keith

Ok guys, I've purchased a 40' ISO shipping container to store my and my wife's stuff while I'm in the Army. I want to put ALL our stuff in there, including the garage stuff (which includes grimy engineless project car and greasy engine, etc.)

I am concerned about the rising interior temps (all steel container) and the oily grime causing combustion... Is this fear warranted? there witll be regualr household furniture and whatnot in here, too, and it will be packed fairly tight...

I don't know enough about spontaneous un-human combustion to know if there is arisk, or how to avoid it.

Advice, please?

IceShark

If the liquids are storged in sealed containers they came in there is probably not much risk if the oxygen can't get at them. The container would have to be strong enough not to split if the temps went above 100F and you had gas expansion.

To really make this happen right, you want a rag or something soaked in the liquid and bunched up in a fashion that lots of oxygen can still get at it but be close together so as the reaction starts the heat generated can feed off itself until combustion temps are reached.

A real problem liquid is linseed oil, and I would just toss it out. Don't think a car engine bay with grime on the steel would be a problem, but I wouldn't stuff any rags in there.

Talk to the local fire department, they probably have a dos and don'ts booklet on this.

Michael Stephenson

I would not store anything that is in a pressurized container (WD-40, spray paint, etc.). For some reason, I think I remember reading 120 as the cut off temperature for many of these products.

Your post leads us to believe that you know a thing or two about spontaneous human combustion. So that’s what happened to all of your enemies.

keith

I won't be storing any fluids or chemicals, except those in the chainsaw, etc..
No oily rags, either. Sounds like if I clean a little, I should be fine...?

I was pondering the wisdom of putting a spinning roof vent (like on a house) in the top above the car stuff...?

Michael: I can't talk about that, but it may have something to do with my involvement in the armed forces...

keith

Michael, what the hell is that animal(?) below your name???

IceShark

Yeah, you should be fine then.

If this container is going to be yours and you are going to leave it sitting still the whole time, i.e. not onto a ship at sea, I would sure vent like you are thinking. Otherwise your wood furniture has a good chance of warping and cracking due to climate extremes. Make sure the vent is a good one designed so it won't leak in wind driven rain.

keith

right on.
and yes, it is mine (parked it on a relative's little farm)

sure is cheaper than renting storage over the long run...

instigator

that animal you speak of looks like the flying dog off the never ending story movie

Matt O.

[quote]Originally posted by keith:
<strong>Michael, what the hell is that animal(?) below your name???</strong><hr></blockquote>

Keith,

You've never seen "The Never-Ending Story??"

Valcor!

-Matt

jim968

Keith, I think I'd worry less about spontaneous combustion than odor absorption. I suspect that after a couple of years of temperature cycling, the clothes & furniture are going to smell at least a bit of the grease, oil, & gas that will be giving off fumes into the air inside. Mine's far from an expert opinion, but I'll vote with the vent faction here.
And do the best possible job of cleaning stuff before storrage, and eliminating any & all chemicals & lubes that aren't essential to keep.

Jim, remembering throwing "empty" hairspray cans into a fire _many_ years ago...."Incoming!"

Renntag

I would definitely not store the pressurized containers. The grime I would never worry about. The engine bay gets hot and doesnt spontaneously combust. I wouldnt wory about it too much. Just make sure nothing that can melt easy is against the steel outter layer.

IMO. anyway.

Good luck on your adventure.

Michael Stephenson

Keith,

I choose this picture because the animal looks he embodies the spirit of my S2 - amiable yet mischievous, understated yet powerful. He is even about the same color of my car.

He also looks like he enjoys a few cold ones.

I guess I should watch “A Never Ending Story” to see if Valcor is worthy of being associated with my S2.

billybones

Luck Dragon!! loves speed and fun... that is valcor....Perfect fit!

keith

looks like some kind of creepy dead puppet to me...

I'm afraid of your creepy dead puppet.

944Fest (aka Dan P)

"Creepy Dead Puppet"

LOL!! I guess the story finally ended, and not to Valcor's liking!