Fuel tank replacement

psd_3

I'm considering replacing my 20 yr old 275 gal steel oil tank due to a slow weep at the threads of the tank outlet nipple (located on the side of the tank). I am consider both conventional steel and Roth tank options and have a few questions.

Are there any better quality steel tanks, or ones to avoid? Do most tanks develop slow weeping at the threads over time, or is there a procedure to avoid this problem?

Do Riello BF5/F5 burners have enough suction to work properly with a single line Roth tank installation? In other words, without using a second line, or without installing a tigerloop device?

Maine Ken

Install the nipples with proper sealant(no teflon) and there shouldn't ever be a problem. I believe the Reillo would work fine, however I would strongly recomend the tigger!!!

Unknown

Got my hands on a used Roth tank

and installed it last week . I love the tank within a tank idea . It also has a warning gage if the outer tank fills with oil . On the other hand , my old oil tank , an inside tank , sat outside without a cover for close to 30 years and looked like it wasn't close to leaking . They don't make em like that anymore .

About the single line to the Riello - how far away will the tank be from the burner ? Is it on the same level ? I wouldn't put a Riello burner in a lift situation , a Tigerloop can work wonders in that case . Heres a pic of a Riello with a lift of about 8 feet and a run of about 15 .

Unknown

Got my hands on a used Roth tank

and installed it last week . I love the tank within a tank idea . It also has a warning gage if the outer tank fills with oil . On the other hand , my old oil tank , an inside tank , sat outside without a cover for close to 30 years and looked like it wasn't close to leaking . They don't make em like that anymore .

About the single line to the Riello - how far away will the tank be from the burner ? Is it on the same level ? I wouldn't put a Riello burner in a lift situation , a Tigerloop can work wonders in that case . Heres a pic of a Riello with a lift of about 8 feet and a run of about 15 .

Unknown

Got my hands on a used Roth tank

and installed it last week . I love the tank within a tank idea . It also has a warning gage if the outer tank fills with oil . The top cover for outside is pricey for a glorified piece of galvanized tin , and theres no easy way to hold it open when filling - but that won't matter if the tank is going inside .

On the other hand , my old oil tank , an inside tank , sat outside without a cover for close to 30 years and looked like it wasn't close to leaking . They don't make em like that anymore .

About the single line to the Riello - how far away will the tank be from the burner ? Is it on the same level ? I wouldn't put a Riello burner in a lift situation with one oil line , a Tigerloop can work wonders in that case .

Maine Ken

How did you find a used one? Someone convert to "another" fuel? I haven't used one yet but they appear to be super simple to install!!!

Unknown

This one is good

We installed alot of equipment for a homeowner on the Gold Coast of Long Island a few years ago . Seems he got itchy to redecorate , so he bulldozed the whole house . He originally wanted us to store the boilers , air handlers , 2 Roth tanks and all the trimmings till the new one is built . The company told him we don't have the facilities to keep the stuff for months , so he agrred to have us remove it all..........as scrap . Having money can be fun , huh ?

He's sticking with oil and I think hes burying a 1000 gallon somewhere up there .

Mike F

As far as one steel tank vs. another I can not help you there. But Roth vs. steel I think is a toss up. The Roth looks cool, has an inner poly tank that will not corrode and an outer steel tank for secondary containment if there was a leak. The Roth tank is also more expensive. And it is top tapped, so any contamanents stay at the bottom of the tank and there is slight chance of problems with air leaks if all connections are not tight. Where as with conventional steel tank with tapping on the bottom and burner at the same height you are more likely to see a oil leak if connections are not tight. And contanaments wind up in filter bowl. As far as Riello and Roth tanks I have had to use a hand pump to fill the line first. The pump on the burner does not have enough vacuum to lift the oil but once the line is full and bled, if there are no leaks it will stay full (no need for a check valve). So to me the comparison boils down to personal preferance(which one looks better) and better contanment vs. cleaner storage. As far as leaks on your tank the fittings probably just are not tight enough. I am not sure but it sounds like you are upgrading your heating system. If you are on a budget I would keep the old tank, it probably has another 20 years in it, attach a vacuum outside to the vent and change all the fitting on the bottom of the tank. And put the extra money into better heating equipment. Like a Buderus boiler, indirect water heater and outdoor reset. Better more efficient equipment pays for itself sooner and starts making money sooner. Oil tanks do not have efficiency ratings. If you can give more specific info about your job I can give more advise.

Maine Ken

Right place right time!!! Good for you!

Maine Ken

Careful with that vacuum hose. Tanks crush up real easy!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike F

That is true. I should have mentioned it is a two man job. One outside with the vacuum, one inside to open the valve as soon as the vacuum is turned on to prevent to much vacuum from building up.