FUEL VAPORS IN TANK

ajkelly · Oct 19, 2009

Perhaps try running the exhaust from a car into the tank. I believe I heard of people doing this when they wanted to weld on a damaged tank. Supposed to push out the fumes that we explode.

vision · Oct 19, 2009

ajkelly said:
Perhaps try running the exhaust from a car into the tank. I believe I heard of people doing this when they wanted to weld on a damaged tank. Supposed to push out the fumes that we explode.

To weld on a tank you would first flush it with lots of hot dish soapy water. Then purge it with an inert gas that contains no oxygen. Argon is normally used.

Lots and lots of hot soapy water is your best bet to knock down the smell. If you have fuel varnishes inside though even this will not get rid of the smell 100% but is should knock it down enough for Fed Ex. Obviously you don't want to transport a bomb but once you have got everything you can reasonably get out then box it up before brining it to FedEx. I have bought many tanks on ebay and they almost all had some smell of fuel but one point is NOT to use the words "fuel" or "gas" in the description..... "motorcycle tank" will work fine without raising any red flags:up:

gearsmithy · Oct 19, 2009

vision said:
To weld on a tank you would first flush it with lots of hot dish soapy water. Then purge it with an inert gas that contains no oxygen. Argon is normally used.

Lots and lots of hot soapy water is your best bet to knock down the smell. If you have fuel varnishes inside though even this will not get rid of the smell 100% but is should knock it down enough for Fed Ex. Obviously you don't want to transport a bomb but once you have got everything you can reasonably get out then box it up before brining it to FedEx. I have bought many tanks on ebay and they almost all had some smell of fuel but one point is NOT to use the words "fuel" or "gas" in the description..... "motorcycle tank" will work fine without raising any red flags:up:

^^ What he said ^^

2004BC · Oct 19, 2009

vision said:
To weld on a tank you would first flush it with lots of hot dish soapy water. Then purge it with an inert gas that contains no oxygen. Argon is normally used.

Lots and lots of hot soapy water is your best bet to knock down the smell. If you have fuel varnishes inside though even this will not get rid of the smell 100% but is should knock it down enough for Fed Ex. Obviously you don't want to transport a bomb but once you have got everything you can reasonably get out then box it up before brining it to FedEx. I have bought many tanks on ebay and they almost all had some smell of fuel but one point is NOT to use the words "fuel" or "gas" in the description..... "motorcycle tank" will work fine without raising any red flags:up:

Ditto!!! Tig welded customizing a lot of HD gas tanks. Exactly the method I used and I'm still alive so it must of worked!!! :cheers:

Gas Man · Oct 21, 2009

Just rinse it out real good. Then drop a match in it. The match will take care of any left over vapors. I kid you not...

Honestly though... I never ever did anything and I have shipped tanks. Keep the cap and petcock on. Wrap in towels and tripple garbage bag them. No problems.

bigdogtech01 · Oct 21, 2009

I have never had any problems shipping a fuel tank via any service. I put a small amount of air into the tank via my air nozzle that is hooked into the shop air, not much, just a small amount to blow inside down the fuel fill hole. Just purge it like that for a good hour or so till the smell and fuel vapor is gone. I use tape or rubber bands on my air nozzle handle to hold it open just a little. Seems to work out just fine and no need to get out the water hose

FUEL VAPORS IN TANK

Can-Dog1

Rob

ajkelly

Member

vision

Member

Can-Dog1

Rob

gearsmithy

Active Member

2004BC

FREEDOM!!!

Can-Dog1

Rob

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap

Can-Dog1

Rob

bigdogtech01

Well-Known Member