Fuel Tank Plumbing Help

freedhardwoods · #1 12-02-2015, 06:25 PM

I have a 500 gallon tank that I am going to start getting fuel delivered to so I can fill my pickup at home. The pump I am going to use is a transfer pump that has a 3/4" hose for a pickup tube.

The tank has a 1" NPT opening that I want to install a weather-tight pickup tube. I thought this would be a simple, find the parts, and install it project.

After 2 hours of searching, typing every phrase I can think of in Google, and looking at dozens of web pages, I can't find anything to make it work.

I did find 1 adapter bushing to fit a barrel (red part on top), - https://www.dultmeier.com/products/0.851.1890.2866/1369 but I can't find a smaller one to build a pickup tube, let alone a tube to just screw in.

Any suggestions?

john hall · #2 12-02-2015, 06:53 PM

My fuel storage tanks have much larger openings, I just screw the pump right in. The pump came with the pick up tubes. Check Fil-rite and see what they have to offer.

JLM78 · #3 12-02-2015, 06:53 PM

Just make sure you buying highway fuel

freedhardwoods · #4 12-02-2015, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john hall

My fuel storage tanks have much larger openings, I just screw the pump right in. The pump came with the pick up tubes. Check Fil-rite and see what they have to offer.

Fill-Rite has pickup tubes, but not the bushing to make it work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLM78

Just make sure you buying highway fuel

I've had quite a bit of fuel delivered in the past. I used to have the fuel guy come out and fill my semi.

john hall · #5 12-02-2015, 07:42 PM

Have you tried Mcmaster-Carr? How are you getting the fuel out of the tank, pump or gravity flow?

freedhardwoods · #6 12-03-2015, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john hall

Have you tried Mcmaster-Carr? How are you getting the fuel out of the tank, pump or gravity flow?

I checked McMaster Carr. Didn't see any special fittings.

I was planning on using a pump. Two people on another forum suggested using air pressure to push it out. You're not supposed to do that with regular barrels and tanks, but this is a propane tank. I was using it as an air tank recently with 140 psi in it. 15 psi would give me the flow of a pump.

johns cubs · #7 12-03-2015, 07:21 AM

Why cant you cut a bigger hole and weld in bung hole from a 55 gallon drum? Or what ever thread you need. Then most transfer pumps would thread into that?

ol'George · #8 12-03-2015, 07:22 AM

May I suggest that you check with "your guy" ( fuel delivery person)
as some might not want to fill a converted "propane" tank with Diesel.

before you spend some time and $$ on something they might shy away from
filling.
In today's world their are so many rules that you can't even put drinking water in a milk jug so to speak.
In my day they would come out and fill most anything, but times have changed, especially post 911, and enviro reasons, setbacks, containment Etc.
I don't think He will fill an unapproved tank!

That said, a filling event usually consists of a 1-1/2" maybe 2" N.P.T fill nipple like on your diesel saddle tank or fuel oil heating tank, as I'm sure you know.
do you have that on your "pig" you plan to convert?

I've seen some bulk Diesel 250-500 Gal. tanks on skids, go pretty inexpensively @ farm sales already setup.
Around my area, the cost of Diesel Delivered, is more than @ the local filling stations.
Don't want to rain on your parade, just my thoughts/concerns.

J-Mech · #9 12-03-2015, 07:23 AM

You can get a fuel company to pump gasoline into a propane tank?

I find that tough to believe. Besides.... a fuel truck usually only has a nozzle with a 1.75" or 2" outlet. Propane tanks don't have a fill hole large enough for that.

Pressurize a fuel tank to dispense fuel...... You can pressure up a tank with gasoline in it if you want..... That is an explosion waiting to happen.

I think you better rethink this entire deal. Or at least first make sure that the fuel company you have in mind will actually put gasoline in a tank not approved for gasoline. I'm betting you'll find they won't do it.

Edit: George, we posted at the same time..... saying almost the exact same thing...... scary.

Shotgun Wedding · #10 12-03-2015, 07:33 AM

Whoa!!!! Fuel in a old propane tank has to be a showstopper. And the option of valving off the vent in order to pressurize it to flow out is a disaster waiting to happen.

Even if someone would fill it, use common sense and don't...but I wouldn't think any fuel delivery person outside of Kabul would fill a converted propane tank with or without a valve on the vent.