Convert Diesel Tank To Gasoline

There is absolutely nothing to worry about from the few gallons of diesel left in the tank.

Rather than the actual left-over diesel, I would worry about and slime or crud left in the tank.

Be sure to have a good in-line filter to catch anything that gets stirred up by the gasoline. You didn't state if there is a pump, or not. If not, be sure to get a filter rated for gravity flow.

Also, if the hose is over a couple of years old, I would replace it. Sometimes on old hoses, the rubber inside deteriorates and sheds gooey chunks, and that will REALLY make a mess in a fuel system!

My true experience: When stationed in Germany, out in the field for a month with 20 or so other guys sleeping in a GP-Medium tent, we had a "pot-bellied" burner/furnace for heat. It was winter, very cold, and the diesel that it burnt was thick as mud. The Army said never to mix gasoline with diesel to thin out for those burners, to use denatured alcohol. We didn't have denatured alcohol, so used gasoline (like one gallon to ten). We got the burner adjusted to the fresh mix, and it was going ok. Then it seperated, and the diesel settled on the bottom (first into the burner), and began having problems burning (much thicker), so someone re-adusted the burner. We all hit the sleeping bags, and about midnight or so, the diesel had burnt off, and it hit the much thinner gasoline, which passed through the burn jet pretty quick. We were all awakened by the large roar of the gasoline hitting the flame, over flowing onto the ground and up into flames. Everyone rushed out in time to see that huge tent go up into flames with all of our gear inside. Next day the Colonel flew out to assess the damages, relieve the Sargeant in charge of duty, then made us spend the rest of the exercise sleeping in our trucks for being a bunch of dumba$$es. It happened just like that, and never tried that again. Stupid, but true.

Personally, I'd get all of the diesel out of that tank and start fresh, period.

I've been cutting #2 diesel to #1 by adding no-lead at a ratio of 1:20 since forever.

Works like a charm..... ..... ..... (so far). :>)

Allan

Converting from diesel to gas and back to diesel is not a real problem as far as mixing fuels goes. Just try to get it as low as you can then fill it up so the mixture is minimal.

Gas will leak from spots that diesel will not. This mostly becomes a problem if you have the tank steamed cleaned out for repairs. Diesel will lubricate and expand any o-rings or gaskets. Gas on the other hand will dry out and shrink gaskets so you may find leaks you did not know you had.

Check to make sure your pump is rated for gas and ground the tank with a ground rod. You can also provide a ground wire to hook to vehicle being fueled or the ground can be run through the hose. It depends on your set up. If your hose is not equipped with the grounding wire in it like at gas stations then you need the extra grounding wire to the vehicle. Static electricity is nothing to play with. Gas can ignite just from pouring it from one bucket to the other.

The problem with gas tanks is the EPA and their ever expanding reformulate acts. While it should not be a problem with such a small tank and the fact that you are not in the city I would check with your local fuel jobber first. He may not be able to deliver you gas with out such things as a vapor recovery system on your tank. Just ask your jobber as he will know the rules for your area concerning venting gas fumes to the atmosphere.

Also I do not know your set up but now would be a good time look over your storage area since the tank will be empty. While it is not required it is a good idea to put all fuel storage tanks on a concrete pad with either concrete or cinder block wall high enough to contain all fuel in the tank. If you ever come out one day and find your tank has leaked on the ground or you have a over fill spill you will have wished you had done this. Just ask anyone that has had to dig up their yard to remove contaminated dirt. It is not cheap to dispose of this dirt.

My 2¢

Salvage yards are full of old diesel tractors that have been sparked to death. IH's 656 was notorious for catchin' fire up in the cowl area.

They would naturally fill with the accumulation of years' of field dust, the owner's would get an overflow once in awhile while fueling and over time, that packed in dirt would become a diesel soaked mess.

Well, don't ya know, this is right where the electrical system's buss, fuses and switches are located and also right above the battery tray. A bad electrical connection at any of these components would ignite that waiting torch.

Probably the resultant heat of the bad connection that does the igniting; I dunno, but still, a fella has gotta be kinda careful.

The only reason I'm up here a moanin' on my soapbox, is because it happened to me in the dead of winter one time while I was hooking up a battery charger.

That cable sparked and I had a roaring fire on my hands.

Best o' the day to ya,

Allan

Good point. I didn't intend to minimize the danger of sparks around diesel, just trying to emphasize the danger of static sparking during refueling with gas as the nozzle approaches the tank.

Ron

Flip 'em back and forth at will; 'taint gonna hurt a thing.

Like you say, just empty them as best you can.

Allan