Copper Fuel Tank And Diesel

[dauntlessman]

I've just been doing a bit of engine maintenance and have noticed a bit of sludge in my (what looks to be a) copper fuel tank. I plan to flush the tank and system through in the next few days.

My mate reckons that copper fuel tanks react with diesel and that I should change it ASAP. Is this correct?

 

[Mirelle]

Yes. Change it ASAP.

 

[Kristal]

Oo-err. I think mine is bronze - if that's bad, too, now is the time to tell me as en engine service is imminent and the tank will be drained down.

 

[oldharry]

Yes, but the sludge may be diesel bug which appears as a black stringy goo.

 

[cliff]

Yes, that is why you use copper fuel piping /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Not to mention copper sealing washers in the banjo joints . Oh yes copper and diesel is a very dangerous mix.
--------------------

"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"

 

[dauntlessman]

err... So to change or not to change? I reckon the black slime may well be a fuel bug as I did find a bit of water in the tank also. However, if I am going to whip the tank out and clean it, I may as well just change to a plastic Vetus if I'm going to have problems in the future.

 

[Mirelle]

Here is my history on this subject:

Big boat - had black iron diesel tanks. When these corroded, replaced with plastic Vetus tank - c. 1991 I think. No problems from that day to this - incidentally, because the plastic "sweats" less than metal you don't get "bug" or water in the fuel so readily as you do with a metal tank.

Launch - started with old Stuart Turner copper petrol tank, used for diesel. Gummy stuff and constant problems. Replaced with s/s tank - still got water in fuel but no more "bug" or gumminess.

 

[oldharry]

Ok - some misconceptions going on here: copper and zinc are not advised for diesel storage because the metals react with the fuel and destabilise causing it to break down and form sludge. AFAIK the metals are not damaged by the diesel - its the other way round if the fuel remains in long term contact with these metals.

This is why copper is pefectly acceptable for delivery lines - the fuel does not remain in contact with the metal for long enough to cause trouble.

 

[Tisme]

...and that's born out with this

I must admit that I didn't know that copper was a no no, but can anyone tell me what Lead Coated Steel is? I've never heard of it.

 

[Peterduck]

Lead-coated Steel; precisely what it says it is. I'd say that it is something that one steel supplier provided as a stock product some time ago [e.g. 1930's] but is not available now. It would probably have been made by the same hot-dipping process which is now used for galvanising, and may have been an alternative to zinc galvanising.
Peter.