New storage tank

[tractorski]

I just purchased a 300 gallon storage tank for off road diesel. It has been used for that purpose previously. There is a few gallons of residual fuel in the bottom, but I am unsure of its condition. My plan is to drain the residual crap out, but what should I do after that? I got it for $300, which includes the 110 electric pump, hose and handle. The previous owner could not get the drain plug out and rounded off the nut. What are my options?

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[paulwestski]

You can try to drill it out and then use a large easy out to back out the plug.
Just make sure that you drill as large a hole as possible to allow the plug to give.
What size is the drain plug?

 

[Ken45101]

You could turn it upside down to drain it but I agree that getting the old plug out is the right way to start. I would also flush the tank out while you have it empty, there is no telling what crude is in there.

I also suggest putting a good filter (water and particulate) on your setup.

 

[PRF]

I might be crazy but I'd lock a pair of vice grips on it super tight, then whisper a little heat around the edges and see if the plug doesn't come right out before I drilled it..

 

[paulwestski]

Is the plug made of steel?

You could always tack weld a nut or something to the plug.

 

[Ken45101]

Is the plug made of steel?

You could always tack weld a nut or something to the plug.

I would not go anywhere near a fuel tank with a welding outfit!!!!! YMMV

Remember, his goal is to get it drained out!

 

[Dr Dave]

They make damaged bolt removal sockets, Sears has them, they are like an inverted screw extractor. I have used these on many bolts, nuts and pipe plugs.

Dave

 

[LBrown59]

I just purchased a 300 gallon storage tank for off road diesel. It has been used for that purpose previously. There is a few gallons of residual fuel in the bottom, but I am unsure of its condition. My plan is to drain the residual crap out, but what should I do after that? I got it for $300, which includes the 110 electric pump, hose and handle. The previous owner could not get the drain plug out and rounded off the nut. What are my options?
Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

I'd replace the drain plug with a brass one in order to avoid hving this problem again in the future.[/B]

 

[CliffordK]

I would not go anywhere near a fuel tank with a welding outfit!!!!! YMMV

Remember, his goal is to get it drained out!

This is a Diesel tank, not a gas tank. It is far less explosive, but it can burn quite well. If you do choose to weld on it, make sure all holes and caps are uncovered, so there is nothing to build up pressure.

The bolt extractors sounds like a good idea.