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Bulk Fuel Tank - check for leaks

T

tg in VA

Member
I have an old outdoor kerosene tank, probably 250 gallons, that I want to use for off road diesel. It's been sitting outside awhile and is pretty rusty. Before I invest in painting and getting a pump, what is the best way to check for leaks? I have taken out one of the bungs and shined a light into the tank in the dark of night and didn't see any light escaping.

Any other ideas?
 
how about plumming in some air fittings.put about 30 lb of pressure in it and check it later to see if it drops.RICK
 
I don't know where some people get their information from but if you try and put anywhere near 30 lbs of pressure in a fuel tank get ready for a big boom. Pressure testing a tank should be done at about 3-4 psi. Things will get scary real fast if you start getting much higher than that on a non pressurized tank. HTH Jf
 
Dont---pressurize with air, it might rupture and really leak. The light idea is good, I think the main area to look is the bottom seal. Just put 10 gallons or so of fuel in it and see if any leaks out.
 
I remember years ago reading about some fellas at a party that got the idea of pressurizing a keg of beer so wouldn't have to pump it. As I recall reading, the maximum pressure that a keg will hold is something like 12 lbs if its in great shape. They got a bottle that was over like a 100 lbs and hooked up unregulated and... I don't recall how many got killed at that party, but some did.

Other than using what Rick plans to fill it with and observing for leaks, I can't think of any good ideas other than having some tank maintenance guy check it.

Mark
 
I just had my fuel man bring me a new to me tank. He filled it slow and baby sat with it for 30 mins to make sure it didnt leak. That way if it started he could pump back out. So far works perfect.

As a side note, he told me he cant keep tanks this year and is starting to limit who can get one and what size depending on what they use. I'd had a 300 and a 500 for on road and off. Went to a 500 and 1000. Guess we are all trying to buy and hold while its cheap.
 
What I did when I got an older 275, 300 gal. tank was put in a few rocks with some water and roll it around real good, knocked any sluge or rust lose. Then flushed with water checking for any leaks, then let air dry.Befor adding any fuel in I put in some power servivce to get rid of any water left.
 
I would do as the gun guru suggested by pouring fuel into it and see if it will leak. They usually rust through in the bottom. Back the mid 1950's soon after I was discharged from the military I bought a 275 gallon fuel oil tank from the local oil company. It had been a used tank that had developed leaks in the bottom and they had a new bottom welded over the old bottom. I had it for over 17 years. Never had any problems with leaks. I paid $25.00 for it. The oil company sold an additive to prevent any rust and they gave me a can to add to the tank. I drained it one year and took it into where I worked and had it sand blasted. I gave it a heavy coat of acid primer and then some Dupont enamel. It went with the place when I sold it. Hal
 
Here's a picture of that ignitor again. Hal
2sajq03.jpg
 
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