Pressure testing a gas tank, how many pounds of pressure?

A

Andrew Holley

Well-known member
Picked up used 27 gallon off of ebay, looks in good shape, but thought I better test it first. But don't know how much pressure is enough vs too much.

Although reality hit, going to cost me $100 to fill the truck and $100 to fill the boat, ouch!
 
Plastic or metal? I would think 10lbs psi should give a bubble if metal. Plastic probably 5lbs or less. Gas went from 2.85 to 3.19 the day after Christmas here.
 
Shape of tank round or square? makes a difference if testing with air. I would not exceed 5# at most. Tank not made made for air pressure will balloon and might not come back in to shape. "A little experience there"

You need a stable air temp and a gauge that reads 10# or less. fill to desired pressure and check after two hours at least or over night.

I have tested a lot of tanks if it looks like you have a leak The first thing to check is your test fittings. A soap solution will help with that. A spray bottle is what I used. You can also use that method for the entire tank. Other methods I have used are impractical for a gas tank or now illegal Like feon
 
I was thinking lower unit test where you squirt in 10-15psi to find seal leaks..I'd go with Hitch and Pete's advice and just put in a couple. If you have a good seal that you can hold pressure, maybe 10 and see if it leaks down.
 
3.5 lbs... this is what the gas tank manufacturers use to test their plastic tanks... I would assume that it would work for metal as well..

Also, use the kitchen product "Fantastic" and spray it around the seams and fill area... it's an awesome way to detect leaks (bubbles...).

Good luck.
 
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