cutting up a diesel tank

[Ryel]

What is the method for cutting up an old diesel tank so that it doesn't blow up in my face. Oxy/Actetlyn torch or cutting blade? Tank filled with water? Pass it on to my amcestors?
thanks

[dyn88]

dpending on the size of the tank, you can fill it with argon,helium,or any other inert gas.filling wit water is also a good idea.to avoid sparks you might try a sawzall.

[Sberry]

If you have filled it with water you can cut it anyway you want. I would take the torch and cut a big hole in it now for the first cut. Its not as hazardous as gasoline. I have welded on them with fuel in them.

[bjdenommee]

Sberry you dog you, fuel in them?

Why hold back, please tell us more.

Bernie

[Sberry]

The last one I did that way wasnt much of a leak and it didnt heat up to make a lot of vapor in it but drips of fire run right down the welding rod. I have done them several times with fuel in them,,, take a match or a cigerrett and throw it in a pail of diesel sometime. I have welded gas tanks on occasion with fuel in them, not car type tanks but steel ones. Those need to be full and it needs to be done below the liquid level. Any major work to them they get taken off and steamed out. Now,,, having said this it is not a recomendation for people to do it,,,, lots have blown themselves up working on fuel tanks and barrels or blown a hole in gas tank and run fuel and fire all over the garage and burn the place down too.

[Thomas Harris]

I just had vision of a post: "Burn through problem while welding full gas tank". The way you described is indeed an eye opener to what can and has likely happened. The idea of gas/vapors gushing out of a huge hole created while welding is enough to stop this amateur.

[bjdenommee]

I would love to see those nitwits from the hot rod shows try it.
Have the guy that cant wear shoes do it.

Bernie

[fred]

i think your nuts to weld on any fuel tank that hasn't been completely cleaned and has an inert gas put in such as co2, i've seen very experienced welders with all the hair on their face singed off and they have a very stupid grin when you ask them what happened as they say their lucky to be alive

[Ryel]

Originally posted by fred
i think your nuts to weld on any fuel tank that hasn't been completely cleaned and has an inert gas put in such as co2, <SNIP>

what is the process for cleaning a tank and how do you know that the inert gas is actually filled the tank?
thanks

[Sberry]

We usually pressure wash them out with hot water and soap. By all rights you should have an Oxygen meter. You can actually calculate the volume and CFH, then at least double it. Diesel is not so hazardous as gas as the flash point is so much lower. I cut into a 275 fuel oil the other day and pressured it out first. Put soap in and took the steamer wand, stuck it inside and scrubbed the bottom where the stuck gook always is. Kept flushing untill it came clean. Let it drain, soaped again and flush clear again. And for welding with fuel in them,,, not for rust holes but have fixed cracks that way,, and yes,,, Boys and girls,,, dont try this at home. And, when using inert gas I try to work along the bottom so the gas has settled there. What scares me as much as anything is guys building these grills out of LP tanks. I know at home they dont have the equipment to clean them. And yes, a while back one of the neighbors and his bud blew up a gas tank,, I am not sure of the whole story but I know the words arc welder and gas tank were used in the same sentance. Got a masters degree in sumpthin,, would have hought they knew better,, but then again I know the extent of their mechanical knowledge so it doesnt really suprise me all that much.

[INTP]

I'd rather not be a statistic, thank you very much.

[Franz]

Next time you're at the airport, watch what the fellow on the fuel truck uses to defrost the fuel filler on that multi million dollar airplane. Jet fuel is a bit more volitile than diesel, and he's warming the fill pipe with a cutting torch.
It's all about knowing how to do the job safely and properly.

[Paychk]

OK I'll through fuel on the fire BEG

In my youth I worked at a place that fabbed gas tanks, this was during the second gas crunch of 79-80. Anyway we would repair any tank we built if it sprung a leak. This was done by pulling the tank from the vehicle and purging it with CO2 then welding away. Many a time I can remember the sound of gasoline boiling away when I completed the repair.

No oxygen = no combustion, regardless of the fuel!

[superarc]

you better be sure its CLEANED properly,My cousin Joey Wiatrek worked at holt machinery for over 15 years as a welder and he was cutting an old diesel tank and it exploded and burned his face up and burned all his fingers off and he doesn't have ears any more.That is a warning to any of you guys out there.Escpecially when you are working in a salvage yard.BE CAREFUL!

[Ryel]

Originally posted by superarc
you better be sure its CLEANED properly,My cousin Joey Wiatrek worked at holt machinery for over 15 years as a welder and he was cutting an old diesel tank and it exploded and burned his face up and burned all his fingers off and he doesn't have ears any more.

that doesn't sound good; how did he prep the tank? what kind of inert gas was he using?
thanks