storage of a petrol tank?

Question

What is the best way to store the petrol tank off my benly over winter.

the bike is having a slow rebuild weekend work only
the tank is perfect inside no rust and i want to keep it that way.

how would i store it?
empty? with or without the fuel cap on?
with fuel in it then dump the fuel next year?

can some one help

thanks x kitti x

Answer 1

Differing opinions.
Here's mine, with explanation for some of the differences.
Remove the tank and empty it.
Storing gasoline is not recommended, even with stabilizer.
If you don't stabilize, varnish and other deposits form (goes bad).
Coat the interior of the tank with a light oil. Not deisel fuel. Deisel fuel attracts water, the opposite of what you want.
Replace the cap.
Store in a cool, dry place. Or a place with minimal temperature changes. Air entering the tank and then cooling can cause condensation (water).
Next year, rinse the tank with a small amount of fresh gasoline to remove the oil. Drain.
After this is the best time to check the petcock screen and fuel filter. Clean or replace as needed.

Answer 2

Storing a fuel tank can be tricky. You can store it completely drained, but any exposed metal does rust, especially metal that has been exposed to corrosive fuels like gasoline. So you take a chance on having a messy rusted tank. You can use a small amount of diesal fuel poured into your empty tank, swirl it around and put the cap on. Then, once a month go out and swirl it around to make sure all the metal is coated with the diesal to prevent rust. Atore this in a well vented area, away from all flame sources. Or you can store it full of gas, but add the proper amount of a product called "STABIL" which most auto parts stores carry. You add the amount as directed and let it mix with the fuel in the tank. BUT, then you have to store the tank in a manor that does not allow it to tip over and leak fuel, in addition, you can't store it near any open flames, like in a garage that has a gas water heater, or gas furnace. You also have to be aware of storing it in a hot shed or heated area which will cause explosive fumes to form and either leak from the tank, possibly causing an explosion, or that can be harmeful if you breath them. I store metal fuel cans and tanks full of gas, with stabil, in a covered and insulated work shed that is detached from my house, it has screened vents along the bottom to allow gas vapors to vent outside to avoid danger.
I probably created more questions than I answered for you, but Gas is dangerous to store. 1 gallon of fuel has a lethal explosive potential and you want to be very careful storing it.
Good luck.

Answer 3

I would actually fill it full of petrol. and leave it. Petrol is only dangerous, or rather fuel tanks, when they are empty. as long as there is a good seal on the tank and its not left near anything flammable then you should be fine. I have worked in petrol stations for ten years and we only ever got nervous when we were just about finished filling the tanks. Petrol is heavier than air so sits on the floor. make sure it ventilated and you will be fine.

Answer 4

Its not just rust, but particulates from your spent fuel that will still be in. When you say perfect, do you mean you have washed it out? It would still need to condition, if you were not keeping fuel in i would put some of the moisture absorbing packages you can get...but make sure you can get them out and you get them all out before putting petrol in again. I would just keep fuel in as long as it was stored safe and no risk to being disturbed. need to vent occasionally

Answer 5

Just dump all the fuel out and put the cap back on. Store the tank inside if possible.

Answer 6

I would treat it as any other steel. Empty it out good and dry and treat the inside with a coat of oil. Maybe an ounce or 2 of 2 cycle oil sloshed around inside or some fogging oil. Then a good coat of wax over all odf the outside. In the spring, you should be able to wash the oil out with some cleaning solvent and be good to go.

Answer 7

Moisture will attack any exposed steel like around the tank mountings,,,,once there you would have to use something like "Rust eater" to kill of any rust then over paint,,but you would be better just emptying the tank and storing it indoors after you heve expelled any petrol fumes from the tank,,,

Answer 8

you need to keep you petrol tank in a well ventilated area keep it full of petrol then when your going to use it again empty it and refill with fresh petrol the reason you need to keep it full is because it can't rust or anything inside if its full of petrol you need to open the petrol cap once a week or so just to let out the pressure hope this helps Miss Kitti xxxx

Answer 9

That's true, but only about a cup full so it doesn't dilute the petrol. The metho mixes with the water and then evorates.

Answer 10

You need to empty the fuel out and store it in a place away from any danger of explosion. Although the fuel tank is empty, the petrol fumes linger inside for a long time. Ideally it is safer to have it steam cleaned inside after emptying any fuel to get rid of any petrol fumes completely.