Hi Folks:
I wanted to bounce an idea off you all. I keep 25 gallons of gasoline at home to run a generator during power failures and have enough for about two days use. As you all know there are some logistical details needed such as keeping fresh fuel, fuel transfer and safe and efficient fuel storage.
For storage I bought some good quality 5 gallon cans and generally transfer by pouring from the five gallon tank to the generator is not a problem. But to keep fuel fresh I try to use it in my other power tools or transfer it to my cars once a year. But 25 gallons of fuel goes a long way. I use Marine Stabil to help manage any moisture. I have found that a portable pump to transfer fuel is desirable.
I have found it is a pain in the **** to pour fuel from a tank into a vehicle if you have a number of gallons to transfer. You have to hold the tag high and it needs to go slow to avoid spilling. To make it easier for the fuel can to vehicle transfer and also for \generator to fuel can transfer (I don't keep fuel in my generator fuel tank) I have been using those cheap $20 all plastic pumps that use 2 - D size batteries. The problem has been these pumps are not reliable or durable. The batteries are at the top where the pump and power switch and is top heavy so if you unintentionally drop it, it goes switch first into the concrete or asphalt and the not so robust switch immediately becomes non functioning. Tell you the truth I am tired of replacing switches (I know I should avoid dropping the thing in the first place). These pumps don't last long and I have probably been through 5 pumps to the tune of a hundred bucks.
I am thinking that I could repurpose an auto inline electric fuel pump and power it with a 12 volt battery. I would design it to make it secure and mainly use fuel line as long as needed for intake and output. It probably would not need more than a 36" in take and output line to make it work. All fuel transfer is outdoors, I could ground the system if you all think that would make things safer. I also keep a fire extinguisher readily available. I wanted to see if you all could identify arguments against a system like this. Thanks for any reactions you can offer.
I wanted to bounce an idea off you all. I keep 25 gallons of gasoline at home to run a generator during power failures and have enough for about two days use. As you all know there are some logistical details needed such as keeping fresh fuel, fuel transfer and safe and efficient fuel storage.
For storage I bought some good quality 5 gallon cans and generally transfer by pouring from the five gallon tank to the generator is not a problem. But to keep fuel fresh I try to use it in my other power tools or transfer it to my cars once a year. But 25 gallons of fuel goes a long way. I use Marine Stabil to help manage any moisture. I have found that a portable pump to transfer fuel is desirable.
I have found it is a pain in the **** to pour fuel from a tank into a vehicle if you have a number of gallons to transfer. You have to hold the tag high and it needs to go slow to avoid spilling. To make it easier for the fuel can to vehicle transfer and also for \generator to fuel can transfer (I don't keep fuel in my generator fuel tank) I have been using those cheap $20 all plastic pumps that use 2 - D size batteries. The problem has been these pumps are not reliable or durable. The batteries are at the top where the pump and power switch and is top heavy so if you unintentionally drop it, it goes switch first into the concrete or asphalt and the not so robust switch immediately becomes non functioning. Tell you the truth I am tired of replacing switches (I know I should avoid dropping the thing in the first place). These pumps don't last long and I have probably been through 5 pumps to the tune of a hundred bucks.
I am thinking that I could repurpose an auto inline electric fuel pump and power it with a 12 volt battery. I would design it to make it secure and mainly use fuel line as long as needed for intake and output. It probably would not need more than a 36" in take and output line to make it work. All fuel transfer is outdoors, I could ground the system if you all think that would make things safer. I also keep a fire extinguisher readily available. I wanted to see if you all could identify arguments against a system like this. Thanks for any reactions you can offer.
