gas tanks

   / gas tanks #1  

daedong

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2003
Messages
1,265
Location
South Australia
Could i use mild steel for gas (petrol) tank, for my houseboat or would it rust out from inside
 
   / gas tanks #2  
Vin, I see no one has answered yet, maybe because they're like me; I don't know. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif But, personally, I don't think I'd take the chance.
 
   / gas tanks #3  
What are gas tanks usually made of?
 
   / gas tanks #4  
Do you have regulations that appy to building boats? If so there may be information on gas tank materials and construction. I'm quessing but I'd suspect the tank would require some type of official approval stamp.

Egon
 
   / gas tanks #5  
Going by my expierence with motorcycles you should be fine. The only way to keep any gas tank from rusting on the inside is to keep it full.

If you want to really rust prof it, go by a motorcycle shop and ask the parts manager if he can get you a Kream(sp) tank sealer kit.
 
   / gas tanks #6  
Most tanks I've seen on boats are aluminum. Stainless would be nice, but too expensive. Plastic is an option, don't know what kind of service life you require.
 
   / gas tanks #7  
Hi Mike:

Gasoline tanks, at least steel gasoline tanks are Terne plated steel. The Terne plating keeps the rust at bay for a long time. Most manufacturers are now going to high density plastic tanks as rust is never a problem.

Diesel fuel is compatible with aluminum, steel (Terne) or plastic tanks. The NHRA requires plastic or aluminum fuel cells with an approval stamp and date of manufacture.

By the way, how's your fittings doing??
 
   / gas tanks #8  
I asked the question about it because the American Chopper guys are always bending, forming and welding sheet steel to make their gas tanks. However, the added twist in this thread is it being on a boat. Wasn't sure if that made a difference.

<font color="blue"> By the way, how's your fittings doing?? </font>
Just great! Not a drop of hyd fluid spilled! I am taking a few days off after Memorial Day and plan on getting the rest of my fence posts pounded in. Five days off and 30 posts per day should complete the job. At least that's my plan. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
   / gas tanks #9  
First and foremost I'm not in any way recommending that you do this. Ok, now back to the question.

My Dad and I had a boat that we built mild steel custom gasoline tanks for. We owned that boat about 15 years, using it in fresh and salt water and never had a problem. I sold it to a guy that used it for a couple of years and he sold it to someone else and as far as I know it's still being used. The only thing we did special was sand blast and paint the outside of the tanks. We never bothered about keeping them full but I'm sure that it would help keep down any condensation.
 
   / gas tanks
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Hi

I must say this first, TBN forums are GREAT! It does not matter what you post there is always a response from a broad spectrum of people, unlike so many other forums.

<font color="blue"> What are gas tanks usually made of? </font>
I have seen stainless steel, aluminum and mild steel but unfortunately I have not been able to take to anyone that has mild steel tanks.

<font color="blue"> Do you have regulations that appy to building boats </font>
There are no regulations that apply to building houseboats here in oz with the exception of navigation and safety gear, and EPA requirements regarding black water, unless you hire them out.

<font color="blue"> Most tanks I've seen on boats are aluminum. Stainless would be nice, but too expensive. </font>
Mild steel would be much cheaper for two reasons; one the price of materials and two I can do the work myself.

<font color="blue"> My Dad and I had a boat that we built mild steel custom gasoline tanks for. We owned that boat about 15 years, using it in fresh and salt water and never had a problem </font>
David do you remember what thickness steel was used and how big where they
 

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