Storage of high-octane, leaded fuel

[Tony DiGiorgio]

Hello everyone, I built my cars engine back to original specs. I was wondering if anyone out there had experience with storaing high octane fuel. Can you store gasoline without some sort of federal or state permit? if so, what is the best method to do so? A friend and I both have hi-perf cars and we are willing to split expenses....would beat driving miles to get fuel. Any ideas appreciated...TIA Tony

[Joe L.]

Re: Storage of high-octane, leaded fuel

Tony----

There are numerous problems associated with storing fuel, high octane leaded or otherwise. First of all, to store fuel in any kind of quantity that would be necessary for regular driving, you would require an underground or above-ground fuel storage tank. Such tanks require EPA and/or state permits and require considerable leak prevention/detection/monitoring. That's why so many small service stations across the country have gone out of business----small volume sales just don't economically justify all that's involved. Storing fuel any other way, like 55 gallon drums, is dangerous and might get you cross ways with local fire officials unless you live on a farm. Also, it is unlikely that any fuel jobber would deliver to you under these circumstances. Fuel jobbers cannot legally deliver fuel to non-approved tanks/storage facilities.

Second of all, even if you decided to bear the expense of a legal storage facility, where would you get the high-octane leaded gas? The only high-octane leaded gas currently sold in the country as far as I know is aviation gasoline. No legitimate jobber would deliver this fuel off-airport for non-aviation use. It is a violation of state and federal laws to introduce aviation fuel into any non-aviation vehicle. The IRS enforces many of the regulations on this one.

You could purchase high-octane unleaded gas from several suppliers. However, after sustaining the cost of a legal storage facility and the cost of this gas, I think it would be impractical to do this even if you had a bunch of guys willing to share expenses.

[Terry M.]

Re: Storage of high-octane, leaded fuel

Joe,

I agree with all you said about fuel storage with the addition that your insurance company is not too likely to be happy with 55 gal. drum fuel storage. Of course, they will only find out in the event of a worst case situation, but then that is what insurance is for.

BTW: There are 2 stations that I know of in the greater Chcago area that sell high test leaded fuel. I have not looked into how much lead - I suspect it is minimal; but it is available. The one that will let you put it in a car says it is Sunoco 110 octane (doesn't say which method) and is not too far from the Route 66 Dragway in Joliet. I suppose that is why they have it.

Terry

[Dick W.]

Re: Storage of high-octane, leaded fuel

Speaking from a firefighters standpoint, undocumented fuel storage is one of the worst nightmares that firemen can face. There are many horror stories from the fuel shortages of the early '70's.

Another problem with long term storage of high octane fuels is that they, for the lack of a better terminology, go stale. The lighter end of the aromatics used to make racing fuels have a tendency to flash off, or evaporate rather rapidly. It is not practical to store fuel in unvented containers to keep it from doing this.

In other words, I guess you are going to have to drive to get your fuel.

[Philip C.]

Re: Storage of high-octane, leaded fuel

HI Tony how much fuel are you talking about. If your thinking 100-150 gals. I use a fuel tank from a tractor trailer, 150 gals alim. one, I have a fork lift to unload it from my pickup. I fill it with ave gas. I had legs add on to it and I mounted it to a skid. If its safe at 70 mph on the side of a truck its safe to me if you use care. Good luck Phil 8063

[Paul E. Young]

Re: Storage of high-octane, leaded fuel

I urge caution as diesel fuel is a lot less volitale than av gas.