Jerry cans are unusable

[wsmurdoch]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

Lower permeation cans that aren't vented when not dispensing are also better for storing gas in general. The more airtight the container, the longer gas will last.

The more air tight the container, the more the pressure in the container rises when the container sits in the sun and the farther the gasoline splatters when the container is opened under pressure. The things swell up like dead pigs in the sun and spit gasoline about when dispensing.

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by wsmurdoch

The more air tight the container, the more the pressure in the container rises when the container sits in the sun and the farther the gasoline splatters when the container is opened under pressure. The things swell up like dead pigs in the sun and spit gasoline about when dispensing.

Yes, they do swell. I always make a point to trigger the spout with the can upright to release pressure before tipping to dispense (the spout is in the air pocket at the top when the can is upright). That avoids the splatter problem.

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by wsmurdoch

I have a Scepter Smart Control can.

I looked those up on Amazon after seeing them referenced here. I can see there is an air vent built into the nozzle. Does anyone know how this affects the fuel flow rate? Holding my 6-gallon (or even 5-gallon) cans perfectly still in just the right spot for a long time can be a strain. And of course can lead to spills if I tire and try to shift the weight. I'm always looking for a high-flow option to speed things up.

I also noticed the "Frequently bought together" items on the Amazon listing:

[Joe28532]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

Ok, I've been busy since my last post and the regulations 49 CFR 173. The reason that you can't buy 6 gallon jerry cans anymore is that the regulations for portable fuel larger than 5 gallons are much more stringent than 5 gallons and below.

That is shipping regulations. Has nothing to do with this topic.

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by CaptTom

I looked those up on Amazon after seeing them referenced here. I can see there is an air vent built into the nozzle. Does anyone know how this affects the fuel flow rate? Holding my 6-gallon (or even 5-gallon) cans perfectly still in just the right spot for a long time can be a strain. And of course can lead to spills if I tire and try to shift the weight. I'm always looking for a high-flow option to speed things up.

I haven't used one of those, but I just looked at some pictures. The basic dispense mechanism looks to work the same way as the No-spill cans with the air vent in the end of the dispense nozzle. At least for the No-spill ones, they're pretty fast, so I'd expect the Scepter cans to dispense quickly as well. And if you have a tank that fills almost to the top, if the fuel level hits the end of the spout, it'll stop dispensing (as it can't pull in any more air). Scepter claims up to 3 gallons / minute dispense rate in the description.

Weight is why for lawnmowers and such at home I mostly use 2.5 gallon cans. For equipment that doesn't have a way to rest the can while filling, they're just easier to work with.

[bgallinger]

Originally Posted by chris95040

Got a link for a good one?


I agree its funny how everyone blames the EPA for walmart selling them junk.

I disagree. There's nothing funny about EPA regulations that force us to use inferior products like the jerry cans described. Wal Mart only sells what is legal under law.

[bgallinger]

To transfer fuel from a jerry can to you fuel tank, may I suggest you use a Fuel Transfer Hose. Works great and costs maybe $10 at your local auto supply store. I carry two on board...one for fuel and one for water.

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by bgallinger

I disagree. There's nothing funny about EPA regulations that force us to use inferior products like the jerry cans described. Wal Mart only sells what is legal under law.

Problem is, the EPA rules on gas cans don't actually force some of the really bad spout designs that are out there. They say you can't have a plain spout with a separate vent that can be left open and the can must be low permeation. Spout has to be spring closed as well, I think. But there are plenty of ways to have a spring actuated spout that also opens a vent and that isn't a nightmare to use.

There are a couple of cans out there with decent designs. But most manufacturers came up with some crappy design based on you pushing on the lip of the filler hole to activate the spout, didn't build a vent system into the spout so it doesn't dispense smoothly, and then have sold that same junk ever since because "well, it meets the requirements and people keep buying them, so why should we design a new one?"

[s/v Jedi]

The EPA requirements for spouts are a big pita. I still have my set of cans from 2002 but even without having to deal with these new horrible cans (rumor says you can still buy good ones in Canada…) I completely switched over to the battery operated gadget I linked to before and think it’s a no brainer.

There are many options, the one I have is a bit different. If you often use a little quantity from a 5 gallon jug like for filling an outboard, Honda generator etc. then there is a version that replaces the cap and works like your mini private pump station.

[thinwater]

Tip the pout down (still closed) then squeeze. The vent is actually under the handle, so no gurgling, fast flow, instant cut-off. Way better than any old school can. IMO, after several years of use. (No, that is not me!)


Not cheap, but so easy.

[jibstay]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

The EPA requirements for spouts are a big pita. I still have my set of cans from 2002 but even without having to deal with these new horrible cans (rumor says you can still buy good ones in Canada…) I completely switched over to the battery operated gadget I linked to before and think it’s a no brainer.



There are many options, the one I have is a bit different. If you often use a little quantity from a 5 gallon jug like for filling an outboard, Honda generator etc. then there is a version that replaces the cap and works like your mini private pump station.

I’ve been using that same battery operated gadget for several years. I don’t miss having to hold and tip heavy fuel jugs, especially while underway.

[sv Grateful]

To transfer fuel I use one of those 'wobble pumps' you see on the top of a 55 gal drum in the back of a logging or work site service truck. Transfers all but the last inch in a jiffy and spills not a drop. About $25 bucks on Amazon for a cheap Chinese one which has worked fine for the past six years.

[Jdege]

Originally Posted by Sam Woodbridge

https://www.amazon.com/VP-Racing5-Ga...5754564&sr=8-2

I use those. I have four of them in the storage locker.

Sam

How do you carry them?

I mean, if the nearest petrol station is five miles from the dock, those handles look like they'd get very tiresome.

[P3sailor]

Thanks to the EPA and the folks they're trying to make the world safe for, the manufacturers of these fuel containers have had to design a "safer" fuel can. Unfortunately, many of the people who've come up with these brilliant features must have graduated from the ACME school of engineering and had Wiley E. Coyote as an instructor. I can totally relate to the original posters woes.

[bailsout]

I gave up on that “new system” valve. Now I have a big funnel that fits my tank fill hole and now I just remove the valve and pour directly into the funnel with both hands. No spills. Nothing like a good funnel. No moving parts.