How to Clean a Diesel Fuel Tank

A clean fuel tank is essential for good engine performance. Accumulated sediments and water in diesel tanks cannot only hamper engine performance but lead to more significant issues like clogged filters, reduced fuel flow, and even pump failure. Diesel fuel tanks accumulate contaminants over time, making a regular cleaning schedule mandatory for optimum engine performance. 

Regular cleaning helps remove contaminants like water, rust, and dirt, safeguarding your engine health and boosting overall efficiency and performance. With Cummins, it’s not just about powerful engines—it’s about ensuring that they consistently perform at their peak. In this article, learn why, when, and how to clean your diesel fuel tank to optimize your engine’s performance.

Why Clean Your Diesel Fuel Tank?:

Diesel fuel isn't just an energy source; it's your engine's lifeblood. Cleaning your tank regularly ensures maximized performance and a longer life. Contaminants from a dirty tank compromise fuel quality, resulting in inefficient combustion, decreased engine power, and potential damage. 

This means your engine will experience hindered combustion, reduced power output, inefficient filters, compromised fuel pumps, and increased maintenance needs. Over time, negligence can also lead to microbial growth, accelerating corrosion. Regular cleaning mitigates these risks, ensuring optimal engine operation and prolonged lifespan.

Preparing for Diesel Tank Cleaning:

Before you start the tank cleaning process, take some time to ensure you have all the necessary tools, equipment, and safety precautions in place to finish the job safely and without interruption. To help you prepare, we’ve rounded up the precautions and supplies you’ll need to get the job done.

Safety Precautions:

●  Wear safety gear, including gloves and safety glasses.

●  Ensure good ventilation to disperse fumes.

●  Keep open flames and sparks away.

●  Use eye protection when using cutting tools.

●  Be cautious of hot engine components.

Tools and Equipment:

●  Filter funnel to minimize contaminants.

●  Hand pump for draining the tank.

●  Small torch for tank inspection.

●  Length of bamboo or probe for reaching tank bottom.

●  Cutting tools for creating access hatches.

●  Buckets for collecting sludge and rinsing.

●  Degreasing agent and long-handled brush for cleaning.

●  Hot air gun for drying.

●  Jerry can for sludge disposal.

●  Fresh diesel for refilling.

Cleaning Your Diesel Fuel Tank: Step-by-Step:

Once you have your tools and equipment organized, you can get down to business. Follow these step-by-step instructions to clean your diesel fuel tank for optimal performance.

1. Inspection: Start by inspecting the primary fuel filter for any blockages and clear the drain hole before thoroughly draining the fuel tank.

2. Mechanical Cleaning: Remove all external dirt and debris from the tank's surface using brushes or compressed air. Using a pump, extract all old fuel, ensuring the tank is empty. This step prevents contaminants from mixing with the cleaning agents, ensuring a thorough cleaning process. Ensure you properly dispose of the old fuel with a dedicated container. Local regulations define disposal: never dispose of diesel in the trash or down the drain.

3. Chemical Cleaning: Once the tank is emptied, proceed with chemical cleaning. Fill the fuel tank with hot water, which will help to dissolve stubborn residue. Using specialized detergent specifically designed for cleaning petroleum products, swirl the mixture within the tank vigorously to break down accumulated grime. After thorough agitation, carefully drain the tank to remove loosened contaminants.

4. Filtration: Rinse the tank multiple times with clean, fresh water to eliminate any traces of cleaner or fuel. This filtration step ensures no residual cleaning agents or debris remain in the tank. Each rinse contributes to the tank's cleanliness, enhancing the effectiveness of the process.

5. Tank Examination: Take the time to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the tank's interior. Using a light, look for signs of rust or damage that contaminants may have obscured before the cleaning. Address any issues promptly to prevent future problems.

6. Fuel Refill and Additives: Once the tank is thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and completely dry, refill it with fresh diesel fuel. Consider incorporating a fuel additive specially designed for storage tanks. This additive helps maintain fuel quality over time, safeguarding against the recurrence of contaminants.

By adhering to these steps, you'll ensure your diesel engine operates smoothly and efficiently. This comprehensive cleaning process minimizes the risk of performance issues caused by debris or contaminants in the fuel system, keeping your engine running at its best.

Tips for Cleaning a Diesel Tank That Has Been Sitting:

Restoring a diesel fuel tank that has been sitting for some time can be more daunting than cleaning an active diesel fuel tank. This particular task requires planning, attention, precision, and care. Follow our expert tips to take on the unique challenges of cleaning a tank that has been idle for some time.

