Insulated fuel tank

[lloyd430]

Hey folks- would in be worth it to insulate my fuel storage tank, only 30 gallons, to help with the condensation with the temperature change? Just and idea, I don't know if anyone has tried this, or if its even worth it.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Hey folks- would in be worth it to insulate my fuel storage tank, only 30 gallons, to help with the condensation with the temperature change? Just and idea, I don't know if anyone has tried this, or if its even worth it

Thanks for any input.

I am not sure that it would help a lot. Storing the fuel tank indoors is the best solution. I keep mine inside my enclosed boat shed and has been there for more than 3 years and no problem with condensation. My tank is somewhat non-vented so it doesn't suck in the cool night air anyway should any get into the shed. I keep intending to put a drain valve in to check for water, but everytime I get the tank empty, I forget to do it.

 

[Bubbanewf]

I had some bubble insulation with foil on both sides that was used under my metal roof. I wrapped my drum with it completely and covered the top with some old car mats to keep water from sitting on it and the sun from hitting it directly. I agree that condensation would be worse if the tank was not insulated.
I think the intake of my pump is pretty close to the bottom of my drum. If I let it get empty, I would have already gotten water out of the drum. I guess once the fuel level gets low, I had better watch for water in the tractor separator. I will think about never letting the drum get below a quarter full before filling it and adjusting the intake to about three inches from the bottom of the tank. That way when the pump stops drawing, hopefully any water will be below that level and I can pour it out.

If my drum goes empty by winter, I will clean it out until spring and bring in a couple gallons of fuel if the tractor needs it. I know I wont need to use the tractor much in winter. I dont use it to push snow around.

 

[the old grind]

If you ever see a storage tank tilted slightly it's for a reason. Fuel hose should draw from the higher end and a tap at the low end would allow draining water, sludge, etc. (Whatever comes out that end can be used to clean parts. )

The closer you can come to this commonly recommended example the less you should have to mess with the separator on your tractor.