A major cause of fuel pump and fuel filter failure is related to the fuel tank. If you think about it, thousands of gallons of gas go through your tank yearly. Some debris and sediment will inevitably end up in the tank and possibly rust diesel generator manufacturer. Periodically cleaning your fuel tank is an important task to help prolong the life of your fuel filter and your engine.
Easy steps to clean your generator fuel tank
Every engine enthusiast understands that preventing a problem is better than trying to fix it later. Before you begin, you must know how to clean your generator fuel tank.
Here are easy steps to clean your fuel tank, no matter what engine you're working on.
1) Safety first!
When working with a fuel system, remember that gas is highly flammable and can be fatal and dangerous.
Here are a few safety tips before starting your generator fuel tank cleaning process:
● Be sure to keep your work area clean and organized to help prevent accidents.
● If you're working indoors, ensure your workspace is well-ventilated – open any doors or windows and turn on a fan if needed.
● Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Make sure there are no sources of flame or sparks in the area.
● It is a good idea to wear a face mask to help reduce inhalation of fuel fumes.
● Remember eye protection when working on your engine!
2) Drain the tank
Before removing the tank, make sure it is empty of fuel. Not only is this a safety precaution, but it also saves some weight, making the whole process easier. Some fuel tanks have a drain cock, which allows the fuel to be drained. Otherwise, you can drain the fuel by removing or siphoning the gas line.
3) Remove the tank
Depending on the type of generator, this can be simple or complex. Carefully remove the fuel tank, but leave all caps and valves in position. This will make the reinstallation process much easier later. Once it's out, inspect the entire tank thoroughly. Check for sediment, rust or any holes. Patch any holes before continuing.
4) Rinse the tank
Use practical parts cleaner, such as B-12 chemtool fuel system cleaner (Part #0116). Disperse the product over the entire tank interior surface by shaking or swirling. Remember that most of the build will be on the bottom, so focus most of your attention there. Depending on the buildup, it may take a few soaking sessions to clean the bottom thoroughly.
5) Clean the fuel system
Run a detergent-based fuel additive through your fuel system to ensure that all your tank cleaning efforts don't go to waste. B-12 chemtool fuel system cleaner concentrate and B-12 chemtool total fuel system cleanup are excellent options that thoroughly clean fuel lines, carburetors, intake valves and combustion chambers. This will prolong the life of your clean generator fuel tank and help with any hard starting, rough idling, and hesitation issues.
6) Replace the fuel filter
This seems like common sense, but it is often overlooked. If you're going through the effort of cleaning your tank and lines, change the fuel filter as well. An old filter will restrict flow throughout your fuel system, making your fuel pump work harder and wear out faster.
7) Put it back
When replacing the tank after cleaning, ensure all valves, caps and hoses are securely installed. Even a minor gas leak leaves the possibility of environmental damage or fire.
How do generator fuel tanks work?
Fuel tanks are designed to keep your engine fuel clean, safe and secure. If you see debris in the fuel tank or gasoline leaks, it's time for fuel tank maintenance. Never attempt to repair a damaged tank. This poses a risk of leakage, fire or fuel contamination. If you are replacing the fuel tank, use only the parts recommended by the generator manufacturer. These parts will be securely attached to your engine in the space provided.
Older model fuel tanks are designed to use a vented gas cap to prevent vacuum or pressure from building up in the fuel system, while more modern fuel tanks will have either a charcoal filter or a charcoal venting system. An adequately installed replacement cap can fix the problem if the cap leaks fuel.
The primary purposes of a fuel tank are to safely store and deliver enough fuel to operate and to ensure that the fuel remains clean. The fuel must be very clean because of the tiny passages in the carburetor.
Fuel tanks should be constructed of non-corrosive materials or coated with a corrosion-resistant layer for protecting against the damaging effects of alcohol, water and salt. If the tank is damaged or corroded, it should be replaced.
Benefits of cleaning the generator fuel tank
Cleaning the fuel tank is part of any good generator maintenance plan. There are several reasons for cleaning the generator fuel tank regularly.
1) Prevent power loss
If your tank isn't clean, your fuel won't be either. Contaminated or dirty diesel fuel will affect performance, so you won't get the best out of your generator when needed.
