gravity fed, bottom fuel tank

[bouldermsm]

Here's the issue: I have 4, 6 8..? small motors that I fuel on a weekly/monthly basis. Just think chainsaws, string trimmers, push mower, blowers, etc. They all have tanks of < 1 gallon. I have several styles of canisters but there is always the same problem: the filling neck is too large AND it simultaneously blocks clear view into the reservoir while filling. I need enough capacity for my property such that substantially filling the tanks is most efficient.

What I'm envisioning is a cart mounted (36" AFF), 5 gallon(ish) type reservoir with a hand controlled petcock and a small outlet, maybe 3/8" clear tube. Therefore, I am not holding/balancing/pouring something I can't easily control or see. Trouble is that it would need the outlet and air admittance valve on opposite ends if that makes sense.

I appreciate the legalities of the gas can market but am wondering if there are some of you with obvious suggestions which would help me along.

I am tired of "fill, check, fill, check, fill check, fill-oh-****". Plus, I enjoy trying something new.

 

[mech-tech]

Or this???????

http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/700x700/336/33631_700x700.jpg

 

[jkwilson]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200325161_200325161

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Those are pretty much ****. They have to be standing well above the equipment being fueled to drain completely, the hoses start to leak in less than a year & many states have laws restricting gas stations from filling any portable gas can bigger than 5 gallons so you have to take three 5 gallon cans to the gas station just to fill it up...

Tommy

 

[mech-tech]

They do make them with a hand pump as well as electric pump. The look pretty similar in design to the red plastic gas tanks for use in boats.

 

[Fretters]

If I'm understanding correctly, I'd be tempted to just use some old metal canister, (propane tank, beer keg etc.), fill that with fuel from whatever canisters you use at the petrol station and then just slightly pressurise the canister with some type of hand pump. From there, a valve controlled delivery tube/hose for filling your kit. Imagine it as a beefed up garden sprayer, if you will.

 

[Provincial]

Pressurizing a gasoline tank with air is not a good idea. It increases the available oxygen and thus increases the risk of ignition.

A + 5-gallon fuel tank from a small gasoline engine would be an option. It would have a regular vented fuel cap and a threaded outlet that you could put a valve and hose on. One with a 1/4" NPT outlet would allow the use of 3/8" hose. This would fill a chain saw fairly slowly, but with good control. Any fuel in the hose when you shut off the tank valve will continue to drain, but by anticipating your shut-off, you can avoid overfilling the tank.

You would have to build a mount to put the tank high enough to gravity feed your equipment, and also have a built-in skid to support it during trips to the gas station.

 

[bouldermsm]

thanks for all the thoughts, that Northern Tool product is darn close. I suppose I wouldn't need to fill it all the way b/c 14 gallons would be heavy and awkward to store off the ground for flow purposes.

I have one of these currently and its a very high quality product, it's just to hard for small amounts. It's terrific for anything a few gallons or more.

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=2558
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecID=5450

My sense is that I don't need (want) a pump or pressurization, gravity seems reliable and fast enough. For these smaller fills, a 5 gallon rig would only need filled twice per season. I anticipate making a rack for the canister and bringing the tool to it as opposed bringing the gas to the tool.

I'll do some more googling.

thanks again for the thoughts.

 

[Seagoon]

How about buying a tank from a scrap motorcycle? It would have to be an older one before F.I. and pumps, but they are already set up with vented fillers and a petcock and most are around 5 gallon capacity, and designed to be gravity feed.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I have an old Jerry Can that someone welded/brazed a fitting onto the lower area with a 1/4 turn valve. Would that work for you?

 

[Mohawk Dave]

How about buying a tank from a scrap motorcycle? It would have to be an older one before F.I. and pumps, but they are already set up with vented fillers and a petcock and most are around 5 gallon capacity, and designed to be gravity feed.

That could be really cool! An old Indian logo on it or BSA or whatever you like!

 

[Fretters]

Pressurizing a gasoline tank with air is not a good idea. It increases the available oxygen and thus increases the risk of ignition.

That's a fair point. Hadn't considered that possibility.