Fuel Storage Tank Reconditioning

[kvancott]

We recently bought a place and there is a 300 gal gasoline storage tank that was left, sitting under some trees. I opened the cap and peered inside - the tank walls are still shiny and I don't see any water. The depth gauge looks a little rusty, though. The inside of the tank still smells like gasoline. The valve on the dispensing line is frozen - I'll try some penetrating oil on it to see if I can loosen it up. Of course, the hose and handle are shot and need replacing.

I would guess it hasn't been used in about 25 years, based on what the previous owners were like.

Is there a recommended protocol for reconditioning the tank?

Or would it be as simple as just sloshing some gas around and draining it, then installing a new hose, filter, and dispensing handle?

I've read a few things about reconditioning auto/tractor tanks, but this is a much bigger scale. I'd like to use the tank for my tractor and vehicles.

Thanks.

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by kvancott

I've read a few things about reconditioning auto/tractor tanks, but this is a much bigger scale. I'd like to use the tank for my tractor and vehicles.
Thanks.

Is your tractor gas or diesel?

[kvancott]

My tractor and vehicles are gas.

The tank was used to store gasoline.

Today I got it hauled up to the barn and got a closer look at it. Inside had a liquid residue that I was able to drain out. Redish/purplish liquid that was organic (not miscible with water). So the good news is that the tank is intact and there are no leaks letting water in. I'm guessing the liquid inside was some of the heavy, less-volatile components of gasoline. It was flammable, but slow burning and not like fresh gasoline.

There is a little bit of solids left on the bottom of the tank.

Getting the solids out would be the next thing, I guess. Maybe pour some gas in and see if they can be re-suspended and drained? Or should I use water and a detergent?

[ctgoldwing]

Originally Posted by kvancott

We recently bought a place and there is a 300 gal gasoline storage tank that was left, sitting under some trees. I opened the cap and peered inside - the tank walls are still shiny and I don't see any water. The depth gauge looks a little rusty, though. The inside of the tank still smells like gasoline. The valve on the dispensing line is frozen - I'll try some penetrating oil on it to see if I can loosen it up. Of course, the hose and handle are shot and need replacing.

I would guess it hasn't been used in about 25 years, based on what the previous owners were like.

Is there a recommended protocol for reconditioning the tank?

Or would it be as simple as just sloshing some gas around and draining it, then installing a new hose, filter, and dispensing handle?

I've read a few things about reconditioning auto/tractor tanks, but this is a much bigger scale. I'd like to use the tank for my tractor and vehicles.

Thanks.

I don't want to rain on your parade but I would never use a tank that
is at least 25 years old and has been outside for years. The condensation in that tank must have been very significant. Most tanks we deal with (not underground) rot out from the inside. At the very least you should try poking the bottom of it from the outside to see if you go right through it with a screwdriver or similar object.

The company I work for sells oil tanks. The common ones are 275 or 330 gallons. Often times we accumulate 'damaged' tanks that have received dents from rough handling. We usually sell these for $50-$100 and as long as he dent is not on a weld they are fine. Some just have dents on the top where it matters least. It might be worth calling some local distributors to see if they unload their damaged units like we do.

I am assuming that you have no code requirements that would prevent you from installing this - it could never be installed here (legally).