. Parts used. UK (PUMP) 12V/80W Oil Change Pump Extractor - https://amzn.to/3v4ClqF

(Filter) KATSU Diesel Fuel Filter Water Separator Kit FG500 For Diesel https://amzn.to/3P0ls7g (Inline filter) Large Diesel Fuel Filter To Fit 8mm - 10mm Pipe https://amzn.to/3wEPya1 (Fuel hose) https://amzn.to/3wz3KSd (Hand Primer pump) https://amzn.to/3UTU7Yc (Stainless Steel hose clamps box) https://amzn.to/49BpN9y These are the closest I could find on Amazon, double check before ordering. EU (PUMP) 112V 100W Oil Change Pump Extractor https://amzn.to/4c0gL7y (Filter) Fuel Filter/Water Separator Diesel 500FG https://amzn.to/3uGwZC2 (Inline filter) https://amzn.to/3wEeMFy (Fuel hose) https://amzn.to/3P3tNqT (Hand Primer pump) https://amzn.to/3Tc402k (Stainless Steel hose clamps box) https://amzn.to/4c4eZlU 1m plastic tube which will fit onto the fuel hose. Speed fit plumbing pipe

US (PUMP) 12V 100W Oil Change Pump Extractor https://amzn.to/3InvH1K (Filter) Fuel Filter/Water Separator Diesel 500FG https://amzn.to/3uES5Rj (Inline filter) https://amzn.to/3wxFn7h (Fuel hose) https://amzn.to/3SWDNTR (Hand Primer pump) https://amzn.to/3SWgfyt (Stainless Steel hose clamps box) https://amzn.to/49NKu1n 4ft 1m plastic tube which will fit onto the fuel hose. Speed fit plumbing pipe The "fuel polisher"

I came across a simple DIY fuel polisher online and made my own, Pretty easy to assemble . All that's required for ongoing maintenance is changing the filters. The entire setup cost me around £150. Now it's made I only need to replace filters. It's important to note that this device isn't a professional-grade cleaner; it's purpose is to remove a small amount of dirt and debris from the bottom of the tank as part of routine servicing. It's not equipped to resolve significant issues or handle heavy contamination. You may also need to replace gaskets on inspection hatches on the fuel tank. How to make #FuelPolisher. In order from fuel in to fuel out.

1. Semi-rigid pipe (this will go into the fuel tank) I used speed-fit pipe designed for plumbing. 2. Fuel hose 3. In-line civ/large filter 4. Fuel hose 5. Main filter I used a copy version of a Racor 500 from Amazon. 6. Fuel hose 7. Hand pump primer (to prime the line and fill the filters(not pictured here) 8. Fuel hose 9. Fuel 12v transfer pump (to connect to the battery and circulate the fuel- An arrow will be on the polisher for flow, you want that going away from the filters back into the tank) 10. Fuel hose. You basically put everything in the order listed above. With the exception of the main filter and the 12v pump. Everything else can be loose/not attached as you will be moving/swapping filters later. How to use the #DIYFuelPolisher In order. 1. Open up the fuel tank hatch.(careful to lift out the sensor) 2. Place the semi-rigged hose into the lowest part of the tank. Do not stir at this point as the majority of gunk will be sat at the lowest point of the tank. 3. Place the final end of the hose into the tank near the top. 4. Use the hand pump primer to get things going (or fill the main filter with diesel, this is what I did originally however since writing this I brought the hand pump) 5. Attach the 12v pump to the house battery bank (Connect the to battery, positive then negative, then reverse to take off) 6. Switch on the pump and let the fuel cycle through the filters. 7. It's up to you to judge how long to leave the pump running, depending on how much gunk you have in the tank or how bit it is. I then service my engine. Oil change etc I tend to clean the fuel in March/April time which is when my engine will be running more (moving the boat). I sometimes cut my filters open to see what the score is. Results below Here is the first filter collecting all the big bits (black dots).

Inline fuel filter with diesel bug
Fuel civ filter

Parts used the main list is at the top click here to go back up with links for US and EU Clicking pictures will take you to the UK amazon page. The copy of the Racor 500 filter the quality is pretty decent. The filter can handle 227L/H of fuel.

The diesel fuel transfer pump I used came with 12v can transfer 45 L/min and is self priming. It's a fast pump but with lots of fuel hose there is enough inefficiencies in the line.





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