Cleaning Out 55 Gallon Drums?

[Hdoilcan]

Today I purchase a 55 gallon drum that originally had Hydraulic fluid in it and I also purchased two 15 gallon drums that had some type of fragrances in them. I'm planning on using one of the 15 gallon and the 55 gallon for diesel and I'm wondering what I should use to clean them out?? They are lined inside and clean (like new).... they just need the left over hydro fluid and fragranse cleaned out. Should I first use soap and water and then use a little diesel to clean them out? The top/lids are non removable, theres a 2" bung on top that I can access the inside but that's it. Please let me know what you think.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

The hydraulic fluid 55 GL should be OK as long as it is clean. The little bit of HY fluid will burn with the diesel and you will probably never notice. What was the base material for the fragrance? I would worry more about that than the smell. The new diesel will eventually kill the odor. I would only rinse out with diesel unless it was full of something that needs different solvent. Stay away from using water if you can.

Ron

 

[7879fordman]

The hydro one just add diesel and start using no need to do anything .

The others I would rinse them out with diesel a time or two then use .

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[Lou66]

I wouldn't do anything with 55 gal.. you are putting diesel in it.. as long as it is empty,, no more than a cup of hydraulic fluid in 55 gal will do little or nothing.. the other I don't know about.. Lou

 

[jgrieve]

warm beer does suck.

 

[Hdoilcan]

Sounds good.... thanks for the advice

 

[beemerphile]

Most concentrated fragrances that I am familiar with are oil based. Usually mineral oil. Diluted fragrances are usually diluted with ethanol and water. In either case, there should be no worries using the fragrance drums in fuel. Your exhaust might be sweet a time or two. If you wanted to swish a gallon of kerosene of diesel around in them it wouldn't hurt, but it probably unnecessary.

 

[Egon]

Burning all that fragrance should make for a sweet smelling truck.

 

[Hdoilcan]

One drum has a fruity smell and the other one has a pine tree smell..... lol I wouldn't mind smelling the pine while the tractor us running.

 

[lamanated]

hot soapy water a couple times, then put a couple ounces straight water in, and see if it still beads like water on an oil spot , at least you will know if your getting the residue off,,, you dont want a set of seized injectors as a result of not trying,,,