Converting 55 gallon drum to fuel tank

[ctfjr]

I have been using a 12 volt diesel pump kit from Amazon Pump Kit

I semi-permanently mounted it on a shelf near the tractor but I still had to schlep 5 Gallon jugs from the basement oil tanks up stairs to the garage. Other than that it worked great. It empties 5 gallons in 15-20 seconds. I used the 'alligator clips' it came with to connect to one of my genset's batteries.

So I'm finally too lazy to carry the fuel . . . Enter my new 55 gal drum:

Came with the lid and clamp and was used for liquid latex but had an interior plastic bag to no material touched the metal. Just because I'm anal I used some JB Weld silicone to seal the bottom edge.

laid out where everything was going

Replaced the 'alligator clips' with a connector to match the one on the front of my tractor with a 20' long cord

Now just waiting for Amazon. I need a grommet for the hole I have to make for the suction line tubing and a couple of 2" locknuts as well as the drum dolly. If they get here early enough I should be finished today.

 

[shelkol]

did that with a poly drum. Works great

 

[ctfjr]

and Amazon didn't disappoint!
The drum dolly was sturdier than I thought it might be

The finished project

Just have to work out a better way to store the hose. All in all I'm pleased with it. Tomorrow have to call the oil company and let them know to drop 50 gallons in it - I'm about due for a home delivery anyway.

 

[ctfjr]

did that with a poly drum. Works great

Good to hear Shelkol - how do you store your hose?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

nice !
for hose storage, just use self tappers and mount a couple shelf brackets on the pretty green , hehehe
serious query though, what's the 'electrical device' with the 3 'Weston' meters do ??

 

[ctfjr]

It's a 10kw diesel genset. Government surplus. My son and I both bid and got 1 each from FT Meade several years ago. They are beasts. Completely refurbished, put on brand new trailers and then auctioned. Mine had .75 hours on it. MEP-003A

 

[shelkol]

Good to hear Shelkol - how do you store your hose?

I just coil it up on top of the drum.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

You could mount a small wheel (trailer?) to the side of the drum and hang or wind it on that.

 

[ctfjr]

You could mount a small wheel (trailer?) to the side of the drum and hang or wind it on that.

Thanks PoTreeBoy
I really don't want to add any width to it though. I keep in my regular garage and there isn't a whole lot of excess room.
I started thinking about it and I'm going to look for a hose cage that is used on top of a shop vac to hold that hose.
I tried Shelkol's suggestion but there just isn't a good way to keep the hose on top with all the 'stuff' that's up there.

 

[ctfjr]

... and it works
Had an oil delivery today. Prior to filling I put my winter additives into the drum. It moves really easily on that drum dolly. So I plugged it in

and filled up the tractor

It turns out with the ventalarm tube going in at least 6" the whistle shut off with 45 gallons in it and the driver immediately stopped filling. Perfect!