How would one vacuum out a diesel fuel tank?

[Tgrasher]

Have a Bobcat I bought at an auction a year ago that continually clogs the fuel filter. Putting on the third new one today, they're a $112 apiece. Obviously, there is some sort of crud in the tank. My thoughts are to siphon the tank out as much as possible, but then use something to create a vacuum and try to remove the debris. I realize a shop vacuum is a no go because of the fumes being pulled through, so is there a way to use a air compressor to create a strong vacuum?

 

[Steve in VA]

Have a Bobcat I bought at an auction a year ago that continually clogs the fuel filter. Putting on the third new one today, they're a $112 apiece. Obviously, there is some sort of crud in the tank. My thoughts are to siphon the tank out as much as possible, but then use something to create a vacuum and try to remove the debris. I realize a shop vacuum is a no go because of the fumes being pulled through, so is there a way to use a air compressor to create a strong vacuum?

You could try a homemade venturi.

 

[joeysmith]

Always steamed nasty diesel tanks out

 

[Duner Wi]

Venturi effect could work. I would leave some liquid in tank because when it is removed the crud will be drawn to the vacuum hose.

 

[JoeM(GA)]

When I cleaned my backhoe fuel tank, I used one of these, pulled all kinds of stuff out of it, I did put a gallon in the tank a couple of times, last pass was a gallon of alcohol to get the last of the moisture out. They are kinda hand to have around anyway!

 

[cjunrau]

very simple. Take a hose from vacuum to a 5 gallon pail or 45 gallon barrel. Tape it, glue it, screw it, or whatever you can. then take a 1 inch or 3/4 inch hose into pail or barrel and do the same. stick hose in tank and suck away. fumes are no big deal in a shop vac. I just do not like smelling it for a year after so this is how I do it.

 

[moresmoke]

I have a small extraction bottle made from a plastic garden sprayer and an aluminum venturi I got off Amazon. It will collapse the plastic tank if you are not careful.

 

[CEP ACB]

They make air powered vacuums

Sunex Dual Function Power Vacuum

The Sunex Dual Function Power Vacuum is a lightweight, versatile tool that functions as both a vacuum and blower. Ideal for detail work and media installation, it features a non-woven dust bag with a zipper for easy debris removal.

www.alltiresupply.com

 

[Fred Werring]

Have a Bobcat I bought at an auction a year ago that continually clogs the fuel filter. Putting on the third new one today, they're a $112 apiece. Obviously, there is some sort of crud in the tank. My thoughts are to siphon the tank out as much as possible, but then use something to create a vacuum and try to remove the debris. I realize a shop vacuum is a no go because of the fumes being pulled through, so is there a way to use a air compressor to create a strong vacuum

Similar situation with the NH skid steer I bought this year. Some crud in the tank.
But NH has an inexpensive (Wix 33002) inline fuel filter in the rubber line ahead of the more expensive spin on filter.
That's the one that gets plugged up.
Seems I'll get a couple hours run time before I need to change the inline filter. It'll get all the crud eventually.

Got room to stick one of those in there?

 

[Russ from MN]

Remember the good old fashioned sediment jar? Dump out the jar, clean the screen, and you were good to go again, zero cost!

 

[cwtech]

My Case skid steer has a drain plug on the bottom of the tank. ....Removing the plug allows the tank to empty into a container.
....The fuel, water, and crud empty and can be separated. ....The fuel is filtered and put back in the tank.

Does your Bobcat have a similar tank drain?

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

Are you sure you don't have algae in the tank? My nephew had it in his Skidder and he had a time getting rid of it. Finally after several filters got it cleared up with Bio Diesel which kills the algae. You should keep adding it so the algae does not come back. Doesn't take much of it once you get rid of the initial l batch of algae.






















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[Russ from MN]

My Case skid steer has a drain plug on the bottom of the tank. ....Removing the plug allows the tank to empty into a container.
....The fuel, water, and crud empty and can be separated. ....The fuel is filtered and put back in the tank.

Does your Bobcat have a similar tank drain?

Our JD 4600 has a drain like that, I drain out about a cupful every month and use it to start fires, has worked well for 25 years!

 

[miner09]

Take tank off and steam it is best. But a car wash with hot water will work just takes longer. Then keep diesel treated.

 

[MeanGene1]

If you can get down to the outlet of the tank, you can rig up a loop of fuel line, through a big plastic filter then to an electric pump, then run the line back into the tank and let it run, swishing the return line around. When the filter gets pretty full, replace it with a new one, repeat until clean. Helps if you add some Seafoam or your favorite juice when you think it's clean, you will probably get some more out. https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Fi...=fram+plastic+fuel+filter+3/8,aps,209&sr=8-18

 

[Keith True]

What model Bobcat do you have? Can make a huge difference in approaching it.Some have a fairly easy tank to remove,some have an extremely dificult tank to remove,and some are part of the chassis and can't be removed at all.I've welded new bottoms in two of those.

 

[Jim.ME]

Are you sure you don't have algae in the tank? My nephew had it in his Skidder and he had a time getting rid of it. Finally after several filters got it cleared up with Bio Diesel which kills the algae. You should keep adding it so the algae does not come back. Doesn't take much of it once you get rid of the initial l batch of algae.

Bio diesel is a type of fuel. I think you meant he used a biocide cleaner for diesel, like Power Service's Bio Kleen. Then they recommend their Clear Diesel additive to use regularly as a follow up once the bacteria and fungi are removed.

 

[Stephen Newell]

Have a Bobcat I bought at an auction a year ago that continually clogs the fuel filter. Putting on the third new one today, they're a $112 apiece. Obviously, there is some sort of crud in the tank. My thoughts are to siphon the tank out as much as possible, but then use something to create a vacuum and try to remove the debris. I realize a shop vacuum is a no go because of the fumes being pulled through, so is there a way to use a air compressor to create a strong vacuum?

Your problem is the tank is rusting. I would pour some acetone or lacquer thinner in the tank and wash the diesel out clean. May take several tries to wash it all out. Then you might be able to blow the loose rust out with compressed air. Then set the tank in the sun for a day or two until you can't smell the solvent. If you have no major holes in the tank then pour a fuel tank liner such as Red-Kote in the tank and turn it at all angles until you coat the entire tank and pour out the excess. Let the liner dry a couple days and re-install it and it should be good to go. You should be free of rust for a decade or so. After a decade the liner may break down and plug the fuel filter again. Then strip the liner out of the tank again with acetone and do it again.

If when you wash the tank out it develops large holes you may need to get someone to braze some patches over the holes. Pin holes will fill with the fuel tank liner.

 

[joeysmith]

Your problem is the tank is rusting

Pretty sure its plastic unless hes got an old relic of a machine

 

[Tgrasher]

This is a Bobcat T595 and it has a plastic tank. Your pretty much looking at everything when you open the back engine door. The fuel tank is where a person can sit on a five gallon bucket and go at it. Actually changed the filter that way today, as I have a load of round bales setting on a trailer that needs put away, and chance of rain tonight. Sorry I didn't expound more on the Bobcat earlier to avoid confusion. Thanks for all the suggestions, they were very helpful.