I disconnect the vent line at the hull fitting, and the fuel line at the inlet to the filter. The fuel line goes into an empty gas can. I connect an airgun from an air tank, a automotive "pig" for inflating tires, to the vent line. I lightly pressurize the tank until the fuel is out, then add a bit of fuel with stabilizer in it which I let sit for a while. Then I flush it out.
I have a gasoline engine, Atomic 4, so I can use the fuel in the snowblower or lawnmower. So far, even using the "rinse" gasoline has not been a problem. I realize there is an empty vs full for winter storage debate that has been going on for years. I have so little fuel in the tank, and the idea of rinsing out the tank twice a year with fresh fuel make storing empty OK for me. I use the expensive grade of gasoline, supposedly some of the brands omit the ethanol in their high test blends. The "rinse" gasoline is regular so it should absorb any water in the tank, but adding some gas line antifreeze will not hurt. For diesel you could try a rinse of diesel and methyl hydrate ( Kleen Flow ? ). If the tank is coated with varnish, gum or sludge it needs to be steam cleaned. During university a classmate had a job on a large freighter. He donned a protective suit and air gear, then went into the fuel tank. There was a team working to clean them. It started with big scrapers and shovels filling metal drums, then a steam cleaner. He described the sediment to be like mud. I think the big ships use Bunker C for fuel, nasty stuff. Michael Brown Windburn C&C 30-1
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