how to remove condensation/water from home heating oil tank

[crazy charlie]

Trying top get an oil boiler up and going and a milky oil water mixture came out of the bleeder.I am going to try to draw out a couple of gallons to see if it is just condensation.I thought I remembered my boiler guy telling me some years ago that denatured alcohol added to the oil acts the same as dry gas in your gas tank.This is a home that has not been lived in for a couple of years and the tank is in the basement.I have a scary thought that someone may have put water in the tank.Hope that is not the case.Any thoughts on denatured alcohol??? Thanks Charlie

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: how to remove condensation/water from home heating oil tank

I have a scary thought that someone may have put water in the tank

I'll bet that's what happened and other stuff ??. Have it pumped and be done with it.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: how to remove condensation/water from home heating oil tank

Tanks draw from the bottom....... water is on the bottom.......you might have to drain off a gallon or 2 from the outlet....... re-prime and try again. You should get to clear fuel oil.

Be sure to change out the inline filter too!

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: how to remove condensation/water from home heating oil tank

Isn't the suction tube at least 2 to 3" off the bottom of the tank ??.

That equals to about 10gals.

 

[dwco5051]

Re: how to remove condensation/water from home heating oil tank

You didn't say how many years it has sat and how much fuel is in the tank. Fuel oil does degrade over time due to sludge formation and microbe growth. Agree with Bob_VT to drain a gallon or so and check for clarity first

I would also get some water finder paste and put use it to stick your tank to get an idea how much water and or sludge has accumulated. If it a large amount I would have the tank pumped and filled with clean oil.

Fuel treatments will delay fuel going bad but will not correct already contaminated fuel if you have an emulsion of fuel/sludge/water.

Also remember that water sitting in the tank can cause rusting and weaken the tank.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: how to remove condensation/water from home heating oil tank

The tank has been idle for about a year.I was thinking of putting my oil changer for my boat connected to the fuel line at the filter and monitor what is coming out.Does not seem to much of anything in the tank.Gage shows empty.Going to pick up a new filter.Thanks CC

 

[Alan_Scott]

Re: how to remove condensation/water from home heating oil tank

I would also get some water finder paste...

Kolor Kut Water Finding and Gasoline Gauging Paste

I use Kolor Kut on a regular basis and it's very accurate.