Using big rig diesel tank for gasoline ok?

[Gary Cotz]

I ran across a practically new USA made fuel tank used for a big rig and it has a label that says "diesel only." I'm thinking they put that on for the daily use when it's on a over-the-road tractor. Could it be used to store gasoline? It does not have some special liner in it do ya think? I have a lot small gas engines and want to keep E0 (non-ethanol) gas in it.

It holds 75 gallons. How much and which kind of Stabil should I add for 50 gallons?

On another note, I can't seem to find 93 octane non-ethanol gas here in central SC anymore. Whassup widdat?

 

[Birdhunter1]

In my opinion it should work fine, what little diesel fuel or diesel residue there is will be diluted and at worst your gas engines may blow smoke like they are burning oil. As for a fuel stabilizer I don't use the stuff but I don't store gasoline either.

 

[ovrszd]

Gary, welcome to TBN.

Yep, it'll work fine. And your assessment of the sign is correct.

I use Stabil brand and dose according to bottle directions.

 

[KennyG]

For small engines, should be no problem. Until you're sure the tank is very clean, don't use it for fuel going into cars/trucks. A very small amount of oil will damage the emission exhaust sensors.

 

[Gary Fowler]

If I recall correctly, Stabil directions say 1 oz. to 2.5 gallons of gas so you would need 20 ounces for 50 gallons. I use Stabil in my end of season fuel and mower tanks. I double dose the lawnmower tanks when I set them up for winter.

Even with Stabil and fresh gasoline, I wouldn't plan on having gasoline stored more than 4-6 months. If it starts to turn brown, it is going bad regardless of the fuel stabilizer used and should be used up promptly by putting it in your automobile.

You should have no problem getting all the diesel out of those tanks so using the fuel in any vehicle is not going to hurt a thing. I put a gallon of old 2 cycle mixed gas into my truck all the time and never had a sensor issue.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I have used Staybil for many years with mixed results. A couple years ago they came out with their 360 line which forms a coating on fuel system parts to thwart corrosion. They now have a Marine version which is even better at controlling moisture like we have here in Puget Sound. 2 years now and I am a fan of the product. No more problems with small engines even chain saws and no internal corrosion anywhere. Follow the directions on the bottle. I treat 50 GL at a time when filling my transfer tank. I go through 100 GL a year. Pump your fuel from the tank through a 10 Micron fuel filter.

Ron

 

[kthompson]

As to your not finding the full gasoline in 93 octane it could be due to the fuel line damaged that supplies our area, may be fixed now or could be it was dropped by the store or supplier. No idea if Case and Dash is there and they it also have another name but they have it here and the Circle K has I think 87 with no ethanol and in my boat makes a big difference but not sure you are suppose to run the 93 in most small engines. Had a mechanic tell me recently it could but up some of the 2 cycle engines. Got my attention for I would buy from which ever of the two stations I ended up at. Ask small engine dealer or boat or motorcycle who sells it for they normally keep up with it.

 

[tjkubota93]

I have used Staybil for many years with mixed results. A couple years ago they came out with their 360 line which forms a coating on fuel system parts to thwart corrosion. They now have a Marine version which is even better at controlling moisture like we have here in Puget Sound. 2 years now and I am a fan of the product. No more problems with small engines even chain saws and no internal corrosion anywhere. Follow the directions on the bottle. I treat 50 GL at a time when filling my transfer tank. I go through 100 GL a year. Pump your fuel from the tank through a 10 Micron fuel filter.

Ron

I have been using the marine sta-bil for 3 or 4 years and it has worked great.

 

[Gary Cotz]

...but not sure you are suppose to run the 93 in most small engines...

Yes, I run 87 or 90 in small engines. But I have an old Russian ural motorcycle that can't do squat without 93 or better. Guess I need to use ethanol and put a squirt of Stabil in there. Seems to run good as long as the carbs are sync'd up good!

 

[Copperhead]

The main reason a heavy truck fuel tank is labeled "diesel only" is that there are enough moron company employees that would accidentally put DEF or some other fluid in there by mistake. The OEM's and the fleets have to factor the lowest rube that might be operating that truck. Same reason that many fleets will put "G.O.A.L" stickers on the outside rearview mirrors. That stands for Get Out And Look" You would think common sense would dictate a driver get out and check in a very tight area backing a 53 ft trailer to see how things are lining up. But alas, many don't, and the damage stats prove that out.