Fuel storage
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Fuel storage
G has asked me to ask you lot about storage of spare fuel. He had 2 x 5 lit unleaded plastic containers stored in the bins but it must have been the heat that made the fuel expand and ooze out the top and leaving the bottom of the container looking like a boab tree. How do you smart travellers store spare fuel?
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Re: Fuel storage
Here's a tip. Don't drive so far without filling up!



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Re: Fuel storage
Silly man, I did say the fuel was unleaded (used for the big red genny) The bus is diesel in case you had forgotten
and this is the first time this has happened.

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Re: Fuel storage
Dot,
Don't fill them full. Give some space for the air/fumes to compress as the liquid expands.
Don't fill them full. Give some space for the air/fumes to compress as the liquid expands.
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Re: Fuel storage
Fuel is stored underground at service stations and is usually only around 12-14 degrees.
Once above ground and in summer it'll be more likely around 25 degrees.
Secret is to release any pressure in the container every hour or so until it is at that temperature.
Never fill it right to the top or releasing pressure will be letting fuel out.
Remember that the pressure is petrol fumes = explosive!!
Cold nights will suck the sides in with no damage but will blow out again next day.
Parking the bus with that side of the bus facing South if possible will help too.
Once above ground and in summer it'll be more likely around 25 degrees.
Secret is to release any pressure in the container every hour or so until it is at that temperature.
Never fill it right to the top or releasing pressure will be letting fuel out.
Remember that the pressure is petrol fumes = explosive!!
Cold nights will suck the sides in with no damage but will blow out again next day.
Parking the bus with that side of the bus facing South if possible will help too.
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Re: Fuel storage
Metal cans Dot, you can buy 5-10 lt metal jerry type cans. Petrol will eat up plastic over time and as you've found, expand under heat. Have used plastic drums and cans for fuel storage and the only ones that last are the blue 20lt cubes that hold cleaning detergents and are throw out be most hospitality businesses. But have only stored diesel i them, all the petrol I ever use at home is always stored in metal jerry cans.Dot wrote:G has asked me to ask you lot about storage of spare fuel. He had 2 x 5 lit unleaded plastic containers stored in the bins but it must have been the heat that made the fuel expand and ooze out the top and leaving the bottom of the container looking like a boab tree. How do you smart travellers store spare fuel?
Used to carry petrol for the chainsaw, but now have a cordless chainsaw that's much better all round.
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Re: Fuel storage
+1 for mr Peppers comment, although there are plastic containers that will storef fuel properly -including plastic fuel tanks- most of the cheapies are not up to it. Steel is the deal. Better for the fuel too, the modern version of fuel we get goes "off" after just a few weeks in cheap plastic .
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Re: Fuel storage
Thanks everyone all comments noted and passed on 

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Re: Fuel storage
Be aware that steel containers split their welded seams if the pressure gets too high, plastic ones just increase their capacity
Let the pressure out and when it cools the round bum will disappear, don't you wish that would work for you Dottie 


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