2) Save money
A clean tank and clean fuel mean better performance for your generator. If all the elements of your critical power system work optimally, you'll get the best performance for your budget. Tanks that are not cleaned regularly can cause wastage that can affect resources.
3) Extend the life of your generator
If your fuel tank is not cleaned and maintained regularly, rust will likely occur. In addition, stagnant fuel and other elements, such as sludge, can cause blockages and clogs in critical parts of the generator. By keeping the generator tank clean inside and out, you can help prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your generator for as long as possible.
How to clean rust from a generator fuel tank
Fortunately, several ways to clean rust from a generator fuel tank include abrasives, chemicals, and even electrolysis.
a) Abrasives
Abrasives are a standard method of removing rust from gas tanks. Any abrasive material that can remove rust can be effective in cleaning rust. Traditional abrasives for this purpose include:
● Peas or aquarium gravel
● Loose nuts and bolts
● BBs
● Plain gravel
Using an abrasive requires removing the gas tank and using a method to ensure that all the gravel comes out of the tank. Most recommendations include using a liquid - either water or a mixture of soap and water.
b) Chemicals
Chemicals can include everything from vinegar and baking soda, which creates a chemical reaction that creates foam and helps loosen rust, to muriatic acid or isopropyl alcohol. Using a combination of abrasives and chemicals can also be an effective means of removing rust thoroughly. Just ensure the material you choose is compatible and won't further damage your gas tank.
Also, be sure to dilute the material to avoid damage to your gas tank. If your gas tank contains (or may have) soldering, avoid solutions containing muriatic acid, however, because the acid can work so quickly that it can eat away at the material before removing all the rust.
c) Electrolysis
Electrolysis involves passing an electric current through an ionic substance to separate the material. It would help if you had equipment such as a 12V battery, a piece of ferrous metal (such as iron) and sodium carbonate.
Electrolysis is useful for small items to remove rust, but with a few modifications, you can also use the gas tank rust removal method. Care must be taken when connecting and disconnecting the power source, and you must ensure that ferrous metal does not contact the edge of the gas tank.
Suspending the ferrous metal (anode) can be the biggest challenge in the rust removal process. However, the science behind this method is solid, and the electrolysis method can remove much more rust than other options.
Chemical resealing treatments
Rust removal and resealing treatments are also available, although these may not be effective for more severe rust problems. In addition, some manufacturers highlight incompatibility with alternative fuels such as ethanol.
FAQs
1) How can I protect my generator gas tank from rusting?
Before storing the unit, add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent gas from rusting inside the tank or engine. Rust particles allowed to pass through the engine will damage your generator the next time you start it.
2) What is dirty fuel in a generator?
Bad generator fuel could mean your diesel fuel has excessive water or contaminants or algae growth clogging your fuel filter. Testing a fuel sample taken at your annual service appointment is the most effective way to determine what contaminates your fuel.
3) What kills rust in a generator fuel tank?
You will need some acid to remove rust from the generator fuel tank. White vinegar is highly recommended because it removes rust and is not a strong acid that will damage you or the generator.
4) What causes the generator to run out of fuel quickly?
You may be overloading your generator beyond its capacity. The air cleaner can become blocked with any debris, which can cause significant problems for the generator and consume a lot of fuel. The carburetor may also be faulty.
5) How often should you clean your fuel tank?
It is recommended to clean your fuel tank at least once a year. Regularly cleaning the fuel tank will not only keep your engine running smoothly. Still, it will also help reduce the accumulation of contaminants in the fuel tank, hence reducing the need for a cleaning service.
6) What is the best way to clean a generator gas tank that has been sitting for a long time?
You want to get the most out of it. Pour some liquid into the tank to get extra loose particles off the surfaces, which you can remove later. Next, look for debris or deposits in the existing fuel filter. If it looks good, reinstall it.
7) What is the best way to remove rust from a gas tank?
Filling the tank with baking soda and vinegar is the safest way to remove chemical rust. Allow the mixture to cool until it becomes bubbly and the rust particles change color. Then rinse it thoroughly to make sure it is empty.
Conclusion
Cleaning your generator fuel tank properly ensures no dust, dirt or other harmful materials can enter and damage your engine. Maintenance also helps prevent fuel lines from clogging and keeps your fuel pump running longer. If your generator has been sitting for a while or it's just been running rough, it might be time to mask up and clean the fuel tank!