Hi Guys,
I hope you can help me with this fuel tank issue.
Background:
I have a 55 gallon square fuel transfer tank. The tank is in like new condition outside, but nasty inside. I bought it new and used it as gasoline storage for one of our generators. It never sat in the dirt to rust, it was always up on a pallet. I used “all” of the gasoline - pump said it was dry. Because of developing a better fuel system, I have not used it for a few years.
The goal:
My goal is to bolt this tank to a skid, install the new pump, filter, hoses, and nozzle and take it to jobs as a second transfer tank for diesel fuel. Easy to put in the truck and go. I don’t want to do this wrong and ruin the new Tier 4 Diesel engine that is part of a very expensive tractor, or damage the other diesel tractor, or a skid steer loader, or my diesel Mule, or.......
The problem:
I scrubbed the outside of the tank and it cleaned up well. Inside smells like varnish, as expected. The inside does not look rusty. I carefully turned the tank upside down over an EPA spill mat with a spill containment curtain. Out poured about a gallon of nasty smelling varnish residue. I built a heavy duty skid, but did not bolt the tank on it yet.
Questions:
What can I do to clean this tank? Is it even necessary to clean it since it is now practically empty? Should I pour in about 1 gallon of diesel and shake, not stir, then drain? Or, should I fill it with 55 gallons of diesel fuel and not worry. I use Goldenrod filters with the translucent sight glass jar and replaceable inner cartridge filters. I get their best filter and cartridge that filters out fine sediment and water. I need to get this in service ASAP.
At the auto parts store, the expert who knew nothing found a product in about a quart size bottle that says it will clean the tank and stabilize the diesel fuel, and prevent jelling and will treat up to 100 gallons of fuel.
So what is some good advice? Thanks!
