"torpedo" summer storage

[slipnfall]

What's your method of summer storage for forced air heaters? I'm in MD and personally would be storing in an unconditioned shed. I strictly run K1. Last year I simply filled with fresh K1 and loosely bagged for dust/pests.

Had no issues firing up last winter. How long is K1 tank stable? They used to sell a Kero additive for use in wick style heaters, not sure if that was a preservative or what it was exactly (but haven't seen it in stores lately.

I think this DeWalt is a rebadged Mr. Heater.

 

[Steve W.]

I have a unit by ThermoHeat that is similar to THIS ONE. At the end of the season, I just push it back under the shelf where it lives most of the time. When it's time to use it again, I pull it out so it has some room to breathe.

I have no idea how long K1 will stay "good", as I have never gotten to that point. When my heater is in use, I'll use about 5 gallons a week. Combine that with what I use in the house, there is fresh K1 showing up every three weeks or so.

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[jack stand]

I've never heard of any concerns with K1 storage, but filling the tank to the top might limit condensation. That's the only thing that I can think might cause some worry.
You could probably use a diesel fuel anti algae treatment... but for a couple of gallons? I'd just put it away wrapped up so the mud dobbers didn't get in.

 

[like2wheel]

I have an old dinosaur Knipco torpedo heater that I should probably get rid of because I use it so seldom. I wouldn't be surprised if it has sat 10 years between firings, & I've never had a fuel problem with it.

Yours is deserving better treatment than mine gets, but I wouldn't overthink it.

 

[slipnfall]

Thanks all for the input - I've learned my lesson more than once about draining fuel + running it out... more oxygen to react/degrade the inevitable bit that's left behind. Plus with a steel tank, yeah condensation and dust is probably my biggest enemy. Thanks again.