●  Drain the tank: Begin the process by draining all the fuel from your diesel tank into a large container and dispose of it safely.

●  Ensure you have an appropriate drain pan for catching any sludge or sediment that may come out along with the fuel.

●  Clean the tank: After draining, use a stiff brush, steel wool, and soapy water to scrub out any remaining dirt, debris, or other residues in the bottom of your tank.

●  Remove sludge: If your fuel tank contains sludge, use a cleaning product designed to remove it, such as Cummins’ Power Service Clear Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner. Follow the product instructions to determine how much solution you will need for your tank. Agitate the cleaning solution inside the tank by shaking it or use a pressure washer to ensure all sludge and residue is broken down and can leave the tank.

●  Rinse thoroughly, removing all dirt and debris.

●  Inspect & repeat: Check whether or not additional cleaning is needed. Repeat the process until you have achieved the desired level of cleanliness.

Preventing Water Contamination:

Water in your diesel tank may not warrant panic, but it demands immediate attention. Diesel fuel contaminated with water can lead to costly repairs and vehicle downtime. Water and diesel don't mix; in fact, water settles at the tank's bottom due to its higher density. To eliminate water contamination, follow these steps:

●  Drain the Tank: Begin by draining the tank thoroughly to remove most of the water. Use a siphoning hose capable of reaching the bottom to ensure complete drainage.

●  Use Diesel Fuel Conditioner: Add a trusted diesel fuel conditioner product to your tank, effectively breaking down any remaining water, preventing future problems and maintaining fuel quality.

●  Fill with Fresh Diesel: Complete the process by filling your tank with fresh diesel fuel. Your engine will be back to running smoothly in no time.

Ignoring water contamination in your diesel fuel can lead to clogs in fuel filters, fuel injector issues, and even rust in your fuel system. The longer the problem persists, the higher the repair costs. Cummins recommends regularly using diesel fuel supplements to mitigate water-related issues, particularly in areas prone to temperature fluctuations.

Fuel Tank Maintenance and Long-Term Care:

Diesel engines differ significantly from gasoline-powered counterparts and require unique, meticulous maintenance considerations. Known for their durability, efficiency, and power, diesel engines also require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here, we have provided best practices for diesel fuel system maintenance to prevent breakdowns, reduce repair costs, and ensure the longevity and smooth performance of your diesel engine for years to come.

Critical maintenance activities include:

●  Regular Oil Changes: Neglecting this vital task can lead to excessive wear and tear on your engine.

●  Proper Fluid Levels: Check coolant/antifreeze levels in your radiator, power steering, and brake fluid regularly. 

●  Maintaining A Clean Oil Filter: Neglecting this task can result in clogs that lead to power loss and affect your engine performance.

●  Performing Regular Diagnostic Tests: These comprehensive assessments help identify issues preventing long-term damage.

●  Proper Fueling: Diesel engines are purpose-built for diesel fuel. Using gasoline can clog filters and potentially damage your engine. When storing your diesel vehicle for extended periods, adding a fuel stabilizer after filling the tank is a wise precaution.

In summary, while diesel engines may require slightly more attention than gasoline engines, adhering to a regular schedule for your essential maintenance practices will keep your diesel engine in excellent running condition for years.

Diesel Fuel Tank Cleaners and Additives:

Diesel fuel tank additives can help with the cleaning process and can help maintain the performance of your diesel engine between tank cleanings. Cummins offers a range of diesel fuel tank cleaners & additives tailored to keep your engine performing at its peak. Our Power Service fuel additive collection includes:

Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner: At the heart of our lineup is the Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner , a product that tackles tank deposit issues head-on. This powerful cleaner helps maintain fuel system cleanliness, prevents injector deposits, and boosts cetane for improved power and performance.

Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost: For an all-in-one injector cleaning solution, consider Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost . This additive removes internal and external deposits on fuel injectors, cleaning dirty injectors and preventing injector sticking. This product also enhances cetane levels, resulting in smoother starts, reduced engine noise, and better fuel economy.

Diesel 9-1-1: In case of emergencies, Diesel 911 is a must-have. It dissolves gelled diesel fuel and de-ices frozen fuel filters, ensuring your engine stays operational even in the harshest winter conditions.

Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane Boost: For cold-weather protection and added performance, our Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane Boost is an excellent choice. It prevents fuel gelling and enhances cetane levels for better overall engine efficiency.

Our comprehensive range of diesel fuel tank cleaners and additives are designed to enhance your diesel engine's performance, maintain fuel system cleanliness, and prevent common issues. By investing in these additives, you're investing in the longevity and efficiency of your diesel engine.