I just learned a valuable lesson

anthonyk · Dec 28, 2005

Ok, it's time to admit I did something stupid /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I store fuel in standard 5 gallon plastic containers from Home Depot. I have both gasoline and diesel.
I also have one for the mixed fuel I use in my Husqvarna chainsaw. That one has gas mixed with oil, which looks remarkably like old diesel.
AND I had a extra container of old diesel which I'd left on a back part of the property. I'd been using it to start some brush pile burns.
Well, I brought that old diesel back in a few weeks ago and wouldn't you know, I filled my chainsaw up with it.
Yep, good and full. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Boy did that thing smoke! And I had oiliest chain you've ever seen.
After figuring out what I'd done I was amazed that it even started and ran.
I cleaned the whole saw and ran a tankful of clean gas and an additive through it, and now it seems fine, but I've learned a lesson.
Today I go down to buy some YELLOW containers for the diesel
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anthony

slowrev · Dec 28, 2005

I mark all my fuel cans with a Sharpie marker. ie GAS, 38:1 mix for Poulan weedeater, 16,1 for Craftsman saw, etc. I started this after my wife trashed a weed eater by running straight gas in it /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I do the same with old fuel and oil containers.
Ben

RobertN · Dec 28, 2005

I use red cans for gas, and the yellow cans for diesel. For 2-stroke, I use a 1 gallon can. It has a big stripe of duct tape all the way around it, with 2-stroke written on it too. I run the same premium gas/oil mix for all(Husky 50:1 oil). Kinda wish there was a green can or something for 2-stroke though...

turnkey4099 · Dec 28, 2005

I only have four types, Regualar gas, Premium gas, Diesel + crud, 2-stroke mix. The Premium is in its own 2 gal can and marked prominently "PREMIUM". The 2-stroke is in the ony 1 gal can (unmarked). Regular and diesel/crud are in 5 gal. Neither marked.

I am hoping that the next prowler spots the diesel/crud can to run off with. I leave it parked temptingly close to my throwaway chainsaw (the two good ones are hid out) It is used for starting brush piles and starts as 4 gal diesel then all oil drainage, gas used for parts cleaning, paint thinner etc is added to it as the year progresses.

Having both diesel and gas in 5 gal cans not clearly distinguishable is dangerous. I was expecting to hear a story of filling a diesel tank with gas.

Harry K

Nasty135 · Dec 28, 2005

I do the same as slowrev, Mark it all with a sharpie... When I need tanks next time I will also look for the yellow ones for my diesel...

Freds · Dec 28, 2005

I have different fuel containers of the politically incorrect color for what's in them. I like it that way 'cause *I know* what's in them. I didn't plan it that way, it's all the store had at the time. I had a builder grab one and empty a couple gallons of diesel into his gas powered power trowel. Serves him right, but it was running, just smoking a lot. I had another two containers stolen out of my pole barn. I hope they got poured into the wrong engine, too. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

AndyM · Dec 28, 2005

I have matching Biltz cans for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. Only difference is the color-- red, yellow, and blue.

They look so nice sitting on the shelf with the exact same size and shape! I don't see the blue ones for sale at very many places though.

deere755 · Dec 28, 2005

I am just amazed that your wife runs a weed eater. I will never have to woory about my wife ruining a weed eater unless she drives over it with the car or something.

slydog · Dec 29, 2005

I too go the sharpie route. I have small one gallon cans for the chainsaw and the weed eater. They used a slightly different mix ratio from one another, so I write the mix ratio on the cans also, as I can never remember what the proper ratio is. If it werent for the markings, I'd never get it right!

riptides · Dec 29, 2005

Dang.

I need to mark and get color coded containers. Maybe I'll do this as a New Years resolution. Maybe not. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

With all these replies, I guess it is a matter of time before I mix up, all my containers are 5 gallon red, from the same manufacturer. My 2-cycle, is a one gallon, however.

Hmmm... what to do...

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif