New Storage Tank - How to Protect My Fuel?

[sixdogs]

sixdogs - I was thinking of sticking a piece of 2" pipe for the fill and put a pipe cap. The cap you showed me (and I've seen at the stores) do allow air into the tank. I bought a large desiccant breather so I can hopefully keep moisture out a little better. Plus since I might only fuel up every few years, I figure it might work.

Benefits of the parts crib!

I put my 150 gallon tank in the barn and put the pressurized fill cap on it. I don't fully understand fuel issues but do think a pipe cap without venting would be a bad idea. These things have to let some air--yet have positive pressure-- in or they will suction collapse. I add Stanadyne Performance Additive to my fuel and never had any sort of a problem so I know that works for me.

There are two filers on my tank; a water block and a regular one. It's probably redundant but I have an old tank so who knows what's being filtered out. I have never had an injector off and never anything. It all just works. My pump is a 12V electric and filing up is a breeze. Some years I use lots of fuel and some years the fuel stretches into the next year and I rarely sill a drop.

In my view, I would keep it simple with what already is proven and go with the pressurized vented cap. I know you'll have a desiccant breather but I've never seen one to compare.

 

[cold1313]

Sixdogs - I wasn't a fan of the cap that you use since it does allow the tank to breath in and out (At least from the small information they provide). My desiccant breather works the same (low vent / intake points) however the incoming air goes through desiccant to dry the air. It's made for a 500+ gallon tank, so it can move a lot of air.

 

[sixdogs]

Sixdogs - I wasn't a fan of the cap that you use since it does allow the tank to breath in and out (At least from the small information they provide). My desiccant breather works the same (low vent / intake points) however the incoming air goes through desiccant to dry the air. It's made for a 500+ gallon tank, so it can move a lot of air.

If it's made for a tank it should be fine. My two cents of dealing with fuel for many decades is to keep things simple and don't overthink it like I usually do. I think you'll be fine doing what you plan but I also think you'll be fine with a simple vent cap.

The mere fact that the wife gave you this tank already puts the good vibes on it. She sounds like a keeper. Maybe paint her initials--small size--on the back of the tank and her sense of pride and identification will encourage more gifts. You do have a B'day coming up and before long your anniversary.

 

[cold1313]

Does there seem to be much difference between filters? I was looking at the Goldenrod filters and like the clear filter housing. The water block is 10 micron and then I looked at either the metal screw on or another clear filter housing setup by Goldenrod, which would also be 10 micron.

Again, overkill but I rather ask and learn from other's trial and errors than on my own.

 

[cold1313]

I suppose I could run 2 Goldenrod waterblock filters to be extra careful. Or are other filters built of a higher quality?

Is Dutton-Lainson Company the same as Goldenrod?

 

[RjCorazza]

I suppose I could run 2 Goldenrod waterblock filters to be extra careful. Or are other filters built of a higher quality?

Is Dutton-Lainson Company the same as Goldenrod?

I believe that is correct. For years I used (2) goldenrod filters inline... The first was the 10u sediment bowl filter, followed by a 10u spin on canister water block filter. Currently I just run a larger Goldenrod water block spin on... It's like 8" tall.
Lately I have been installing final 2u fuel filters on my equipment from Cat (1r-0750). The thought occurred to me that if the rated flow is adequate this also may be a good final filter (after the water block) on my transfer tank.
I don't think you will need (2) water block filters. They lock up quick with water.

 

[cold1313]

I believe that is correct. For years I used (2) goldenrod filters inline... The first was the 10u sediment bowl filter, followed by a 10u spin on canister water block filter. Currently I just run a larger Goldenrod water block spin on... It's like 8" tall.
Lately I have been installing final 2u fuel filters on my equipment from Cat (1r-0750). The thought occurred to me that if the rated flow is adequate this also may be a good final filter (after the water block) on my transfer tank.
I don't think you will need (2) water block filters. They lock up quick with water.

What about a 2u filter after the 10u water block canister filter? (I haven't found a 2u filter for fuel transfer so far)

 

[Gary Fowler]

I think you are all overthinking the filtering issue AND the water traps. Unless you plan to leave the tank outside with the vents open, I cant see that much water getting into it from condensation. Setting the tank so one end is a bit lower than the pump end and putting on a drain valve at the low end that you can check occasionally will solve any water accumulation issues simply- just catch a sample about every 6 months to check for water (water will settle to the bottom of the sample).
I have used my 100 gallon tank for over 7 years and when I shine a flashlight into the tank, I can see the bottom which still has no sign of water. It has always been stored inside my fully enclosed boat shed, out of direct sunlight and weather.
I use one screw on canister filter with 10 micron filter capacity. I changed it out once in 7 years, dumped the contents and found nothing in it.
Buy clean fuel, take reasonable precautions on storing it out of the weather and it will last forever. BTW, I don't use any additives in my tank either and never have had a fuel problem. Other than anti-gel (for you diehard northern folk) I would not recommend wasting money on any of the "snake oil" additives that promise better "everything" if you use it.

 

[Gary Fowler]

What about a 2u filter after the 10u water block canister filter? (I haven't found a 2u filter for fuel transfer so far)

I don't think you will find a 2 micron filter for fuel transfer, there would be too much restriction for effectively filling in bulk. I am not sure what the final filter element on your engine is but I think it is also 10 microns.

 

[RjCorazza]

I just confirmed that the Cat 1r-0750 flows 60gph, which is too slow for transfer. I'll just stick with the 10u water block on my tank, but I have one more diesel to put a 2u final filter on.