Fuel Tanks

Anonymous Poster · Oct 16, 2000

A friend has given me a used 300 gallon diesel tank. I have looked inside it with a flashlight, and it doesn't look too bad, that is, I don't see any rust or obvious loose pieces of stuff.He suggested power washing the inside of it, however, it seems to me that I am likely to cause more trouble that I solve, as I don't think the tank can be made to drain very well. I think I would blast deposits off the tank and have them loose. My idea is to just leave it alone, and, of course use a filter. What do you think? How about double filtering?

Ora

Bird · Oct 16, 2000

Ora, what material is that tank made of? Steel, I'm guessing. Personally, I would wash it out as thoroughly as possible and knock any deposits loose that I could, but of course, it really does need a drain. If you have to, I'd turn it upside down to drain and let it dry a few days. Since I use a clean poly tank, I don't have a filter on mine, but it's certainly a good idea, especially if you think there might be any trash in the tank.

Bird

Billc · Oct 18, 2000

Bird, I have been looking to add a tank. I'll probably start with getting a 55 gallon drum of off road diesel and see how it goes. I can pick the drum up without too much hassle. Since we are moving into Winter I won't use that much diesel. The dealer said that if I want the diesel delivered I need to order 250 gallons at a time, which means a much bigger tank...but that's next year.

What size tank do you have, where did you get it, how did you install it, and what kind of pump do you use?

Thanks for any info...as always.

ejb · Oct 18, 2000

Bill, I know you directed you question to Bird, but heres my two cents anyway:

I have a 275 gallon diesel tank that stored in my unheated shed. The previous owner had it installed (or did it himself?). It is nothing more than the very same 275 gallon tank that you might find in your cellar with your heating oil...nothing special about it...make sense too since diesel fuel and home heating fuel are essentially interchangable in a pinch.

(One time I was real low on heating oil and my dealer told me to just go get some diesel and put it in until they could get out there in a few days).

The previous owner went the extra step off adding a electric pump (gas station style) with a meter (but no $$$ register). Nice touch, but I am not sure that is necessary.

Not really sure if this is upto local codes or not, but I am not going to ask!

Bird · Oct 18, 2000

Billc, the distributors are about the same around here; you have to order in large quantities for them to deliver. I first tried a steel barrel sitting outside and covered with a tarp, and I got water in my fuel. How much was from rain and how much condensation I don't know, but I sure got rid of that. Now I have a heavy, thick walled poly 55 gallon barrel sitting on a pallet inside the shop building and just a cheap lever action pump. When I need more, I set it in the back of the pickup with the front end loader and go to town to get the fuel, then add a pint of Power Service fuel conditioner to the barrel.

Bird

Billc · Oct 19, 2000

ejb, thanks for the info. Don't think I'll get a big tank just yet. I'll start with a 55 gallon barrel that may be all I need. With a 55 gallon barrel I was told NOT to get an electric pump, that a hand pump, like what Bird was talking about, was best.

Bird, what kind of hand pump did you get? Just saw one in the Farm and Country catilogue for $88. That about right? You have you own 55 gallon barrel. That's a good idea. I had planned on just using the barrel the fuel company provided, they charge $12 for using their barrel. Makes more sense to have one's own. Where did you buy your barrel?

ejb · Oct 19, 2000

Re: Fuel Tanks (Gasoline?)

Speaking of fuel tanks, anyone know what the most gasoline you can store at home w/out any special permits? (I am sure it varies by state...I am in Mass).

I know diesel is fairly safe to store since it is so hard to light, but gasoline on the otherhand seems trickier...I'd like to store about 55gallons to have on hand for emergencies...any ideas?

Bird · Oct 19, 2000

Billc, I went the cheap way. Tractor Supply Co. has a pump just like mine; "lever action pump", catalog number 39-57824, that was $25.49. But I don't know about the price of barrels because mine was given to me by a contractor customer of mine. It's blue and originally came with an industrial degreaser/detergent in it.

Bird

Billc · Oct 22, 2000

As always, thanks Bird.

jimmoore · Oct 22, 2000

My local bulk plant operator gave me a steel 55 gal. barrel, a hose and nozel. I also got my hand pump from TSC. I have my barrel seting on my 3ph carryall. I just hook it up to my tractor, drive i mile to the bulk plant and fill it up! Lucky to live so close I guess.