Diesel Fuel Tanks- Material

[CROW]

I used to have a memory. Did I read that diesel fuel tanks should be made of plastic or aluminum and not steel? There was an article in the TDR sometime back-I think-that spoke to this issue. Thanks for any responses.

 

[JimBob24]

Seems like there was a discussion about aluminum and plastic being preferable to steel because of the rust problems with steel.

 

[nickleinonen]

steel will work fine. . keep the moisture out of it as best as you can and you will be ok. [heck diesel loco's have been using steel fuel tanks for 50+ years]

 

[Regcabguy]

Aero tank and Transfer both use steel.

 

[cojhl2]

Steel has been used for years. But for some reason for which I don't know,, it cannot be galvanized.

 

[steved]

I'm using a RCI fuel cell as an auxiliary tank... the only issue is the gasket that seals the opening to the tank body seemed to leak once in a while (more of a seep) and I needed to tighten it up... since then, its been fine...

I guess I should make a point... the gasket material probably is more of an issue than the tank material is... make sure whatever you run is compatible with this new fuel or biodiesel, whichever you run...

steved

 

[GaryOwen]

Transfer Flo has aluminized (aluminum coated) steel tanks. I think they also have aluminum tanks, but they are more expensive. I have a 70 gallon aluminized Transfer Flo on my 03, and have had no problems. I do have a fuel/water separator and a 2 micron filter between the aux tank and the main tank.



Have an aluminum 45 gallon RDS aux tank on my 95. Was able to buy it directly from RDS in Florida at a very good discount, but that was several years ago - I think they were phasing out direct sales. Have had no problems with this tank.



I would avoid a steel tank unless it is stainless steel or aluminized steel. There is virtually no way to be assured some water will not get into the tank.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Lots of the aftermarket uses diamond plate aluminum for weight saving and looks, but steel has worked fine for me - been using the same 50 gallon steel in-bed transfer tank for over 15 years, 2 different diesel trucks, and over 150,000 miles with no issues...

 

[jwgary]

Steel has been used for years. But for some reason for which I don't know,, it cannot be galvanized.

I would think that the EPA has something to do with that. The sulfur used in the galvanization process might be able to leach into the fuel increasing its sulfur content above the legal limit.