Diesel in on board water tank!!

[diggs31]

Hi, a buddy of mine has just bought a Bongo, Cracking buy with a side conversion and in brilliant condition, however we have noticed that someone has put diesel in the on board water tank!! (when you look at the postion and style of the water inlet and close proximity to the fuel filler cap, I suppose its a mistake waiting to happen to someone) anyway its got diesel in ther now. we have flushed and washed and gone at it with all manner of products but it still smells of diesel from the tap.
We would appreciate any suggestions from anyone but kinda think its gonna be a new tank, so would like to know how easy or hard it is to remove and fit another. The conversion is a standard full side conversion with the tank postioned behind the gas bottle when looked at from the rear. I appreciate a picture would be helpful at this point but I don't have one, has anyone ever changed one before?
Thanks Fraser

[mikexgough]

I would have gone for a new tank without even trying to clean personally....is it slung underneath?....or a straight forward container.....if its underneath/built in then CAK tanks is probably your best place to get a replacement..... http://www.caktanks.co.uk/

[diggs31]

Hi, yeah its slung underneath. It has the water pump fitted through the top, It seems when you look at it through the rear that it has been fitted in place as the conversion was built, it looks kinda tricky to remove as you cant quite reach the far side where the water pump electrics are, does the conversion need to be stripped down or can it be slid out of the rear with a bit of messin?
Thanks fraser

[Poohbear]

How about using Milton or some other sterilising solution. There must be some way of cleaning it.

[T9sus4]

There must be some way of cleaning it.

Replacement of the whole system (tank, pipes, tap) is the only solution.

[missfixit70]

Hi, yeah its slung underneath. It has the water pump fitted through the top, It seems when you look at it through the rear that it has been fitted in place as the conversion was built, it looks kinda tricky to remove as you cant quite reach the far side where the water pump electrics are, does the conversion need to be stripped down or can it be slid out of the rear with a bit of messin?
Thanks fraser

Depends on who did the conversion really, may be worth finding out who that was & contacting them, they should be able to tell you how & what you need to replace it.

[Poohbear]

There must be some way of cleaning it.

Replacement of the whole system (tank, pipes, tap) is the only solution.

Why?

[diggs31]

Good shout about getting in touch with the converter, not sure who it is but must say somewhere, ill get him to check. Thanks for the link on the water tanks.
Its never gonna clean diesel is awful stuff to get rid off so gonna change everything.
Anyone ever done it before..easy or tricky?

[nigelgibson]

Absolutely agree that replacement of full system is only safe way. tank , pipes, filler inlet, taps - EVERYTHING !
not as big a job as you think but depends on tank. to clarify , by 'under' are you talking under units or under [ ie outside] van ?
if it's the full side conversion a lot of converters fit a tank at the side of rear offside wheel arch [ Elite conversions at worksop is an example ] and it's just chocked in place with a couple of wooden wedges screwed to the floor. you might be able to reach thru gas compartment and pull out but probably have to remove rock/roll bed and remove side cover to get to pipework. if tank is on outside - jack it up and get underneath - easy !"

good luck.
ps worth half hour following tutorial on uploading pics as it will help enormously .

[diggs31]

Yeah its on the inside, mine was done at Worksop and its just the same except a different sized tank, ill get my tools out and we will have to just go at it.
thanks for all replys
fraser

[nigelgibson]

sounds like an elite conversion [ thats the good news cus they're very nice ! ]
i've just fitted one myself that i bought second hand so familiar with lay out. there is limited space there so 1st try to get a torch in back of gas compartment and see if you can reach tank. look for a wedge at front of tank and see if you can reach with screwdiver to take wedge out. next disconnect pipework from tap and electrical connection [ tap is a micro switch variety which fires up pump when you turn on, so pump [ submersed in tank ] will have wire to tap and to power source [ probably zig power management system. disconnect water inlet and try and slide tank towards back. Got to say it's worth a try but hopeful at best. You will probably have to take bed out and then remove the long board that covers tank and gas compartment.
When it's out ring Elite to find where they get their tanks and the rest of stuff you'll pick up at any caravan shop.
Again - good luck, and don't worry it sounds like you've got a nice van.

[JimD]

I assume this is sorted out by now, but if anyone is searching for a solution and checks this thread, take a look at Bio Magic Tank cleaner (see http://www.dairymax-uk.co.uk/) There are more up-to-date company websites, or they sell on Amazon, but that site has more info at the moment. I saw it recommended for cleaning a boat's water tank where it's a lot harder to fix, and the reports were good.
I have no connection with the company, but the treatment looks to be £25 at the moment, and that's a lot cheaper than tank/pipework/tap replacement. Especially if the labour cost is included.

[coisty]

I had to laugh when reading this post, when this happens on a submarine ie diesel contamination in main water tanks my submariner mates come alongside absolutely stinking of the stuff. They have no option but to wash in it, drink it and even breathe it but after a few days they cant taste it or smell it, I go down and it is awful and you can even taste diesel in the air. I dont know what chemicals if any they use to clean the tanks out but I know it can take days, its the only time I ever refuse a coffee.

[Bob]

I've heard tales of submariners (in olden times) playing a game called 'Measels', which apparently left a bit of a whiff.