Cleaning Diesel Engine Water Tanks
Diesel engine water tanks are perhaps the most essential component of any vessel with a diesel engine. Without them, the engine will overheat due to the accumulation of diesel fuel which is caused by poor ventilation inside the tank. To keep the engine running properly, it is essential to clean the diesel water tank regularly and to prevent the accumulation of diesel fuel in the first place.
In order to clean a diesel water tank, the first step is to turn off the fuel supply line to the engine so that no fuel can enter the tank. Then, the tank must be drained of any remaining fuel. This can be done by opening a drain plug on the bottom of the tank. Next, the interior walls of the tank must be scrubbed with a soft brush and a mild soap solution.
Be sure to pay special attention to the build-up of sludge or scale on the walls of the tank – such build-ups can be indicative of contamination from dirt or other unwanted substances. To remove this build-up, it is necessary to use a tank cleaner which is specially formulated for use with diesel engines. The cleaner should be applied directly to the wall of the tank and left for approximately 5 minutes before being rinsed off with clean water. This process should be repeated until all build-up has been removed.
Once the tank has been cleaned, the engine should be started up and the fuel line should be reconnected. The next step is to perform a “test run” in order to ensure that the engine is running smoothly. This is done by running the engine at low speeds for a few minutes at a time and then stopping it and leaving it off for a few minutes more. This will give the system time to adjust and will help to prevent any problems in the future.
If the engine appears to be running smoothly after the test run, then the tank should be refilled with fuel and the engine should be left running until it is warm. After the engine has cooled down, the build-up of scale or any other debris in the tank should be completely removed. This should be done by the top portion of the tank being drained and then wiped down with a clean cloth. Any debris that remains must be vacuumed out of the tank.
Finally, the tank should be pressure-checked for any leaks or other issues and all fittings should be securely tightened. The tank should also be filled with a premium quality diesel fuel and, if applicable, any additives should be added to the fuel. Following these steps will ensure that the diesel water tank is functioning properly and that the engine is running as efficiently as possible.
