Those of you with steel auxiliary tanks...

[steved]

Do you have any problems with rust on the interior?



I'm going to be buying a new tank, the price of steel is attractive (as is the ability to weld a bung into the bottom for a drain)... but they are typically not coated on the interior. Is this a concern if you run a tank of fuel through it once a month or more???

 

[Dieselnut59]

I have never had any problem with rust and have several steel tanks. Customers have them also. Keep it water tight (yet vented) and use a filter on your transfer pump. I have a clear filter, where you can see the element. Have never had to change it, it is just a precaution. Diesel is "oily" which will help prevent rust anyway, unlike gasoline.

 

[steved]

I guess that was my main concern... water in this newer ULSD. I have an auxiliary tank now, but its plastic... I can see water in the bottom of it.

I'm looking at a 37-gallon vertical tank, either Delta or Tradesman...

I also intend to install a "GoldenRod" filter between it and the main tank... to have that clear sump to see any water.

 

[Dieselnut59]

I guess that was my main concern... water in this newer ULSD. I have an auxiliary tank now, but its plastic... I can see water in the bottom of it.



I'm looking at a 37-gallon vertical tank, either Delta or Tradesman...



I also intend to install a "GoldenRod" filter between it and the main tank... to have that clear sump to see any water.

That is the kind of filter I use. They are excellent filters and made in USA. You should have no problem. You must have a water entry point on your tank? I have never heard of any problem with water associated with ulsd? A big customer of mine has a fleet of 15 diesel forklifts they run inside a warehouse. They are powered by ULSD off road fuel. It is in a 500 gallon tank outside. I put a Goldenrod "water block" filter on the transfer pump. After a year + of use, the filter has never been changed and the fuel is very clear. ULSD is exceptionally clean fuel. Old "high sulphur" would clog a filter quickly.

Check for water entering your tank somehow. . and if you are setting up a new tank system, you are not going wrong with the Goldenrod filter.

 

[steved]

Kinda hard for water to get into that tank, its well sealed and also inside a weather-tight tool box... the only way water would get into it would be from the nozzle.



I have been fighting water in ULSD ever since it came out, I believe it is more hygroscopic than LSD. I drain water from my filters all the time, including the FASS that is downstream of two water other separators.



I'm looking at a SS tank right now... interesting design, might work better than a vertical.

 

[Dieselnut59]

Reckon it is your fuel supplier? I have yet to have any water problems with any suppliers of ULSD. I can't honestly tell a bit of difference in how the stuff performs, except it smokes a little less and does not burn my eyes as much. Never had any fuel filter or water issues. I would have the local (state) department of agriculture inspector check out the place you are buying fuel. Not sure it is Dept of Ag in every state but that is who regulates fuel in Georgia.

 

[steved]

I fuel all over the country...



I notice you state you're in GA, and I doubt you see the cold temps (when I notice the issue the most) like we do...

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

It doesn't get too cold, nor humid in Las Vegas, NV, but I had a tremendous rusting problem with a Knaack/Weatherguard steel tank. Transfer Flow uses aluminized steel and I have had no problems at all with their tanks.

 

[steved]

I'm really considering an aluminum tank... hard to find a vertical (non-"L") tank in the aluminum flavor...



This still hinges on what they find wrong with my truck though...

 

[GaryOwen]

I found a 40 gallon aluminum tank at Aluminum Fuel Tanks (about 4 years ago) that sounds like what you are looking for. I actually bought it directly from them, but not sure if they still sell retail. They would not ship, and I had to pick it up at the factory in Perry, FL. It had a slight dent on the top, so they marked the price down from $285 to $200. They supply to Northern Tool, so you might be able to get it through them. I think Northern Tool was putting pressure on them to not make retail sales at the time.

 

[steved]

I found a 40 gallon aluminum tank at Aluminum Fuel Tanks (about 4 years ago) that sounds like what you are looking for. I actually bought it directly from them, but not sure if they still sell retail. They would not ship, and I had to pick it up at the factory in Perry, FL. It had a slight dent on the top, so they marked the price down from $285 to $200. They supply to Northern Tool, so you might be able to get it through them. I think Northern Tool was putting pressure on them to not make retail sales at the time.

Wow! Thanks for that info... I'll be heading to Miami, Florida on the 12th!!