Newbie with a watertank problem

Post by **jenksndubs** » 24 Mar 2012, 11:56

Hi Folks,

Pulling my hair out at my Old Man here.

Just purchased a T25 Camper with onboard watertank thats located under passenger side door with the filler cap near the rear wheel.

My Dad was bringing the camper to the yard where we work as I was going to give everything a check over, try out things,etc and he noticed it was needing diesel so he nips into Tesco to fill her up ( You can see where this is going cant you....) he had problems with the keys but I was test driving a coach with an electrician so couldnt really speak and I forgot to tell him where the petrol cap was!

He drives in to tell me the fuel gauge doesnt work........................hmm no he's filled the water tank up with £48 of diesel!!!

Ive got her up in the air about to drain the tank and start taking the tank off, a few of the straps looked a bit worn anyway.

Problem I have now is can I get the tank sterilised?

Everyone here says a good clean, but I'm sorry drinking water tank and diesel dont mix, the tank could well be ready for bucket?

I dont suppose this has happened with anyone else?

Thanks in advance and if anyone has a special specific use for watered diesel, give me a shout, its going cheap!!! LOL

Michael

Post by **meridian911** » 24 Mar 2012, 15:45

When I bought mine they mot'd it for me and the people at the mot place had put a few litres of petrol in the water tank!!!
It took me at least 4 lots of sterilising with Milton and boiling water to get it clean, then another year for the taste of Milton to disappear.

Post by **jamesc76** » 24 Mar 2012, 15:47

Personally I would get a new tank no amount of cleaning will get the taint of derv out of that tank!

Post by **1664** » 24 Mar 2012, 16:33

jenksndubs wrote:I dont suppose this has happened with anyone else?

I think you could be right there...........

No idea how to cleanse diesel out I'm afraid......... very hot water with detergent?

Post by **Oldiebut goodie** » 25 Mar 2012, 17:02

Quite common occurrence, you are best off with a new tank. Steam cleaning etc will get 98% out but it is nigh on impossible to remove the taint.
As for the diesel - stick it in a drum - preferably clear and stand for a month and the water will settle. Siphon out gently. Common practice overseas where the diesel is delivered in drums and tends to be contaminated. Not wasted!

Post by **jenksndubs** » 26 Mar 2012, 20:59

Thanks for the input folks, made an attempt to clean but psychology I'll always be tasting or smelling it and with a diesel lump in the back, that could happen alot.

Yeah realised its a common mistake, let my dad off but the old dear hasnt!

Post by **Plasticman** » 26 Mar 2012, 22:06

there is nothing psychological about it, you Will taste derv for ever as you will never eradicate it completely. sorry
mm

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