Diesel Tank Lifespan?

[tc_s1]

3-1/2 years ago the diesel tank on my 1987 110 County was corroding and causing problems in the fuel line so I replaced it with a new tank, made by ProLine.

Sadly I found a leak when I filled the tank the other day and from that discovered the new tank has corroded unexpectedly. The manufacturer's warranty is 2 years, so I'm considering instead of replacing it to clean and coat the tank instead, but will need to replace the sender harnesses regardless, as they have also corroded.

Nome too pleased with this, wanted to forewarn others. Also was curious is anyone else has run into a new tank lasting 1/10 the life of the original?

Any advice or insight anyone else may have from a similar experience?

183686

183687

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[Tins]

That's interesting. Diesel is by nature non-corrosive, being essentially a pure hydrocarbon. I wonder, do you live in a particularly humid area? Do you keep the tank more full than empty? Could there be some form of electrolysis going on? I'm no chemist, but I've seen tanks 50 years old that are cleaner tham that.

[JDNSW]

Or do you either live where roads are salted in winter or do a lot of beach driving? I had to replace my original tank due to corrosion from the mud trapped between the tank and the bash plate.

[p38arover]

I had to replace my original tank due to corrosion from the mud trapped between the tank and the bash plate.

I've seen the tanks KLR sell for the Perentie and they come from the manufacturer poorly sealed with silicone rubber between the bash plate and the tank itself. KLR peel that out (it comes out easily as it hasn't bonded to the painted surfaces) and reseal the gaps with Sikaflex which sticks like the proverbial to a blanket. The idea is to stop dirt and mud being trapped between the bash plate and the outside of the tank.

Perentie Right Hand Fuel Tank - KLR Automotive (https://klrautomotive.com.au/perentie-right-hand-fuel-tank/)

[tc_s1]

Roads are not salted here. It is humid through summer months. I struggle with how some form of electrolysis could be triggered in the tank.
That's interesting. Diesel is by nature non-corrosive, being essentially a pure hydrocarbon. I wonder, do you live in a particularly humid area? Do you keep the tank more full than empty? Could there be some form of electrolysis going on? I'm no chemist, but I've seen tanks 50 years old that are cleaner tham that.

[tc_s1]

It is kept more full than empty. It is humid (80-95%) for a few months near the end of summer.
That's interesting. Diesel is by nature non-corrosive, being essentially a pure hydrocarbon. I wonder, do you live in a particularly humid area? Do you keep the tank more full than empty? Could there be some form of electrolysis going on? I'm no chemist, but I've seen tanks 50 years old that are cleaner tham that.

[Tins]

I struggle with how some form of electrolysis could be triggered in the tank.

Me too, but I also struggle with why the corrosion is happening at all, especially in the time frame. Electrolysis is a question I needed to ask.

I appreciate that the tank is out of warranty, but have you approached the company anyway? They may have some insight.

[p38arover]

I'd have thought that the diesel fuel sloshing around would have coated various parts and prevented them from corroding.

[Tins]

I'd have thought that the diesel fuel sloshing around would have coated various parts and prevented them from corroding.

Exactly. That's what makes it so mysterious.

[p38arover]

Water in the fuel would be at the bottom, below the fuel. I occasionally run E10 to (hopefully) absorb any moisture.

[gromit]

Rampant Diesel Corrosion in Underground Storage Tanks Containing Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel (https://www.petrolplaza.com/knowledge/6657)

Interesting reading,

Colin

[p38arover]

I'd have thought that the diesel fuel sloshing around would have coated various parts and prevented them from corroding.

After reading the article linked above, I’d have to withdraw my comment.

[tc_s1]

Strangest thing I've ever read and not sure why it's not been reported otherwise. Contacted the manufacturer of the tank. Theu agreed this is not something they've seen before so they are sending another tank at an agreed price lower than their cost but not $0. I'm inclined to do it rather than to clean, coat and pray with the existing tank.

Am wondering if I should use some type of additive to the ultra low Sulphur diesel, as a preventative of sorts, in case this unknown bacteria may not survive higher Sulphur content.....
Rampant Diesel Corrosion in Underground Storage Tanks Containing Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel (https://www.petrolplaza.com/knowledge/6657)

Interesting reading,

Colin

[rar110]

I fitted a new tank to my previous perentie and it had several rust holes after about 5 years.

Fuel returned from the injectors can warm up the tank, humid air can result in water droplets accumulating inside the tank and dropping to the bottom. Some water will be picked up and captured in the sedimenter. Giving the sedimenter a clean or at least a drain every now and then is a good idea.

I used Red-kote to fix my tank. It worked great.

REDKOTE FUEL TANK LINER FUELTANK RED KOTE RED-KOTE PETROL DIESEL TANK | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/114200542937'mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=W_dWfQcRQrC&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=fGvHRHFlSw-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)

[tc_s1]

So I've replaced (2nd time in 4 years) my diesel tank on the 1987 110 county, but noticed that there doesn't appear to be a tank vent hose anywhere. There is a plug in the tank where a vent could (should) go. As it sits out in the elements the diesel would need to expand and vent, wouldn't it? Should I remove that plug to vent it with some hose or are there reasons not to? (Thinking this could be a reason for the accelerated corrosion as well perhaps)?

Anyone with input or feedback I would appreciate your insights.

[JDNSW]

I don't know about the 87, but my 86 vents via the fuel cap.