Filtering fuel

[rwh]

Hi all,

On Friday night, in a state of urgency (the tap disintegrated), I had to dump my petrol into whatever was handy. Luckily, this was 3 plastic jerry cans, but they (may have) had the remains of dirty fuel in them, and the funnel I used was also a bit dirty.

So before putting it back in the bike (or car, for that matter), I want to filter it. Unfortunately google only finds me fuel filters to fit to the vehicle, not methods to filter large quantities all at once.

I've heard that in the old days pilots used to filter petrol through a chamois (presumably the piece of leather as used for cleaning, not the whole animal), but one of those would cost me more than the petrol is worth, and I'd still have to mount it somehow.

Any suggestions? Failing methods to filter the fuel, does anyone know where/how I can dispose of it safely, in an environmentally friendly way?

Thanks,
Richard

[Mom]

I took a half tanks worth of dirty fuel to my local shell station to dispose of. They tipped it into their holding tanks :D

[jamessmith]

makes good weedkiller.........

[phill-k]

good quality handee towel in a funnel or coffee filter, either that or put it in a tin and throw a match into it, pales into insignificance when you think of what the chinese do everyday

[Mom]

makes good weedkiller.........

Tsk, tsk tsk, you are tempting red rep for that comment, even in jest it is not funny and all that.

It makes a better wasp killer :yes:

[3lemental]

I always keep it around for cleaning - anything shiny cleans well with petrol. (pretty much... don't get pissed if i melt your baby)

[YellowDog]

good quality handee towel in a funnel or coffee filter, either that or put it in a tin and throw a match into it, pales into insignificance when you think of what the chinese do everyday

Yep, coffee or wine filter papers will do just fine. Paper towels may not be so good however if you have a strong brand.......................

Good luck.

[Vern]

Hi when I strain thinned paint for spraying I use a pair of old panty hose, The spray thinners does not worry them so the petrol would be alright. Vern.

[rwh]

Thanks for all the tips - I'll have a chat to some of the coffee addicts at work :)

Richard

[scumdog]

A couple of layers of meat bag (also known as 'stockinette') or cheese-cloth will do, filter all except the drgs through it and you'll be OK.

[SMOKEU]

Burn it!! Come on, you know you want to.

[p.dath]

The problem is residual from the containers and spout may have dissolved into the fuel. Filtering might not get them out.

I wouldn't put it back in the tank if you think it is suspect. $20 of new petrol is much cheaper than the grief it could cause you.

[LBD]

You got a lawn mower?

[Gremlin]

oh go on, you really wanted to ask if he had a harley yeh?

Seriously dude, if you're not confident on the fuel, damage to bike engine can be big :)

[LBD]

oh go on, you really wanted to ask if he had a harley yeh?

Nah...not that cruel to a fellow twin.....Now Honda on the other hand...?

[Owl]

Stop in at your local automotive painter and ask for a paint filter. Failing that, double one of your wife's old stockings, tie a knot in the end and presto.

If it was me, I'd turn it to lawnmower fuel though.

[rwh]

Thanks all.

I went with the coffee filter paper in a funnel.

It all seems ok, except the one jerry can that I think must have had some oil in it or something - the petrol came out a bit thick, and a different colour, so I stopped. Hopefully it'll be ok :) Now I just need to figure out where to get rid of the contents of that can ...

Richard

[p.dath]

It all seems ok, except the one jerry can that I think must have had some oil in it or something - the petrol came out a bit thick, and a different colour, so I stopped. Hopefully it'll be ok :) Now I just need to figure out where to get rid of the contents of that can ...

Ring your local council and ask them. In Auckland the local councils have a regular hazardous chemical collection facility, and yours might as well.

[Pixie]

Hi all,

On Friday night, in a state of urgency (the tap disintegrated), I had to dump my petrol into whatever was handy. Luckily, this was 3 plastic jerry cans, but they (may have) had the remains of dirty fuel in them, and the funnel I used was also a bit dirty.

So before putting it back in the bike (or car, for that matter), I want to filter it. Unfortunately google only finds me fuel filters to fit to the vehicle, not methods to filter large quantities all at once.

I've heard that in the old days pilots used to filter petrol through a chamois (presumably the piece of leather as used for cleaning, not the whole animal), but one of those would cost me more than the petrol is worth, and I'd still have to mount it somehow.

Any suggestions? Failing methods to filter the fuel, does anyone know where/how I can dispose of it safely, in an environmentally friendly way?

Thanks,
Richard

Use the whole animal.



Fold some paper towel into a cone and put into a plastic funnel and pour the fuel through that.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5124822_fold-filter-paper.html

[CeeBee]

Specially if theres is H2O in it......ditch it m8