For Marine Diesel fuel tanks ABYC provides the basic requirements. Notable is the use of access ports used for inspection and clean out, and also the option of a drain at the bottom of the tank, amongst many other requirements. The cleanout panel minimum hole diameter is around 4.25 inches or 110mm. This is just enough room to get your hand and arm into the tank allowing for a pressure washer extension (used to clean out the tank). For large Diesel tanks (cleaned in-place) when installed the access port is on top and the drain on the bottom, usually with a sloping bottom towards the drain. The drain is usually connected to a safety ball valve and a pump out fitting with hose to a pumping manifold, to move old fuel and cleaning solution topsides for disposal. There is usually a large catch pan under the Tank (usually inside the tank mounting beds) in case of spillage. After the tank is cleaned with a solvent and then dried with compressed air, a small amount of Diesel fuel is added to rinse the bottom of the tank with the inspection port still open. The rinsing Diesel is then removed and the inspection port closed. Diesel is then added to the tank with the tank inspected for leaks as it is filled.
Hey Art, thank you for the video - one question I have related: How do you open the access panel to inspect the tank without dropping the parts inside? I currently have two ports installed on my tank, but one is leaking and needs to be replaced. I'm not sure how to undo the screws and remove the panel without the screws and the bottom side dropping into the tank. Or do I just need to accept that they will fall into the tank, and I'll need to retrieve them once it is open? Any advice is appreciated!
Art's working on a big lithium installation - lot's of fun. But I know the answer, I think - I did the filming and messed around with the parts. The bolts are threaded into the backer plate and won't fall out - it would take removing the cover and then pushing the entire works out. You'll be fine. Lucky to have step 1 done, check! Just open up - take a peak (most likely fine if someone went through the effort of a port) , and then re-seal and go boating!!
For Marine Diesel fuel tanks ABYC provides the basic requirements. Notable is the use of access ports used for inspection and clean out, and also the option of a drain at the bottom of the tank, amongst many other requirements. The cleanout panel minimum hole diameter is around 4.25 inches or 110mm. This is just enough room to get your hand and arm into the tank allowing for a pressure washer extension (used to clean out the tank). For large Diesel tanks (cleaned in-place) when installed the access port is on top and the drain on the bottom, usually with a sloping bottom towards the drain. The drain is usually connected to a safety ball valve and a pump out fitting with hose to a pumping manifold, to move old fuel and cleaning solution topsides for disposal. There is usually a large catch pan under the Tank (usually inside the tank mounting beds) in case of spillage. After the tank is cleaned with a solvent and then dried with compressed air, a small amount of Diesel fuel is added to rinse the bottom of the tank with the inspection port still open. The rinsing Diesel is then removed and the inspection port closed. Diesel is then added to the tank with the tank inspected for leaks as it is filled.
Yup - we tell everyone that once a diesel is running, all you have to do is keep clean fuel going to it and it'll be very reliable.
Great video Art, thanks! I'm installing my fuel transfer and polishing system tomorrow and will be cutting my tank open shortly after!
Thanks Art!
Great tip. The previous owner of my boat put in some shiny new custom tanks. Can believe they didn't add an access panel.
It is easier than most people think!
@@SVCSkallywags especially a diesel tank as you said.
Great tip!
Hey Art, thank you for the video - one question I have related: How do you open the access panel to inspect the tank without dropping the parts inside? I currently have two ports installed on my tank, but one is leaking and needs to be replaced. I'm not sure how to undo the screws and remove the panel without the screws and the bottom side dropping into the tank. Or do I just need to accept that they will fall into the tank, and I'll need to retrieve them once it is open?
Any advice is appreciated!
Art's working on a big lithium installation - lot's of fun. But I know the answer, I think - I did the filming and messed around with the parts. The bolts are threaded into the backer plate and won't fall out - it would take removing the cover and then pushing the entire works out. You'll be fine. Lucky to have step 1 done, check! Just open up - take a peak (most likely fine if someone went through the effort of a port) , and then re-seal and go boating!!
Thank you
You're welcome: Anytime, this is what we do and teach! More projects coming soon!
Click bait. What actually DON’T SHOW is installing the plate!!
Useless vid.