Risk of using heat around the gas tank

[Dave]

Hello Eric,

Here is a suggestion for you:
It would be interesting to hear you comment on the risk of wroking with heat around the gas tank. For example, working with torch to help removing bolts while replacing a leaky gas tank. Is there any safe way to do it?

Thanks,
best regards,

Topic

[Richard Kirshy]

I would use a impact before ever trying to use a torch near a gas tank.
But if your forced to…

Remove as much fuel as possible.
Cover/warp the tank in a fire or welding blanket.
Either:
Do the job outdoors ( might also consider employing a fan )
If working in a garage …
Again have as much ventilation as possible, door wide open and use a fan or blower.

[James P Grosso]

Very dangerous working around fuel tanks with open flame. It is the fuel vapors that will catch fire/explode.
Even empty fuel tanks (used) can contain vapors that can explode.
If they are stuck, I’d try penetrating oil and an Impact driver. If that does not work, I would break or cut the bolts.

If there is no other option, drain as much fuel as you can, and fill the tank with something non-flammable like water.
I have heard of using dry-ice (CO2) because it is a heavier gas than the fuel fumes and force the fumes out of the tank, but I have never tried it?

[Author]

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