DIY fuel tank?

[machinist@large]

why not try to do somthing like this. http://motorbicycling.com/showthread.php?t=21154

Is PVC gasoline proof? I've seen a lot of people use it for machine tool coolant systems, with OKish to really poor results; the really poor ones were using water soluble oil based coolant mixes. The ones that had better luck were usually running a more modern soap based mix....

The #1 reason I ask is because modern gasoline is a real chemistry experiment. I've found in the past that I could clean the outside of PVC with Lacquer thinner, which made the outside layer gummy. Modern gas has a lot of ingredients that could potentially do the same thing, which would play HOLY with the carb, and maybe even the engine itself.

Any real feedback?

 

[Oxymoron]

Yeah, thanks for the suggestion rocketkart... but I wouldn't make a tank from PVC. It's just not "cool enough" for me, haha... I definitely appreciate the gesture though!

Since you mentioned it, and I had concerns with it's resistance to petroleum just as MAL... I looked it up.

According to Grainger, it is resistant to "aromatic free" petroleum... whatever that is. As far as the other additives to gasoline... I don't know.
www.grainger.com/tps/raw_pvc_cpvc.pdf

Also, $7 isn't bad for an adhesive either.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0017M44Q6

 

[machinist@large]

Gasoline 1/ PVC 0......

According to Grainger, it is resistant to "aromatic free" petroleum... whatever that is. As far as the other additives to gasoline... I don't know.
www.grainger.com/tps/raw_pvc_cpvc.pdf

Also, $7 isn't bad for an adhesive either.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0017M44Q6

The "aromatic's" in gasoline are the flammables that make it a motor fuel; it also partially answers my questions concerning why it doesn't hold up very well in many industrial applications....

Now I'm really wondering what will happen to your carb if you decide to use it......

Pat

EDIT: Just had a closer look at Graingers chart; it appears to rate the materials by what % of concentration they can stand. If that's the case, they don't rate PVC for gasoline or many other types of petroleum products.....

If anyone can help clear this up, I think it would be good info for the forum.... Pat

 

[rocketkart]

the hell if I know what would happen but it was just a idea. let her rip tater chip!!!

 

[Lynxer]

The "aromatic's" in gasoline are the flammables that make it a motor fuel; it also partially answers my questions concerning why it doesn't hold up very well in many industrial applications....

Now I'm really wondering what will happen to your carb if you decide to use it......

Pat

EDIT: Just had a closer look at Graingers chart; it appears to rate the materials by what % of concentration they can stand. If that's the case, they don't rate PVC for gasoline or many other types of petroleum products.....

If anyone can help clear this up, I think it would be good info for the forum.... Pat

PVC is 100% GAS SAFE. it will not melt or goo up. Ive been making PVC gas tanks for just about everything under the sun.

From Studebakers, argo's, and motorized pedal bikes.






Notice the metal "thing" these ^ tanks are sitting in?

That's actually a modified half of an original Studebaker gas tank. It was used as a vacuum mold.. 2 identical halves were made then welded together on the seem. All made of PVC sheet.

 

[rmm727]

How are you "welding" those pvc tanks? They look nice.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Not sure if they followed through but, IIRC, someone attempted to make a tank using a heineken mini keg... just saying...

Yeah- I laid it aside, not sure which project I'm going to use it for. It's almost ready. Filler cap's been fitted, I just have to drill the bottom and set a fitting in it. Since the metal is thin, tapping a port is not feasible, and welding doesn't look so promising either.

However- a year or so ago, I made a "test tank" out of a S/S water bottle (used for bench-testing engines or fuel system troubleshooting), and drilled an interference-fit hole in the bottom. I threaded in a brass 1/4"NPTx 1/4" hose barb fitting, and epoxied it in place. Used many times, no sign of leakage.

Anyways- the mini-keg will indeed be used on something, just not sure what. Gotta fab up a bracket for it, too.

I know polypropylene was fuel safe, but PVC? New one on me. I wouldn't have thought so. I know that vinyl hose degrades in very short order, and I thought PVC would too. Learn something new every day.

 

[camaroman7d]

Those mini kegs make great gas tanks. I used one about 10 years ago for a Kawasaki Ninja ZX600 powered quad I build. Mounting them is the hardest part. I made a couple different mounts before I settled on this one. It is threaded rod with rubber hose covering it. I was able to really secure it this way. I would love to find a couple more of these kegs.

As far as the stainless pipe that will work great, but that is aweful this and heavy. A thin wall tubing would be perfect. What diameter is that pipe? Never mind I see it is 2". I know you have it and it was free, but I bet you could pick up some 3 1/2" stainless tubing for cheap if you have a race car shop anywhere close to you. I'm going to have to see if I have any left over, that will make a nice tank.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Wow- looks like you got a genuine mini keg! Heck, I was just talking about one available at retail level. Capacity is about 5L (1.25gal) and is thin stainless... Lemme see if I can google up a pic.