I need your 2cents for TRANSFER TANK.

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This is my first welding project and I don't know how to go about it. I want to make a transfer tank for my 2012 f-350 powerstroke. Any how has anyone put together one of these things? I'm shooting for 40 to 50 gallon tank. Could I use steel diamond? Would the steel affect the Diesel?What about a filler neck and a place for a 12v pump?What should I do to help with the splashing around help, pleaseI'm a new guy and anyone's 2cents would be good
Reply:Steel is no problem, 14 gauge would work well for your size. Dependig on the length 1 or 2 baffles would be good. 2 inch pipe nipple with a fuel cap for a reefer trailer fuel tank works good and has a vent and chain with a TEE so it doesn't get lost. Most manufactured tanks have a 2 inch nipple for the pump, but a smaller one may work depending on the pump. Post the physical size and that may help with baffels and such.Miller xmt304,  Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:First welding project?  In a way this reminds me of the thread asking about how to weld on a crane.At least leaking diesel isn't too explosive.  But expensive at over $4 a gallon, and messy to clean up.  My advice, start with a cart for your welder and a welding table.When you're ready for the tank, just take you a flashlight and measuring tape down to Tractor Supply and see how theirs are put together, inside and out.EDIT:  "Ready" means when your welds are of high quality and free of defects.  If you'll attach a few pictures of them as you learn, I'm sure people will give you helpful advice.Last edited by tbone550; 04-18-2014 at 09:43 PM.
Reply:I agree with Tbone. MIG welding a steel tank is not an easy task, in fact TIG welding an aluminum tank is easier. If you do take on this project pressure test with air and check with soapy water.
Reply:Definitely not what I'd want for a first project. Especially if you go with the 14ga suggested above. I have trouble making a leak free tank with 14ga and mig even after years of practice.  Go heavier if you insist on doing it. At least 10ga will give you a chance to get some of the welds leak free. Yes test with air but not more than 3-4 psi.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Good call on PSI Irish, I forgot to mention that.
Reply:Originally Posted by tbone550First welding project?  In a way this reminds me of the thread asking about how to weld on a crane.At least leaking diesel isn't too explosive.  But expensive at over $4 a gallon, and messy to clean up.  My advice, start with a cart for your welder and a welding table.When you're ready for the tank, just take you a flashlight and measuring tape down to Tractor Supply and see how theirs are put together, inside and out.EDIT:  "Ready" means when your welds are of high quality and free of defects.  If you'll attach a few pictures of them as you learn, I'm sure people will give you helpful advice.
Reply:More info good.   Have you done leak tight mig before? It's a whole different ball game than structural.   Shape of the tank you're looking for would help as well. Tall thin across the back, short flat under a tool box, etc. To many variables here.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Originally Posted by DwilliamsonFirst project as in the  first time I've actually done something for myself, I can mig just fine
Reply:I've been around big trucks literally my entire life and couldn't tell you if diesel tanks are lined/coated inside...When I was still in cloth diapers my dad had a 3 tone green Freightliner with a double sleeper. Good times...GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Originally Posted by irish fixitMore info good.   Have you done leak tight mig before? It's a whole different ball game than structural.   Shape of the tank you're looking for would help as well. Tall thin across the back, short flat under a tool box, etc. To many variables here.
Reply:Ok. I've done several similar. Usually 60" x 8" x height of the bed for short bed 5th wheel camper haulers. I like 10ga bent into two L shaped pieces but 12ga is heavy enough. I've only done one 14ga tank and swore never again. I use one baffle in the middle and then the two end caps. Fairly straight forward.  Vent in the middle of the tank not on one end.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:I have used 14 gauge since its easier to bend. Bending 2 U shapes is a better way than L shapes, about half the welded seams. Make the top U shape so it fits inside the lower U shape with 1-4 inch setback on the seam and you will have a much better chance of not getting leaks. 1 baffle in the center with the bottom corners cut back about 2-3 inches at a 45 degree angle would work well .Miller xmt304,  Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:The people I made these for wouldn't of put up with the set back. It had to look nice when done.  I've done the lighter ones by braking the edges on the end caps and inserting them into the tank making for a lap joint instead of a corner joint. It worked well enough but is a bit of a pain.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:A lot of good advice here your local steel supplier can probably bend to your specs... Also... Check out http://www.fueltankparts.com they have all the caps, weld in bungs and etc... For filling and your transfer pump.Unless you need something totally unique you are probably not going to beat the coat of buying a used one in decent shape.Miller Dynasty 300 DXMiller CST280Miller Maxstar 150 STH