Storage of a Portable Metal Gas Tank

[OptsyEagle]

I have a new plastic gas tank that I use now and will be storing my old metal tank for who knows how long. It works fine so I want to keep it as a back up.

Does anyone have some thoughts on how to store it so it doesn't rust or degrade. I thought about spraying fogging oil into it to reduce rust but I am not sure I could get a good coating on all the walls and I am also not sure I want all this fogging oil in the gas if I ever use it again.

Any ideas?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Storage of a Portable Metal Gas Tank

Fogging oil or tcw3 oil is the way to go.
Turn fuel tank upside down and spray up into it, turning as you go.

 

[Mike722]

Re: Storage of a Portable Metal Gas Tank

If it is air tight, I would not worry about it. If not you could pour a little motor oil in and move around to coat all surfaces and either leave the oil in until ready to use or pour out excess.

If it was mine I would throw it away and buy a second plastic as a back up.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Storage of a Portable Metal Gas Tank

Why throw out a good tank?

I too store a number of metal tanks (dual line pressure tanks). Currently, I coat the entire inside with 2 stroke oil, but I wish I had a better system.

 

[OptsyEagle]

Re: Storage of a Portable Metal Gas Tank

I may never need it, but never is a long time and someday it may come in handy. Plus, if I ever sell one of my little motors, they may need a tank.

Thanks a lot for all your suggestions.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Storage of a Portable Metal Gas Tank

I store my old metal tanks with TCW (just picked up another 6 Gal Milemaster for $10)
I do the same. I figure it will run at least 50-1 in the future, so I put in the correct amout of TCW, slosh, and tag it. Sits over a few years, easy to suck out most of the oil with a suction pump, and fresh is going in if back in service. If not, just a slosh once in a while

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Storage of a Portable Metal Gas Tank

the main thing is to slosh it once in a while, will help keep any rust down. they were originally coated on the inside with something, but on the older tanks it breaks down. condensation will form due to hot and cold creating water, thus sloshing helps. even a little old gas is better than totally empty, although it turn to varnish.

 

[pecheux]

Re: Storage of a Portable Metal Gas Tank

I have a spare metal OMC tank myself. In order to keep it from rusting I keep it full of the 2 cycle oil/gas/stabil mixture and use it as a home fuel reserve. (like a jerry can) then use the gas from it to refill the tank I use in the boat (which is stored in my home garage).

Otherwise like in winter time I simply keep it full of the same mixture and use it in the spring.