Filtering fuel

**rwh** · 4th May 2010, 19:34

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** · 4th May 2010, 19:45

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

**jamessmith** · 4th May 2010, 19:48

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

**phill-k** · 4th May 2010, 19:49

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** · 4th May 2010, 19:49

Originally Posted by jamessmith

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

**3lemental** · 4th May 2010, 19:57

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** · 4th May 2010, 20:01

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 4th May 2010, 20:12

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** · 4th May 2010, 20:20

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

Richard

**scumdog** · 4th May 2010, 21:15

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** · 4th May 2010, 21:53

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

**p.dath** · 4th May 2010, 22:19

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.