Preventing fuel tank explosion

Discussion in 'Wrenchin' Secrets' started by suntreemcanic, Mar 6, 2021.

  1. suntreemcanic

    suntreemcanic Well-Known Member

    I have to do some welding on my fuel tank. I ran exhaust in it for about 1 ½ hours. It does not smell of gasoline now but this new stuff does not smell as strong as old gas did. So I am wondering if anyone has an idea to test it for safe to weld on without destroying the tank?
     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

  3. GSX 554

    GSX 554 Gold Level Contributor

    I've heard putting some DRY ICE inside the tank , which is really frozen CO2 fills the tank with inert vapors . As soon as it hits air temp it goes directly to a Gas .
     
  4. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    I tossed a match in the open hole with the sender out . it went WHOOSH and went out. Welded away then reinstalled it.
     
  5. Steve Reynolds

    Steve Reynolds SRE Inc

    HAHA!! I've gone so far as to fill them near the top with water and light a match...... burns, but no explosion. Striking the first arc is the nail biter!!! LOL
     
    12lives likes this.
  6. BUICKRAT

    BUICKRAT Got any treats?

    Animal!!!
     
    6769RIV and Briz like this.
  7. Jim Weise

    Jim Weise EFI/DIS 482

    I have welded sumps onto used gas tanks in the past.. just drain all the fuel and then stick the hose in it out in the driveway.. flush it with water for 10-15 minutes, drain, and you will be fine.

    JW
     
  8. bignastyGS

    bignastyGS Maggot pilot

    I took my tank that I had a sump welded in to, to a radiator shop. $40 bucks and no hassles at all. I have read that putting the exhaust into the tank makes it even more flamable,but watched my dad perform it a few times.. I apparently didn't get his balls...
     
  9. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    I've done a few,..no problems just let it sit for a day after I prepped it,..you can also fill it with a heavy gas,..that will displace the fumes

    Next question how do you plan to cut the tank for the sump??,.. reason I ask is if you plan to just put a large hole you're going to have slosh issues.

    Drill large holes to feed the sump then weld a baffle over the pickup,. Extend it to the back of the sump with a 1in slot in the back and drill the baffle with 3/8 holes
     
  10. B73NC

    B73NC Member

    You know...bring it to a rad shop and let them worry about it.
     
    Smartin likes this.

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