Fuel Filtration

DFW · Oct 27, 2004

Greetings all. I've been reading the various threads on fuel storage, etc. I've decided to get a poly 30gal drum to store the diesel in. Additionally, I have a 12v fuel transfer pump that I intend to use to get the fuel out of the drum. My Mr. Funnel (small one) isn't fast enough for the pump and makes a mess when I try to use it. So, how do you folks filter your fuel that you have in your storage tanks when using a pump. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I would like to have some sort of filter/water separator system to mount on the tank.

Any ideas, things you've done and/or websites to gather the stuff would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

David

KennyV · Oct 27, 2004

I am guessing you will be standing a small (30 gallon) tank on end, Right?

On your tank, keep the dip tube short, leave it a couple inches from the bottom, any water will be on the bottom.

Get an in line filter, that will take care of any chunks…should work fine. KennyV.

Glenn9643 · Oct 27, 2004

I bought a filter assembly to mount in the line between the pump and hose. You might try a fuel distributor in your area as that's where I got mine. The filter element is a screw-on metal canister similar to those you see on pumps at gasoline stations but is for diesel and will filter trash and water. A friend who owns a service station gave me an old 12' hose and dispensing nozzle.

Junkman · Oct 27, 2004

NAPA sells filters and the housings.

Charolais · Oct 28, 2004

I use a NAPA 4006. It's 10 micron and 1"-12 threads on the filter. NAPA can fix you up with the complete filter kit. I used a 30 micron filter for years.Fuel doesn't seem to be as clean as it did some years back.

One of the best ways to keep fuel clean when pumping out of a storage tank is to keep some type of cover over the fuel nozzle when not in use. Insects seem to be attracted to the odor of the fuel. I had a 1977 IH tractor that I had to drain the fuel tank about 4 years ago. It was unreal at the wasp wings that had covered the outlet tube. The exposed nozzle was the only place I could figure that it came from. I started checking before pumping and sure enough there would be some type of insect inside the nozzle just about every time I used it.

While I'm already in this thread here's a link for crossing filter numbers I've found useful. http://www.filtermart.com/fpdb/fmccross.htm Thpe in that NAPA number-4006 and you'll get the figures on it.

MadDog · Oct 28, 2004

KennyV: Do you upend your tank and completely drain it between refills (not necessarily every time, but at least occasionally)? It seems to me, that unless you do that, the water collecting on the bottom of the tank, since it has no air contact to permit evaporation, will just gradually build up to whatever level you have the bottom of the diptube at, and then you will be back to needing some kind of filter.

I have the large Mr. Funnel and it handles the output from my handpump just fine. I also agree with keeping the delivery end of your hose closed. I have a ball valve and a screwcap at the end to give redundant protection against both leakage and pests.

KennyV · Oct 28, 2004

Mad Dog… Yes I do, that is the advantage of a small tank… easy to manhandle to dump out the sediment and water.

I use a pump that pulls pretty hard so I keep my dip tube around 2” off the bottom of a 55 gallon barrel. Clean it every year in the spring. Works great. KennyV.

MadDog · Oct 29, 2004

Yep, once a year should do it, probably a good "spring cleaning" routine.

PineRidge · Oct 29, 2004

David just a few short weeks ago I put together a 275 gallon diesel filling station for my New Holland and I needed the same type of spin on filter. Tractor Supply offers a spin on fuel and water filter complete and at a good price of $17.66. The price was a lot better than the NAPA stores in our area. The kit was part number 3958383 and will handle up to 12 GPM which is more than your pump will put through it. I have attached a picture for your reference. Good luck with your project.

Junkman · Oct 30, 2004

Does the filter have a water drain at the bottom? I know that the NAPA filter does. If I remember correctly, it is a 3/8" pipe plug type of affair. I guess that you could change it over to a radiator type of drain plug if you were so inclined. I don't have water in my tank, so I don't need that. Here is how I check for water electronically. I drop the probe into the tank and if there is any water at the bottom, it will sound an alarm. Not bad for a device that is so old that I can't even remember when I got it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif