I am preparing to do the Harpoon mod, Hutch mod and install an auxiliary tank in my F-250 7.3.

I have seen many pictures and videos of the interior of dirty fuel tanks after a couple hundred thousand miles. If mine is dirty on the inside I would like to clean it before re-installing it on the truck.

So, what is the preferred method to clean the slug, dirt and grime out of the interior of an old diesel fuel tank?

 

IF you have access to BIO-Diesel start with a 20% mix, then go to 50% then go to 100% for 2 tanks each, then change your fuel filter, bio just by its properties will clean your tank!
OR run a good strong concentration of Power Service Diesel kleen in several tanks, then change your fuel filter, I think you'll find your tank pretty darn clean when you drop it!

 

Sometimes when I write things out, I don't get my thought across clearly. I was intending to clean the inside of the tank while it was off the truck and in my driveway.

So, do I flush it with water and scrub what I can with a hand brush and let it air dry for a couple of days?

Or, is there another method that I have not read about yet that would be much better and safer for the fuel system?

 

There are several market systems that are out there.

If this is a mid-mounted tank....

I've use Spray Nine. It's not abrasive, compared to other chemicals it bio-degradable.

Just pour a 32oz. in it, with a couple gallons of warm water, slush it round, reach in and scrub it (you won't have to use too much elbow grease, the Spray Nine works real well. Next, use a Pressure Washer with a 90* Tip to really clean it up. Rinse with COLD water a couple times. It will look like new.

Now, when you do the Harpoon Mod, a good pair of 1 1/2" PVC Ratcheting Hand Cutter works very well with no particles.

As for the Hutch Mod, take your time and ensure everything fits well, vacuum test before installation to check for leaks. Many people have had horrid experiences doing it only to find out they have to go in and re-do it. Check Fit, Check Fit, Check Fit.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the tips Tom. I have put Spary Nine on my list of materials to purchase for the mods.

 

When I pulled my tank, I was pretty surprised to see it spotless. No junk or any build up at all. Even the screens in the mixing chamber had no junk on them. After I did the mods and cut the filler and vent tubes, I sloshed around a mild dish soap solution, rinsed it, and blew out the excess water with a leaf blower. A clean dry cloth on a stick, and a couple hours in the sun got the rest of the water out.

 

I am hoping that mine is the same way, but only time will tell. I am one of those guys that likes to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. I like to have all my tools and supplies lined up so there are no surprises in a project of this nature.

I bought the truck with 225,000 miles and it appears to have been taken care of very well, but what I cannot see right now might not be so clean.

I am going to install a ATTA 45 gallon auxiliary tank soon and figured why not do the tank mods at the same time.

 

I pulled my tank at about 150K to do the hutch and harpoon mod and was expecting a beach in there. Much to my chagrin I had very little sediment particles floating around and only a couple of bits of debris not much bigger. I used some lint free cloths to sop up the last of the fuel in the bottom and just wiped the tank clean (as much as I could reach) after clipping the lines. The coating is very smooth so I was able to just wipe up everything with a damp (with diesel fuel) cloth.

 

Outstanding question and excellent advice.


Do the mods while it's out. If your prepared the mods are an hour more of what you'll gain in many hours of sleep.


Using Guz's page should amp you up so everything except the measurements are completely ready. (Hat's off to that man)


I used my simple green and left my back pack blower run full out for drying. (needed to burn the old fuel out for the winter anyway, customized progress).


CAUTION: when you do drop the tank, be very careful to let it settle. Pay attention to the accumulation. Furthermore, when or if you do the mod. Save your socks and inspect them and see what you have for your filtration in that manner. It just gives you a reflective point on future problems should you have any.


I'm pretty much ***** to the wall when I do something and look back at what I missed by being too proactive. (alot missed)


Good luck Amigo.


Keep us up on your progress and procedures.


Denny

 

I plan to take some pictures of the filters and then install a Racor PS-120 outside the tank. More to follow very soon. Thanks for all the advice, maybe I won't need to clean out the tank very much though.