Fuel advice to newbies, especially with auxiliary tanks!

[Tenor]

I have never seen a post on this subject, but it is something every bus owner (especially newbies with older busses) should be prepared for!  My MCI 7 has an aux fuel tank.  Not long after I topped of my tanks for the first time, I developed a leak!  My tank had corroded in several places in the bottom!  So - now I'm leaking fuel, and I need to put 179 gallons of fuel somewhere!  I burned up the phones looking for CLEAN 55 gal. drums that were used for something compatable with diesel.  I found some, and didn't complain about paying a little for them either.  Then I got busy with an el-cheapo electric fuel pump.  That was memorial day of 08.  Well, just under a year later, one of the hoses that connects my aux tank to the fuel lines that then attach to the main tank sprung a leak!  Of COUSE I had just topped off the tank!  Thank goodness I kept those barrels!

A note on keeping empty barrels - keep them upside down to keep water from standing on the lid and perhaps getting into the barrel.  Occasionally drain them - like an air compressor they will build up condensation.  You don't want to mix that with your fuel!  Don't ask me how I know!  That story is also called "how I learned all there is to know about fuel filters".

[letz4wheel]

Far be it from me to say anything BUT from your latest posts ummmm you seem to learn everything the hard way  Thanks for the info though lol

[Gary '79 5C]

Tenor,
Thanks for sharing. And I will echo that my life some times rings of your story.

As I say, Experience is something you recieve just after you needed it.

And that fits me like a glove.

Gary

[Tenor]

Letz4wheel, Gary,
I can say that it was a busy weekend - but, but having those barrel here saved my butt! 

Glenn

[happycamperbrat]

Speaking of learning things the hardway.... hmmph, another note to newbies Whatever you do Dont tell the tow truck driver you need Gas!! And it takes 15 gallons NOT 5 to prime a bus. BTW if anyone would like a 150 gallon steel fuel tank or to trade for it (I want a smaller tank) let me know. I am in California. The tank I have is about 12"x40"x6'