Do you think that it is a good idea to keep the fuel tank mostly full thru the cold months. When the level is low I have noticed condensation on the fuel cap. That can,t be good.
Bob
Bob
Top it off
- Thread starter retroman
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I keep all my outdoor equipment full of fuel (gas or diesel) pretty much year round.
Runs With Scissors
Well-known member
Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
+1
+1
Full is always better. IMHO.
In my opinion, it's even more important during the warmer months due to higher humidity levels.
At least when its "stupid cold out", the humidity levels are relatively low.
I agree with full (or close to)
However how full is full?
you are never going to get it up to the fuel cap.... So condensation on the fuel cap is most likely unavoidable.
Use a fuel additive..
On a side note,
I have a couple motorcycles I haven't started in a couple years...
I keep the tanks full to the top.
when I finally decide to start them I will drain the tank / add fresh gas.
I've always done this... never had rust in a tank.
I have a couple spare tanks hanging around but they are slathered with WD-40
at least the Bota tank is plastic ..... (well most new ones are)
Warm days expand / expel atmosphere From your fuel tanks.
Cool nights contract / introduce humid atmosphere into them, … where the humidity can condense.
The theory is that a full tank has less exchange of that air. I used to be more diligent about that…but eventually got lazy after a work-period and parked it and headed for the ‘fridge.
I’ve not noticed any greater tendency to collect water in the separator. My Kubota has a plastic tank but my Ferguson has a metal tank. Neither seem to care if I store them full or not.
Your Kubota has a water/separator filter. Check it before each operation and drain it if water is found.
Avoid Any/All additives. Except for biocidals , With rare exception, they ALL have disadvantages. They All drain your pocketbook, and some can damage your equip’t.
Cool nights contract / introduce humid atmosphere into them, … where the humidity can condense.
The theory is that a full tank has less exchange of that air. I used to be more diligent about that…but eventually got lazy after a work-period and parked it and headed for the ‘fridge.
I’ve not noticed any greater tendency to collect water in the separator. My Kubota has a plastic tank but my Ferguson has a metal tank. Neither seem to care if I store them full or not.
Your Kubota has a water/separator filter. Check it before each operation and drain it if water is found.
Avoid Any/All additives. Except for biocidals , With rare exception, they ALL have disadvantages. They All drain your pocketbook, and some can damage your equip’t.
Fuller is always better. Whether it's a car, truck, equipment, or heating oil tank.
Add propane to this list…mine is sitting at 14% (500 gal) and my propane company can’t or won’t tell me when my delivery is scheduled. It’s been the coldest fall/winter that I can recall (central NH) and my 500’ driveway is snow covered ice. I need to have my sander guy come at some point before my delivery…happens every year at this time…some drivers have been at my driveway and refused to enter because they won’t take a chance witha delivery…my dilemma and rant is over…wish me luck in making it happen this coming week!
fuel tanks should be kept as full as possible as much as you can. empty airspace gives condensation places to form. this leads to water in fuel. bad for diesel bad for gas motors.
if your storing fuel it should always be plastic ESPECIALLY bulk fuel containers.
a bigger issue than simply water is the rust that can form in metal tanks be it a vehicle tank or storage that can clog up fuel intake lines caused by condensation.
depending on what diesel injection system you have you may not want to use an emulsifier additive. if you have a high pressure diesel injection system do not use fuel in it that has been treated with an emulsifier
if your storing fuel it should always be plastic ESPECIALLY bulk fuel containers.
a bigger issue than simply water is the rust that can form in metal tanks be it a vehicle tank or storage that can clog up fuel intake lines caused by condensation.
depending on what diesel injection system you have you may not want to use an emulsifier additive. if you have a high pressure diesel injection system do not use fuel in it that has been treated with an emulsifier
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I like to use Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement. Ads cetane and it's a winterizer. Not expensive either.
Why not have your tank filled during the summer, to avoid the driveway problem and also enjoy the cheaper price during the summer months.Add propane to this list…mine is sitting at 14% (500 gal) and my propane company can’t or won’t tell me when my delivery is scheduled. It’s been the coldest fall/winter that I can recall (central NH) and my 500’ driveway is snow covered ice. I need to have my sander guy come at some point before my delivery…happens every year at this time…some drivers have been at my driveway and refused to enter because they won’t take a chance witha delivery…my dilemma and rant is over…wish me luck in making it happen this coming week!