Poor Mans Fuel pump

[jejeosborne]

I had bought a 55 gallon plastic drum of windshield washer to fill my rear tires and figured I would use the drum for fuel storage. I liked the fact that the side of the drum was graduated in 5 gallon increments and you can see the fuel level. I drilled a hole in each of the caps. The first cap I drilled the hole so that a 1/2 in cpvc would be a tight fit and inserted the dip tube. The second cap I threaded with a 1/2 male adaptor and glued on a gate valve and threaded on a quick coupling for the air hose. The filler hose is just a rubber garden hose with a male end and ball valve. To fill I put the hose in the fuel tank and open the ball valve, set my compressor output to about 10 pounds, crack open the gate valve to flow air. When I am down to my final gallon I close the gate valve stopping air flow. Fuel remains flowing from the drum still being pressurized so once the tractor tank nears full I slow flow with the ball valve and shut the valve when full. Then I open the gate valve relieving the drum pressure. I was amazed how fast the fuel flows and not a drop spilled.

[erosol]

How do you fill the drum, with 5 gallons cans, or do you have diesel delivered?

[RalphVa]

Where did you buy the windshield washer fluid?

Actually, you could probably do this in a regular 55 gallon metal drum in its bung hole (e.g. air in/fuel out from separate holes in the bung).

However, I like the idea of being able to tell how much fuel you're putting in via the 5 gallon marks. I like to keep track of the gallons/hours and record them in a notebook when I finish each 5 gallon container. It's a pain to lift the 5 gallon containers up onto the hood each time though.

Ralph

[LBrown59]

Anyone else using free air over the pricey Elect. fuel pumps?

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by jejeosborne

I had bought a 55 gallon plastic drum of windshield washer to fill my rear tires and figured I would use the drum for fuel storage. I liked the fact that the side of the drum was graduated in 5 gallon increments and you can see the fuel level. I drilled a hole in each of the caps. The first cap I drilled the hole so that a 1/2 in cpvc would be a tight fit and inserted the dip tube. The second cap I threaded with a 1/2 male adaptor and glued on a gate valve and threaded on a quick coupling for the air hose. The filler hose is just a rubber garden hose with a male end and ball valve. To fill I put the hose in the fuel tank and open the ball valve, set my compressor output to about 10 pounds, crack open the gate valve to flow air. When I am down to my final gallon I close the gate valve stopping air flow. Fuel remains flowing from the drum still being pressurized so once the tractor tank nears full I slow flow with the ball valve and shut the valve when full. Then I open the gate valve relieving the drum pressure. I was amazed how fast the fuel flows and not a drop spilled.

How do you fill the drum?
Do you have a filter on it?
Do you treat the fuel ?
Do you have a water separator filter on your compressor?
How do you drain off the water that accumulates in the bottom of the drum from condensation?
>>> >>>

[dpdee13]

Nice setup, the see thru drum is a great feature. Compressed air can introduce some water into your fuel which can promote algae growth. If you don't have one you may want to install a oil/water separator on your compressor. You can pick one up at most supply places for around 10.00.

Coleman Powermate P024-0153SP Water & Oil Separator @ Air Compressors Direct.com - Your Online Air Compressor Superstore

Dave

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by dpdee13

Nice setup, the see thru drum is a great feature. Compressed air can introduce some water into your fuel which can promote algae growth. If you don't have one you may want to install a oil/water separator on your compressor. You can pick one up at most supply places for around 10.00.

Coleman Powermate P024-0153SP Water & Oil Separator @ Air Compressors Direct.com - Your Online Air Compressor Superstore

Dave

I put one on my new Air Compressor when I got it last June.

[schmism]

ive hear the problem with a see through barrel like that (if its exposed to sunlight) it encourages the bacteria? that munch on the fuel and it grows that slime.... (although if you use the fuel in a timely mannor it should be THAT big of an issue)

(least i think i got that right... some one help me out hear)

[Dirthog]

I would be very careful pressureing a drum have seen them blow apart with not much pressure on them have seen a couple of guys hurt doing that trick the drum is not made to take pressure.

[DieselPower]

Looks like a bomb waiting to go off to me to. At the least you should place a preasure release valve in it to prevent the drum from exploding and covering you and everything within 25 feet of you with fuel.