welding diesel tanks

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I had a steel diesel tank to fix a couple of days ago (forgot to take pics).  The bung for the pump was ripped out.  I was wondering what steps some of yall take with a diesel tank.  I just clean the paint off, make a plate, weld plate to tank, weld bung to plate.  No draining of fuel or anything, I know I've heard several people talking about all these cleaning techniques, why?DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:Well I once repaired a diesel tank on a locomotive with diesel running out using 3/32 6011 with some 10ga, 1/16 neoprene and a bottle jack. I was the second welder they called. The first tried to do it with 5/32 6010 over the pinhole with no patch and turned it into a large nail hole. Had 2 railroad guys with 30 lb fire extinguishers keeping watch. I have repaired many diesel tanks with no special prep other than making sure they were open. The first shop I worked in one of the other young welders didn't pull the cap (a 4 inch bull plug) off a diesel tank before he went to welding on the tank. This is a huge building with about a 30 ft high roof at the peak and when it blew the plug went through the roof. If I am not sure what was in the tank I fill them up with water unless it was gasoline. I use a different method on those.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Diesel doesn't scare me to bad, I've welded many of them.  The problem is that sometime you can't guarantee that something other than diesel has not been in them.  especially with storage tanks.  If they can't guarantee it I won't fool with them without estensive cleaning.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I have welded tanks with diesel take the cap off and weld prefer to weld below the fuel level though
Reply:Originally Posted by littlefuzzI had a steel diesel tank to fix a couple of days ago (forgot to take pics).  The bung for the pump was ripped out.  I was wondering what steps some of yall take with a diesel tank.  I just clean the paint off, make a plate, weld plate to tank, weld bung to plate.  No draining of fuel or anything, I know I've heard several people talking about all these cleaning techniques, why?