Fuel tank storage

Firewoodjoe · March 15, 2020, 02:13:42 PM

I have a 1/4" steel round tank. 72" long 48" diameter. It's a fuel tank but the guy I bought it from had it on wood. It has no legs. Should I weld legs on? Or set it on something? Wood steel concrete? It will be on a concrete slab with a roof over it. Should I worry about rust/moisture between the leg and tank?

Mt406 · March 15, 2020, 03:31:07 PM

Proper welding precautions when welding on a tank that had fuel in it. You may not have to worry about rust anymore.
Were I live it's so dry rust is not a problem. Under a roof I wouldn't think it would be.
Be careful.
Scott

btulloh · March 15, 2020, 03:37:10 PM

Make a cradle stand. Pipe or steel you have laying around. Strap the tank. Then you don't need to weld on a bomb. Decent paint will take care of the rust problem.

Southside · March 15, 2020, 03:54:09 PM

In addition to not having to deal with the fuel / welding issue you don't run the risk of creating a future pin hole in the tank, so yes make a cradle and set it on that.

Firewoodjoe · March 15, 2020, 05:47:44 PM

I've welded lots of diesel tanks. No big deal. I wasn't really worried about a pin hole due to it is 1/4" but the cradle would be simple. And it will be covered. That should help. Thanks.

btulloh · March 15, 2020, 05:54:10 PM

I've never seen a simple fuel tank that size made out of 1/4". Pretty stout stuff. What was the original use? How much does it weigh?

Ljohnsaw · March 15, 2020, 06:08:03 PM

Quote from: Firewoodjoe on March 15, 2020, 05:47:44 PMthe cradle would be simple.

And since this is the FF, the cradle should be made out of something like white oak!

chevytaHOE5674 · March 15, 2020, 06:23:45 PM

I'd weld some skids or legs on it so that the tank isn't setting right on the concrete. Gives room for air movement so you dont have any problems with condensation or sweating where the steel and concrete touch.

Firewoodjoe · March 15, 2020, 06:48:58 PM

Quote from: chevytaHOE5674 on March 15, 2020, 06:23:45 PM
I'd weld some skids or legs on it so that the tank isn't setting right on the concrete. Gives room for air movement so you dont have any problems with condensation or sweating where the steel and concrete touch.

That was my concern condensation. I'll drag it back out and see what I have for steel. And this was a fuel oil/home heating oil tank made just for this guys house. It was in his basement. Rolled 1/4" tread plate. And it is heavy. Had to get a buddy's skid steer because 3 of us could just drag it out of the walk out basement with jacks and wood skid contraptions.