Way off topic -completely - cleaning a diesel fuel tank

[Highlander]

Sorry about this post as it has nothing to do with VWs but I am impressed by the knowledge on here so I am asking.

I have inherited a 1956 Massey Ferguson 4 cylinder diesel tractor. It was driven into a farm shed six years ago, turned off, and no one has tried to start it since.

Fuel tank was about half full. Hooked up a new battery but the thing doesn't want to start. I am in the process of replacing filters and cleaning up everything I can,

I have drained and removed the fuel tank and I want to clean it out as I can't be sure what is living in there at the moment.

Any suggestions as to what I can use to flush/clean out the fuel tank.Tank capacity is around 40 litres.

I am sure some of the restorers here have been down a similar path with some of the older diesel Golfs

[Transporter]

No, it is on topic.

I would use interject Diesel Cure and Care, it is very powerful biocide additive. But, it might be a bit difficult for you to get, so the Fuel Doctor made by Castrol or Wynns makes additive with biocide, I saw at Sprint Autoparts for a very good price. Furthermore I would make sure that there is no rust inside the tank. Installing additional fuel filter with the glass bowl is good idea; Ryco sells one (around $60)

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/onl...51#Description

Check the fuel hoses, make sure they're not perished and that all the fuel connections are air tight. Also make sure that you have good compression, the valves could be partialy seized in valve guides. I worked on Triumph Herald a while ago, that was stopped for 10years and I had to remove the cylinder head, cause the valves were seized. The fuel tank was full of rust too.

[Preen59]

Transporter basically nailed that mate. Covered all bases.

[Highlander]

No, it is on topic.

I would use interject Diesel Cure and Care, it is very powerful biocide additive. But, it might be a bit difficult for you to get, so the Fuel Doctor made by Castrol or Wynns makes additive with biocide, I saw at Sprint Autoparts for a very good price. Furthermore I would make sure that there is no rust inside the tank. Installing additional fuel filter with the glass bowl is good idea; Ryco sells one (around $60)

Ryco Fuel Filter Universal - R2132UA - Supercheap Auto Australia

Check the fuel hoses, make sure they're not perished and that all the fuel connections are air tight. Also make sure that you have good compression, the valves could be partialy seized in valve guides. I worked on Triumph Herald a while ago, that was stopped for 10years and I had to remove the cylinder head, cause the valves were seized. The fuel tank was full of rust too.

Thanks for the response. Motor actually is a distant relative of the Triumh Herald as Massey Ferguson converted the then Standard Vanguard motor to diesel for use in this model tractor. They used it for only a few years before replacing it with a three cylinder Perkins.

Do I use Fuel Doctor neat or do I add it to fresh diesel to flush the fuel tank?
(Tank is currently off the tractor)

[Highlander]

Transporter basically nailed that mate. Covered all bases.

Thakns for the second opinion. The patient is about to undergo the suggested treatment. Will have to drop in and see your toys in Orange next time I'm visiting my friends who own the Harley dealership in Orange. You may have seen their Transporter running around town.With its paint job it's a bit hard to miss.

[neil]

What did the old diesel look like when you drained the tank.
Any thick black slime ???

[Transporter]

Do I use Fuel Doctor neat or do I add it to fresh diesel to flush the fuel tank?
(Tank is currently off the tractor)

Tip whole bottle into the tank before you fill up with the diesel.

[Preen59]

Thakns for the second opinion. The patient is about to undergo the suggested treatment. Will have to drop in and see your toys in Orange next time I'm visiting my friends who own the Harley dealership in Orange. You may have seen their Transporter running around town.With its paint job it's a bit hard to miss.

Yeah i've seen the van. Looks pretty cool. I'm not a Harley fan though so i've not paid a huge amount of attention.The industrial estate behind the dealership is actually not a bad night time testing ground.. Haha.

Feel free to drop me a line when you're in town. I'm not sure i've got much to show you but you can have a look at the Dragster etc if you like.

[Highlander]

Yeah i've seen the van. Looks pretty cool. I'm not a Harley fan though so i've not paid a huge amount of attention.The industrial estate behind the dealership is actually not a bad night time testing ground.. Haha.

Feel free to drop me a line when you're in town. I'm not sure i've got much to show you but you can have a look at the Dragster etc if you like.

I'm not into Harleys either (because all roads are not straight) but they still talk to me when I drop in on the Honda 600.

Followed your dragster renovation/build thread with interest. Actually has inspired my desk bound fingers to learn two new skills ... welding and using a lathe.

[Preen59]

Followed your dragster renovation/build thread with interest. Actually has inspired my desk bound fingers to learn two new skills ... welding and using a lathe.

Cheers mate! Glad to see I got you inspired.