50/50 Fuel Toluene

[elboy0712]

Anyone tried doing the 50/50 Fuel pump cleaning in a Lowe's bucket. I have the Toluene and fuel but when I looked up Toluene and HDPE is days that it melts it. Yet our fuel tanks on the RXDI are made of HDPE.

Alternatively, has anyone simply hooked up the supply and return lines with everything still in the ski to do the cleaning?

 

[WaarrEagle]

I did it outside the ski. Used an oversized glass jar to hold the solution and still have it sitting in a garage a couple years later. I am unsure how to dispose of it!

You need to pull the fuel pump from the tank to change the bottom filter, so there really is no need to try and leave it in for cleaning.

 

[etemplet]

I'm wondering exactly what is being cleaned with the toluene? Is the the varnish build up?

 

[WaarrEagle]

I'm guessing some combo of varnish and sludge inside the fuel pump. The check valve in my OEM pump had stopped working so I was hoping to fix that, but it did not.

 

[etemplet]

I'm guessing some combo of varnish and sludge inside the fuel pump. The check valve in my OEM pump had stopped working so I was hoping to fix that, but it did not.

I think I'd like to take an old OEM pump apart and check it out. But my list of stuff to do is very long. Ha ha.

 

[DarrenR]

Toluene won't dissolve hdpe but it can weaken and make the plastic brittle over time. If you use it, beware it burns the skin. It also might not be compatible with elastomers (o-rings and gaskets). To get rid of it you can burn it. It burns like gasoline so be careful. I would just use it over time in place of gas to start a bonfire. Also, Oil change centers or may accept it for disposal with oil.

 

[POPPS]

Bunch of years ago...i tore a pump apart,,,wish i kept the parts and took pictures,,,i didn't and screwed up,,,the water that gets in,,,produces rust on the metal vanes,,,and prevents the vanes from "rotating,",,,
,,,

 

[etemplet]

Bunch of years ago...i tore a pump apart,,,wish i kept the parts and took pictures,,,i didn't and screwed up,,,the water that gets in,,,produces rust on the metal vanes,,,and prevents the vanes from "rotating,",,,
,,,

Hmmmm.... it's a vane pump?? AFter you get it apart I suppose it is impossible to put it back together in such a way that it can operate.

If rust is the issue it would some a rust preventative or rust breaker would be better to run through the pump than toluene. Oh well, just some thoughts. Pictures would be kewl. LOL

 

[elboy0712]

The 50/50 Toluene is the generally accepted way to get these pumps back in action. I haven't tried it yet, but I have two pumps I will be doing this with this week. I can do a video and see what comes of it. I hadn't heard that rust was the issue. If it is then that is worth treating as well.

 

[etemplet]

I think I'd give Chem Tool Carburetor Cleaner a shot first but that's just me and I wouldn't let it run more than an hour. I'd also flush it with gas when I was done. That stuff is MEAN.

 

[elboy0712]

If you're referring to B12 then the primary ingredient is Toluene.