55 gallon barrel fuel station questions

[Kl3640]

There is another way you can do that too......forget to pop the vent plug and start filling your tractor. Depending on the amount of fuel in the tank, you can do that too....Daaaaaaaaa!!!!! But I just did it recently and I have been running my fuel supply this way for probably 30 years. I did manage to get the can straighten back out for the most part.

I thought pumps self vented?

 

[FTG-05]

1) My gasoline drum (soon to be diesel drum) is steel with some type of painted lining. It has been fine for the past 20 years or so.
I have temporarily used plastic drums for some diesel that I acquired for free, and yes, they don't do so well with the weight of a pump.
2) I fill through the small threaded port with a large funnel
3) I assume the pump does vent while pumping. I have never vented the drum while pumping, and don't notice a vacuum that has any consequence.
4) I do not vent my drum, as it is stored in a shed and not exposed to drastic temperature swings.
5) I have a chart and 1/2" PVC pipe that I stick the drum with.
6) Harbour Freight makes a drum Dollie that I use. I also have a scissor type grabber, but rarely use it.
7) I like to buy reasonable quality tools and gear. I have a GPI manual pump and an auto shutoff nozzle, which have been very reliable and easy enough to use.

Avgas pump: GOATTHROAT FUEL TRANSFER PUMP | Aircraft Spruce

I read TFM for my Fill-rite fuel pump and this statement stood out for me:

"WARNING! This product shall not be used to transfer fluids into any type of aircraft."

It doesn't say "avgas", it just says it can't be used to refuel an airplane. Dunno why.

 

[Kl3640]

Avgas pump: GOATTHROAT FUEL TRANSFER PUMP | Aircraft Spruce

I read TFM for my Fill-rite fuel pump and this statement stood out for me:

"WARNING! This product shall not be used to transfer fluids into any type of aircraft."

It doesn't say "avgas", it just says it can't be used to refuel an airplane. Dunno why.

The aviation world is full of crazy regulations not all of which truly enhance safety. That’s why. It’s not “certified.” This is why the same exact part with an airplane application can cost 3x vs the same exact thing with an automotive part number (relays are a good example). There are also massive liability considerations. For example somebody crashes due to a fuel issue and the family sues the pump manufacturer.

 

[PILOON]

As to storing fuel in plastic drums, well just think of how many tractors now have plastic fuel tanks.
There's your answer!
ALSO a plastic drum won't 'sweat' like a steel one will, and the real bonus; NO rust!

 

[Diggin It]

^^^ There are gazillions of plastics. Some take glue, others don't. Some craze in the sun in one summer, others last years. I accidentally spilled some gasoline on a plastic light lens and it shattered instantly, almost like glass. A plastic fuel tank under a sheet metal fender or seat pan might last years, but decay much faster in direct sun. I've seen some plastics turn gooey after a few hours of oil contact.

 

[PILOON]

I agree that some plastics decay from sun.
You'll note that those are usually clear or white items.
Black and some dark grey (notably tie wraps) are a good example of resistance.
The black coloring is most probably carbon based hence UV blocking.

First vehicle tires were pure rubber and they decayed rapidly until they added carbon to the formula. (that made Mr's Binney and Smith very wealthy*)
(Carbon also blocks RF signals.)

I have stored my fuel in a black tote for many years with no adverse effects.
Conversely I once spliced a PVC pump line with a white PVC coupling and the UV caused it to shatter within one year of exposure to sunlight.

*I worked for them for 12 years so know the history.

 

[PILOON]

QUOTE:
"I’ve found both electric and manual pumps that will work with GASOLINE. Yes my application is gasoline not diesel. Further more it’s not regular automotive gas, rather it’s 100LL avgas. It will be stored indoors but will spend some time outside."

I sure hope you ground everything when you transfer gas.
Gas sure likes to go BOOM from even the slightest spark, and that includes static electricity.
I was in aviation so I understand all about aircraft and grounding during fueling.

 

[rgr33]

I first considered a 55 gallon barrel when I decided 5 gal cans were for the birds. I decided against them because the fuel co. Had a minimum amount for home delivery, and one drum didn’t qualify.
They also were a pain to offload, and I had visions of losing one off my flat bed trailer, and getting my picture in the local newspaper.

I ended up buying a transfer tank from NAPA, and adding A 12v fillrite pump. The tank was $260, and the pump was $140. The tank comes with tie downs, and is bolted to a heavy skid.
It definitely was a case of buy once cry once, but it remedied a pain in the rear fueling situation that was getting more difficult as the years go by. I really recommend it if your budget allows it.

 

[Kl3640]

QUOTE:
"I’ve found both electric and manual pumps that will work with GASOLINE. Yes my application is gasoline not diesel. Further more it’s not regular automotive gas, rather it’s 100LL avgas. It will be stored indoors but will spend some time outside."

I sure hope you ground everything when you transfer gas.
Gas sure likes to go BOOM from even the slightest spark, and that includes static electricity.
I was in aviation so I understand all about aircraft and grounding during fueling.

Yep. Aviation pumps, trucks, etc all have grounding cables and I’ll set one up on this solution.
I’ve decided to go with a closed top seamless 1.5mm 55 gal stainless drum with a FillRite pump and a good drum dolly.