Originally Posted by
patch697
OK just a bit of incite on fuel storage......
Most all underground fuel storage tanks have water in them.
As fuel is lighter than water the fuel floats on to of it & when the tanks are having fuel level checked (manually dipped) a paste is used on the bottom of the dip stick which reacts to the water to check its level & before the water level in the tank gets to an unsafe height its pumped out.
It is common knowledge in the industry & normally quite safe to the consumer as a rule but! If the water levels are not properly managed this can lead to problems.
Some thing to keep in mind when fueling up:
1/ If a fuel (not gas) tanker is parked in a servo go to the next one to get your fuel....... When fuel is being pumped into the underground tanks it stirs up the tank & it needs to be left for about 20 to 30 mins to settle again (this is even more so with diesel)
2/ Try & avid fueling up on extremely wet days or right after a heavy rain....... If an underground tank has seepage problems, this is a likely time for fuel to become contaminated.
3/ Try & pick a servo that gets plenty of use as these servos will need regular delivery's & the water levels in the tank are normally well maintained (the drivers that deliver the fuel have to check this as well)
Cheers
Paul
