How do I service my fuel tank and oil tank?

[FishFarmer]

Since my boat will be down for a bit I figured I'd go ahead and do some preventative maintenance to the fuel system.
Beyond replacing the basics like fuel filter and etc. I was thinking I'd pull the fuel tank and the oil tank out of the boat and thoroughly clean the inside of them to rid any potential contaminants such as water and other debris that may have built up over the years. I think I'll also replace the primer bulbs and hoses and with new OEM parts.
My questions:
What is the best way to remove and clean the fuel and oil tanks?
What chemicals should I use to completely clean them out?
Is it okay to literally spray them out with water using a high pressure nozzle?

Thanks!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: How do I service my fuel tank and oil tank?

So you want to remove contaminents such as water with a high pressure water spray? That makes no sense. Tilt the boat trailer all the way sky high. Remove the gas gauge plate from the tank and using a hand siphon, suck all the water and dirt off the bottom of the tank. Reinstall the gas gauge. Repeat with the oil tank, using a spare primer bulb to pump oil off the bottom of the tank.

if you disconnect the oil supply line, you will need to bleed it properly, and run some premixed fuel until you are sure all the air is out of the line, and the injection pump is functioning.

 

[FishFarmer]

Re: How do I service my fuel tank and oil tank?

So you want to remove contaminents such as water with a high pressure water spray? That makes no sense. Tilt the boat trailer all the way sky high. Remove the gas gauge plate from the tank and using a hand siphon, suck all the water and dirt off the bottom of the tank. Reinstall the gas gauge. Repeat with the oil tank, using a spare primer bulb to pump oil off the bottom of the tank.

if you disconnect the oil supply line, you will need to bleed it properly, and run some premixed fuel until you are sure all the air is out of the line, and the injection pump is functioning.

I guess I figured the most thorough way to clean them is to remove the tanks from the boat and spray out the insides while outside of the boat then leave them un-sealed and upside down to completely dry out before re-installing? Can I really be certain that I'd get all potential contaminants out by siphoning? Can I see all over inside the tank through the gauge plate to be certain? This is an 83 gallon tank.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: How do I service my fuel tank and oil tank?

Well, if you tilt the boat as described, you can be sure to get all or nearly all of the water and phase-seperated fuel. Dirt on the bottom will be siphioned out as well. The filters need to get the rest....