how to clean out a fuel tank?

[farmall 55a case]

Think im just paint white

 

[Gary Fowler]

Think im just paint white

That is what I did with the 105 gallon tank I bought. After powerbrushing with a knotted wire wheel cup brush, I used the Rustoleum spray can epoxy paint and it has held up good in diesel service. Dont know how it will do in gasoline though.

 

[sdkubota]

I just bought a 200 gal. Fuel tank from a guy at work. I want to use it for gasoline. It hasn't been used un five years. What is the best way to clean it out? Its on a stand im Gona wire wheel the out side of it and the stand and repaint it should I paint it a certain color to help keep the fuel from evaporating? I'm going to keep it in my barn also! I would like to paint it I H red with a big I H logo on it not sure tho! Thanks!

I hate to be a nervous Nellie but I would not keep a large amount of fuel indoors for safety reasons. I know your insurance agent would agree 100% with me.

 

[farmall 55a case]

Yeah i know what your saying about the barn ill have to ask them about it! The only thing in the barn im wanting to put it in is my old john boat and a old international bar mower!

 

[Dr Dave]

I would not store gas in a building, but if you do, vent it to the outside of the building.

Dave

 

[Gary Fowler]

I wouldnt be too nervous about diesel storage as it doesnt make explosive vapors like gasoline. I keep my 105 gallon tank in the enclosed shed with my boat and dont worry about fire there as there is no ignition source in there. I also have gasoline in my boat tanks but those are sealed tightly also so no fumes are even to be smelled. Those new storage containers seal air tight also so not much danger of fumes escaping. Your insurance agent may no agree on that. I guess when it come to fuel stored inside a wooden building, 2 gallons or 200 wont make a lot of difference as either one is capable of producing a fire large enough to catch your building on fire if it were to be ignited. Same with fuel in your tractor. MY LS holds 26 gallons, Kubota RTV 6, JD 332 about 6 (all diesel). My ZTR lawnmower holds about 4 gallons of gasoline and all are stored inside. I wouldnt think of storing all my equipment out in the weather which is why I built my shop. I probably have 20 gallons of oil (motor and hydraulic ) stored inside also.
I am not saying that I would put a 200 gallon tank in my shop but it would only be because of the room it takes up, not the fire hazard.

 

[RFB]

I cleaned a 300 gallon diesel tank by draining the old, putting 2 gallons new and 20 feet of chain inside it (used a string out the fill cap to recover the chain) strapped onto pallet forks and hoisted up and down agitating it, rolling it to change position, rinse, repeat a few times. Saved the drained diesel for fire starting. All in all I used about 7 gallons of fresh diesel, and the final rinse looked plenty good enough since the tank also then received a goldenrod filter system.

 

[farmall 55a case]

Thanks for all the info! I am going to call them monday day and see what they say about keeping it inside! I did get a new hose and filter and filter base today tho!

 

[TCJatko]

If storing gasoline, you might run afoul of newer storage regulations. Specifically, here in New Hampshire if you install a new above-ground gasoline storage setup you need to have it surrounded by an impervious containment barrier (i.e. concrete tub) capable of containing the entire contents in case of a spill or leak. You might want to check out local regulations to avoid future grief.

 

[blueriver]

It looks like more than 200 gallons.