Sir:
Just a note on long term fuel storage. I have discovered that fuel both diesel and gasoline stored in 33 gallon plastic drums with the bungs tight has lasted in excess of five years without a stabilizer. The food grade blue drums have white gaskets in the bungs that have swollen slightly but have not deteriorated. The plastic drums were stored inside 55 gallon steel drums and shaded from direct sunlight. My observations are that the plastic drum expands and contracts (collapses) with the fuel. My assumption is that, with no air breathing, the problems of water condensation, evaporation, and other contaminants are avoided. My remaining fuel is treated as it is rotated, but I now have all of my fuel in the two drum configuration. May God bless you and I thank you for your service, – Tim S.
JWR Replies: Clever! The second drum is a great backup in case the plastic drum ruptures. You’ve just earned yourself a Blinding Flash of the Obvious (BFO) award. Let me know your snail mail address, and I’ll mail you a free book. OBTW, I wouldn’t omit the stabilizer. With the current high price of gasoline, it is cheap insurance.