Converting 55 gallon drum to fuel tank

ctfjr

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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:
20211015_161838_resized_2.jpg


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.
20211016_145100_resized_2.jpg

laid out where everything was going
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Replaced the 'alligator clips' with a connector to match the one on the front of my tractor with a 20' long cord
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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.
 
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ctfjr

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and Amazon didn't disappoint!
The drum dolly was sturdier than I thought it might be
20211017_163426_resized_2.jpg


The finished project
20211017_204737_resized_2.jpg


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.
 
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GreensvilleJay

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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

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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
 

PoTreeBoy

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

ctfjr

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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

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... 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
plugged_in_20211021_151826_resized.jpg


and filled up the tractor
1st_fill_20211021_151929_resized.jpg


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!
 
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