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DIY Fuel Polisher

dave_a

dave_a

Dave Ahlers
Thanks to Mark Pearson for picture loading help!
Here's the DIY fuel polisher I spoke about. After cleaning my tank through the fuel gauge hole in the flange (using the copper tube seen in the pics) - I never had to change another Racor 500 filter or engine filter. But the big filter in the polisher was a throwaway! I apparently got most/all of the plant life and sludge out. Then used a diesel biocide and Lucas diesel fuel conditioner to add lubricity.

The pump is a Reverso oil change pump "sucking through the big Racor 900 canister. Once the cleaned fuel exits the pump, I led it back to the deck fill.
This would be a perfect loaner tool to go between Morgan owners if someone would build one. This isn't mine, and apparently not for sale (I did ask). Give a diesel clean fuel & oil, they'll run forever (almost).
Fuel Polisher Pump (Medium).jpg Fuel Polisher (Medium).jpg
Filter (Medium).jpg
 
I have been wanting to get my tank/fuel polished. Really don’t want gunk breaking loose & killing the engine just when I need it the most.

I would guess with the use of biocide this is something I’d only need to do every 5-10 years.

My estimate is the rig that Dave pictured above would cost around $600 made of new material.

I’d be into cost sharing if anyone else wants to. We could make a more portable unit that could be easily shipped.

Anyone interested? Good idea or bad idea?
 
Mark, you put the fuel treatment in when you fill up. Just a little bit as prevention. Think of your fuel tank like a swimming pool. Occasionally you have to shock it with a lot of chlorine... but afterward you have to maintain a certain level to be safe. You never know what you're putting in.
Then there's the low Sulphur diesel sold these days. You need to add lubricity so your high pressure fuel pump & injectors don't wear.

Buying used parts on ebay.... you might get in cheap. But I was quoted $200 to clean a tank here in FL. There's a serious boat culture here...YMMV
 
i have had my fuel polished the day I purchased her here in Florida. For me the local polisher runs all the fuel thru his filters AND removes the TANK top makes a swab out of a 1x2 and swabs the inside. Makes you watch so you know how dirty it was. That rag on the stick Has never looked nice on any boat i have ever had cleaned. As I remember aprox 100 dollars , I think depending on how much time and work the gunk removal takes. You want to know your tank is shiny clean inside !!
 
That’s a deal...I’m sure they would figure out a way to make it a days work here for a bargain of $1000 !
 
Sorry guys, didn't mean to hijack the thread... i have never had my tank cleaned, but i rarely find but a very very small amount of debris in the racer bowl... otherwise the fuel looks clear as can be... is the fouling not visible to the naked eye? i've got a Racor 10 micron under the sink and then the Foley spin on conversion at the engine...
 
I Like Red marvel mystery oil in my gas and The stuff that stops the growth in the tank . Ill go to the boat today and get that info for you and text it to you . If you have never had your tank cleaned and you go sailing in rough sea 5 ft you could churn up the junk from the bottom to the filters and the engine will stop . Than you must Anchor . change out fuel filters and bleed the engine till it starts. ! Than pray you make it back to the slip !
Ill give you the name of my fuel polisher. Dont let anyone ever work on your boat with out you standing right there !
West Florida Fuel polishing Palm harbor 727-421-2973 Jim Ross He will remove the tank top and clean the inside of the tank also !
He did my Sabre and My Morgan. hes a straight up guy !
 
Ah well, I didn't know THAT attached too. Its kind of a long story, but my son called me & said he was thinking of buying Chevy Tahoe. I was attempting to convince him NOT to buy a depreciating asset of that large amount. I pasted that in by mistake, I thought I deleted it.
No Morgan content...ours have depreciated already!
 
dave_a said:
Ah well, I didn't know THAT attached too. Its kind of a long story, but my son called me & said he was thinking of buying Chevy Tahoe. I was attempting to convince him NOT to buy a depreciating asset of that large amount. I pasted that in by mistake, I thought I deleted it.
No Morgan content...ours have depreciated already!
Click to expand...
Guess it happens to all of us at one time or another! Just have to laugh...
 
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