Sailing Parlay Revivalvideo

Diesel bug eats through my aluminum fuel tank 🤯 - (Episode 359)

12 April 2026 · 22 min · 191K views · Rebak Island, Langkawi

White catamaran powers through marina, twin hulls churning green water.

What this video covers

The crew of a Lagoon 450 addresses severe diesel bug contamination and tank corrosion by installing custom inspection hatches and a fuel transfer system. After discovering heavy sludge and water in the port-side aluminum fuel tank, the owner cuts an inspection hatch to clean the interior, revealing significant pitting on the tank floor.0:48 A similar inspection of the starboard tank reveals less severe corrosion but confirms the presence of water and microbial growth.9:51 To manage the fuel, the owner designs a transfer system using 50 feet of fuel hose, a series of valves, and a pump to polish fuel through existing 10-micron Racor filters.2:43 A recirculation line allows for flow rate control to prevent overloading the filters.3:20 The owner seals the new custom aluminum inspection lids using 38 bolts per tank, Loctite 577 fuel-grade sealant, and fiber washers.13:57 The project highlights the risks of factory-sealed tanks that lack bottom-draw pickups or inspection access, which prevent the removal of water and acidic sludge.

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Boats in this video

Lagoon 450Their boat

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