How to Clean a Diesel Tank? – A Step-by-Step Guide

It is important to clean your diesel tank to ensure your engine runs efficiently and to prevent issues caused by contaminants in the fuel system. Here is a guide to help you do the job correctly.

1. Prepare

Prepare all the materials you will need before starting the cleaning process:

Protective clothing and gloves
Safety goggles and a respiratory mask
Pump, filter cart, or siphon to empty the tank
Container or collection vessel to store the old fuel
Cleaning agent suitable for diesel tanks
Long-handled brush
Cloth and water

2. Empty the Tank

The first step is to empty the tank of diesel fuel. If there’s a large amount of fuel left in the tank, it’s advantageous to use a pump, filter cart, or to empty the tank using the siphon principle. Then collect the remaining dirty fuel in a container for proper disposal and handle it as hazardous waste. A smart idea is to use a filter cart to remove particles and water from the fuel while transferring it to another tank. NOTE: Leftover diesel and dirt from the tank must be handled as hazardous waste. It is important to deliver this to an approved waste disposal facility.

3. Inspect the Tank

After the tank is emptied, it can be inspected to identify areas with rust, dirt, or other particles. If you find minor rust spots, you can use a wire brush to remove the rust. If the tank is heavily rusted or anomalies are identified, contact your tank supplier to find out what the best solution might be.

4. Apply Cleaning Agent

Use a bactericidal cleaning agent specifically designed for diesel tanks. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct mixture and application. Apply the cleaner in the tank and use the brush to scrub the inside thoroughly. Focus especially on areas where dirt and other particles tend to accumulate.

5. Rinse the Tank

After scrubbing the tank, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove all the dirt and cleaning agent. Again, handle all remaining waste properly. Repeat the rinsing until the tank is completely clean.

6. Dry the Tank

Use dry cloths to wipe the inside of the tank. The tank must be completely dry before refilling with new fuel. Residual water can cause problems with the engine’s fuel system, so caution is needed during this step.

7. Refill the Tank with Fuel

After the tank is clean and dry, you can refill it with new diesel fuel or pump it back from the other container. If you want to avoid future contamination, you can place a water-absorbing pouch that helps keep the tank moisture-free and protected from rust. For larger stationary tanks, it is common to use a Torkel™ filter to keep water out by quickly filtering moisture as the tank

“breathes.”

8. Regular Maintenance

To avoid extensive cleaning in the future, it is important to maintain your diesel tank regularly. Inspect and clean the tank as needed to ensure the fuel is in top condition. You can extract a fuel sample from the lowest point in the tank to check if water has accumulated there. Larger tanks often have a sloped bottom to allow water to collect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you remove algae in a diesel tank?

Use a fuel additive that kills and prevents algae growth to remove algae from the diesel tank. Then thoroughly clean the tank according to the step-by-step guide.

How do you clean a fuel tank?

Clean the fuel tank by emptying it, applying a suitable cleaning agent, scrubbing the inside, rinsing with clean water, and drying the tank completely before refilling.

What do you use to clean a diesel tank?

Clean the diesel tank with a specially formulated cleaning agent for diesel tanks, a long brush to reach the inside, and water to rinse off dirt and other particles.

How do you purify diesel?

Diesel can be purified by filtering it with a fuel filter that removes water and particles, by adding a fuel additive that helps improve fuel quality, or by using a Torkel™ filter to keep water out of larger stationary diesel tanks and cisterns.

Conclusion

Cleaning a diesel tank takes time and effort, but it is an investment in your engine’s lifespan and performance. Follow these steps to ensure your diesel tank remains free from contaminants and algae so your fuel system runs efficiently. Don’t forget to handle leftover diesel and dirt as hazardous waste, or hire a tank service company for help with cleaning, inspection, and servicing of diesel tanks.