Gas cans - really

[crackerjack222]

I have added a vent to my plastic jugs using a tire valve stem with the valve core removed and a metal cap instead of the plastic one that usually comes with the stem. That is of course, after defeating whatever no-spill nonsense is on the spout. On one of my jugs, I cut the spout short and clamped on a short length of 3/4" heater hose. Works great. But now, most of my diesel fuel is handled with a 55 gallon drum and pump. I do have 3 plastic jugs with av-gas that I use for my chain saw and other small engines.

 

[Catman8]

Catman8, I seriously find it hard to believe you can even get those shipped into Cali with all the regulations (CARB and others).

-R

Really, I ordered three yellow and two red ones and they shipped them to my front door, I don't see what would not be compliant about them, they have not leaked so far but I have not had them that long, I just know the quality feels and functions perfect, the size of the tube transfers fast enough for me. I never read anything about galvanized being a problem but I do appreciate the info and will look into it. I have owned plastic cans all my life and everyone always comments about those stupid safety spouts that never work and get fuel every where and they always crack and break, the plastic expands and you now have a six gallon plastic fuel container that looks like it's pregnant, lol.

 

[Captain Dirty]

I looked into those awhile back, but saw quite a few reviews about them leaking and that they are galvanized and fuel cannot be stored in them. I know some of the tractor manufacturers, including JD, specifically warn against using galvanized cans. I bought more plastic cans and added vents to speed fueling, just like GaryLock showed above.

Amazon may describe the Justrite cans as galvanized , but Justrite's website describes them as "coated" or "powder coated". Metal fuel cans used to be coated with "terne metal", an alloy of lead and tin, but that has changed owing largely to environmental factors. Terre metal changed to a zinc-tin and then (virtually) all tin alloy, and plastic coatings were developed. Meanwhile, fuel composition also changed with alcohols and other additives that may or may not be compatible with various coatings. My personal opinion is that many people, especially advertising copy writers, play fast and loose with their terminology, and frankly, true rigor would be as confusing to the layman as the ad-man's hype.

I have no connection with Justrite other than owning a couple of their cans (with which I am well pleased). I think that an established provider of premium (expensive) fuel containers has more to lose by mis-representing the suitability of their products so I have no problem using their yellow cans to temporarily store diesel fuel.

 

[TerryR]

I've been using a Justrite can like that pictured by Catman8 (but red) for gasoline for about five years. It seems well built, works well, and causes next to no spills, and of course no sign of leaks. I use it for fuel for small engines, and find the spout works well to create a good swirl when I am creating oil/gas mix as well as getting all the gas into the tank on my lawn mower. It is heavy, and the spring on the fill opening is pretty strong, but all in all I like it.

So far I'm still using my 20-year-old plastic cans for diesel fuel.

 

[richriddle]

I have the race car type, the "regular" type of new style, the no spill, and the sure can. You can see the sure can here... Amazon.com : SureCan - Diesel Gas Can with Rotating Spout - 5. Gallons : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Out of all of these, here are my preferences.

1. No Spill because it can sit on the hood of my tractor.
2. Race Car type because if the speed at which it allows diesel to enter the tank.
3. A distant third is the Sure Can because of how darn slow it is.
4. The "regular" new style that is nearly impossible to utilize. You can disable the safety features though.

 

[newbury]

Rural king sells the "economy" metal Justrite can for $30, they are type 1 and only have 1 hole.
The ones like catman has are type II, with a fill hole go on sale occasionally, I've got 4 (I think) and only paid about $30@.

Just do a search "justrite can site:tractorbynet.com"

 

[cford36]

Trust me, stay away from plastic, it's junk, expands, and is dangerous. You will be replacing plastic very soon. These cans are awesome. Bought these from Amazon.

View attachment 499430

12 years with my current plastic cans with no issues.

 

[MossRoad]

Are you serious? I have plastic gas cans, some of which are well over 20 years old and still in use.

12 years with my current plastic cans with no issues.

I'm on my 16th year with my three 6 gallon plastic cans used for gasoline. :thumbsup:

 

[TractorGuy]

I have a plastic can that is over 30 years old and still works fine. All my cans are plastic and I have never had one leak. Not even the $12.xx walmart diesel cans.

The operator manuals for my backhoe AND tractor specifically warns against using galvanized tanks or cans for fuel storage.

 

[Ford850]

Amazon may describe the Justrite cans as galvanized , but Justrite's website describes them as "coated" or "powder coated". Metal fuel cans used to be coated with "terne metal", an alloy of lead and tin, but that has changed owing largely to environmental factors. Terre metal changed to a zinc-tin and then (virtually) all tin alloy, and plastic coatings were developed. Meanwhile, fuel composition also changed with alcohols and other additives that may or may not be compatible with various coatings. My personal opinion is that many people, especially advertising copy writers, play fast and loose with their terminology, and frankly, true rigor would be as confusing to the layman as the ad-man's hype.

I have no connection with Justrite other than owning a couple of their cans (with which I am well pleased). I think that an established provider of premium (expensive) fuel containers has more to lose by mis-representing the suitability of their products so I have no problem using their yellow cans to temporarily store diesel fuel.

That would be great if they are coated. I know their brochures say they are galvanized and show pictures of the shiny silver inside too, but maybe they have a clear coating. When I said there are complaints of them leaking, I should have clarified it was the flex spout that leaks when pouring sometimes, not the cans.
I have several older plastic cans, with added vents, and they work well but are aging (20 years). A big advantage of the plasitc cans for me is that they are rectangular which makes it easier to lay them on the tractor hood or loader arm when filling. I have a small No-Spill brand plastic can that I use for my mixed gas, and I love how it works. I like it so well that I bought this one after the spout on my first one cracked. Fast fills and auto shutoff, but the No-Spill cans are expensive. They claim close to 3 gallons per minute fill rate but I don't have a large one to test. Mine works as well as this does in the video here:
No Spill Jill Garage Video - YouTube