black gunk in fuel tank

[disco gazza]

Have been using my boat fuel in my mower and I noticed some brownish/black sludge on the bottom of tank
(and floating) whilst transferring some fuel today.
Whats the best way to get rid of the sludge and keep it out of tank.

Tank is portable which is a help.

All helpful hints/tips will be great fully appreciated.

TIA

DG

[trout1105]

This "Sludge" is most likely dirty/rusty water which is the cause of a lot of engine problems on boats, The contamination of dirt/rust is usually from filling from jerry cans.

IF the fuel is a 2 stroke mix the sludge is most likely oil as well, 2 stroke fuel doesn't store that well, Its a PITA when the lawnmower plays silly buggers because it is running old 2 stroke But it could become life threatening is your outboard does the same thing at sea.

With a portable tank all you have to do is drain it and flush it with clean fuel and you will be good to go.
With built in fuel tanks draining them is a much bigger job and that is why water traps/filters are fitted to them.

Keeping the tank full and a little bit of Metho added to the tank over winter and over long periods of being idle will help to reduce the effect/ammount of water in the fuel; Only using Clean FRESH 2 stroke is also a Must [thumbsupbig]

[disco gazza]

Thanks for the reply Trout..[biggrin]
Forgot to mention,its a 4 stroke, not buying a 2 stroke again, too much hassle.:no2:

Mate in Sydney said to empty tank,put 1 lt of metho in it, swish it all around,
empty it then fill with fresh fuel (he was in the army-mechanic for 20+ years).

DG