Making a fueling rig

IMCA38 · Sep 8, 2003

Well, I've quickly tired of toting my 5 gallon can 2 miles up the road to get on-road diesel. I called the local co-op and they won't deliver off-road fuel in less then 100 gallon quantities. So, I surmised I need something big enough to make the 15 mile trip to get off road diesel worthwhile. Yesterday I went to an auction and started the process. I picked up the tank/toolbox combo for a bid of $45. 00. The tank is in great shape and looks like it isn't very old. It is actually an auxaliary fuel tank for a pickup, but has been running diesel (you can smell it!). I'd say the tank is about 45-50 gallons which is about the size I wanted. I decided the tool box would be handy to keep my grease gun, hitch pins, etc. I then picked up the 4' x 6' trailer for $35.00. All I need to do now is mount the tank on the trailer and come up with a pump of some kind. The tank has a 2" barrel bung on it but I will have to be careful as the bung is close to the side of the tool box, so clearance will be a concern, but I think I can make something work.

Currmudgeon · Sep 11, 2003

Nice looking fuel bowser. You have plenty of room left on the trailer for log chains, shovels, rakes, and implements of destruction.

It looks like a diaphragm barrel pump or an electric will fit in the fuel neck, but you may need to use a Dresser coupling or jury rig a coupling.

IMCA38 · Sep 12, 2003

Thanks.
I think I'm getting the pump part figured out. I want to put on a hand pump so I can use it anywhere. My Massey only has a 6 gallon tank, so I shouldn't get too winded! There is a barrel bung on the top of the tank, but it is very close to the side of the tool box. In addition, the tank is only about 9 1/2 inches deep, so most barrel pumps won't go that shallow. I think I will try to put a galvanized 2" nipple, about 12" long in the bung with a double female union on top, and then put the pump in that. Hopefully that will work ok.
One other thing I'll have to do is put a tongue jack on the trailer. That thing is heavier then heck even without fuel in the tank!

Joe1 · Sep 13, 2003

Is there any need to somehow ground the tank when filling it? I read somewhere here that fuel can should be on the ground when being filled because of static electricity generated as fuel flows through the hose. I'm not sure I agree with that, because rubber tired cars and trucks are filled with gasoline and diesel every day without any ground.

Thanks

Joe

Currmudgeon · Sep 17, 2003

( Is there any need to somehow ground the tank when filling it? )

I wouldn't worry about a static spark igniting diesel, but it might not be a bad idea for a petrol bowser.

All you need is a wire and an alligator clip. If you want to get fancy, use a trouble lamp reel, take the lamp off the end and replace it with an alligator clip.

LBrown59 · May 3, 2006

I think I will try to put a galvanized 2" nipple, about 12" long in the bung with a double female union on top, and then put the pump in that
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You do not want to use galvanized pipe fittings with diesel fuel.
Use black pipe fittings instead.

3RRL · May 3, 2006

( You do not want to use galvanized pipe fittings with diesel fuel. Use black pipe fittings instead.)

LBrown59,
I didn't know that? Can you explain why?

ksmmoto · May 4, 2006

The zinc will dissolve in the diesel fuel.

ksmmoto

rswyan · May 4, 2006

( I think I'm getting the pump part figured out. I want to put on a hand pump so I can use it anywhere. )

One thing to consider using is a 12v electric pump - given the fact that whatever you are fueling probably has a 12v battery and will be right next to the tank, it would should allow use "anywhere"

.... and it sure beats having to turn that crank in 90+ degree weather /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

LBrown59 · May 4, 2006

One thing to consider using is a 12v electric pump - given the fact that whatever you are fueling probably has a 12v battery and will be right next to the tank, it would should allow use "anywhere"

.... and it sure beats having to turn that crank in 90+ degree weather /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

I agree with this but I'd like to find a pump for less than 150 bucks .
35 to 75 bucks is more my speed.