Cleaning
Tank Vent Whistles In Place
Tank
vent whistles sometimes become badly fouled and require cleaning.
Removing these for cleaning or replacement can be expensive and
time-consuming, especially on underground tanks.
The
fouling that builds up on vent whistles is probably similar in
many respects to tank sludge. We suggest the following approach:
-
Pour
an 8-ounce bottle of Fuel Right® EP down the
vent pipe. This will soften and partially break down the fouling
material. Wait at least a day or two and then…
-
Pour half a gallon of mineral spirits (paint thinner) down
the vent line. This should wash away the softened deposit
and leave a clean whistle.
In case
it is not obvious, let us point out that these things should
not be poured into the vent line just before filling the tank.
If they were, you would have an unwanted eruption out of the
vent. Perhaps the driver could be instructed to do the Fuel
Right part just after he fills the tank. A technician could
then follow in a couple of days and do the mineral spirits part.
By starting the process at a fill, that would also ensure that
another fill would not happen soon thereafter while the liquids
were still in the vent line.
We suggest
mineral spirits because this solvent has a flash point of around
110° F - well above normal ambient temperatures. Others
have suggested kerosene for the same purpose, but kerosene is
not a particularly good solvent for "grease-like"
deposits. We can think of no reason why putting half a gallon
of mineral spirits in a fuel oil tank would cause problems,
as it is already found in many fuel oil additives (not Fuel
Right). If you have a better plan we would like to hear it.
Incidentally,
our plan has an added benefit. The Fuel Right that is ultimately
washed into the tank will provide additional tank protection -
never a bad idea in badly fouled systems.
