Thread: Cutting and welding fuel tanks

Hi Edd
BANG!!!!!
Can be done.
Fill with water,wont explode but then you have a problem cutting with a grinder.Oxy would be better.
May be a tad difficult to weld if you dont get all the petrol/diesel residue off,but cutting with an oxy would fix that.
Fuel tank welding is suposed to be certified,so if its for an on-road vehicle may be one for the proffesionals.
Andrew

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Hi Edd
BANG!!!!!
Can be done.
Fill with water,wont explode but then you have a problem cutting with a grinder.Oxy would be better.
May be a tad difficult to weld if you dont get all the petrol/diesel residue off,but cutting with an oxy would fix that.
Fuel tank welding is suposed to be certified,so if its for an on-road vehicle may be one for the proffesionals.
Andrew

Like Andy said. My major experience in this way, has been with motorcycle tanks. Remove all fittings, if possible, get hold of one of the old barrel type vaccuum cleaners, the type that the hose could be fitted either end. And force vent the tank, for an hour or so.
Just for the fun faces people pulled, I some times ommitted the venting bit. Fast vent with oxy, very impressive. Don't try this at home kids. Not very safe.
If you can trust your own skills as a welder, just go ahead and cut and shut it. If not, then the best idea is to have a skilled tradesman do the job for you. Keep it legal, keep it safe.

Shorty.

is it a petrol or diesel tank??

if its a diesel tank then its ok to grind and weld.
if its a petrol tank then look out. take it to some one who has a steam cleaner and clean the crapper out of it b4 you start.

it was my job as an apprentice to perform this kinda work on many fuel tanks of anything. never had a bang....yet....

cheers phil

Originally Posted by discowhite

is it a petrol or diesel tank??

if its a diesel tank then its ok to grind and weld.
if its a petrol tank then look out. take it to some one who has a steam cleaner and clean the crapper out of it b4 you start.

it was my job as an apprentice to perform this kinda work on many fuel tanks of anything. never had a bang....yet....

cheers phil

You just never tried hard enough Phil.

Shorty

the industry recommendation is to boil a fuel tank before welding or grinding.

a reasonable guide from our friends on the outer reef...

http://www.osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/hotwork.pdf

A very good guide for everyone!

Those who weld oil and diesolene containers and think it is safe; think again!

After thoroughly steamcleaning and boiling, whilst you are cutting or welding, have a cylinder of CO2 venting into the tank. I have seen the results of welding after improper preparation of fuel tanks. Not pretty. People get hurt and killed.

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

After thoroughly steamcleaning and boiling, whilst you are cutting or welding, have a cylinder of CO2 venting into the tank. I have seen the results of welding after improper preparation of fuel tanks. Not pretty. People get hurt and killed.

Prefer to use nitrogen myself, as being an inert gas it minimizes/eliminates the build us of oxides forming on the inside of the item being welded ..............but everybody to their own.