Ventless fuel cans

[JimS]

I do not know what you have in other parts of the country, but here in CA (I think it stands for Crazy America) the environmental powers that be have deemed physics non-existent and force us all to buy ventless fuel cans. If you have any old cans and get caught with them you can be fined. To add insult to injury, you cannot legally dispose of fuel cans. Furthermore, when you open these ventless cans, they frequently spray fuel and when you pour from them the air glug often causes splashing or spilling completely negating the purpose of the ventless can.

At any rate, my question is short of punching a hole in the can and being illegal, is there anything one can do to make the can functional, that is , pourable? I am thinking some sort of nozzle with a tube that runs to the highest portion of the can when inverted allowing air in. I am unsure, however, if the tube is not completely above the fuel if fuel will run out of it. Does anybody make a legal can that works?

 

[D beatty]

I am glade I don't have vent less gas cans. I will keep my old vented cans as long as I can.

 

[paul]

I've heard drilling them and insert a tubeless tire valve, take the stem out, and you can in screw the cap to vent them.

I'd guess that would make them illegal, but functional?

Paul

 

[JD Seller]

Jim I have several "no Spill" gas cans. They work pretty good and meet the new requirements. ( I think they do in CA) They are real nice on small fuel tanks. It is easier to not over flow small engines like your string trimmer.

You can hold the can and push the button with your thumb. They flow about double what the push down can do per minute. That is still slower than the old style vented cans but it is livable.

 

[JGayman]

I second the vote for the "No Spill" brand of cans. They are clearly the best of the "ventless" cans. The only downside is you have to push the little button for fuel to flow. But they work well and do not spill any fuel. I use several of them for gasoline, kerosene and diesel.

 

[JGayman]

While valve stems are ok, I find fiddling with the little caps a pain in the dark or in cold weather. You can buy packs of press-in vents on Ebay or Amazon. These are the vents that cans USED to come with.

I got a pack of 10 for less than $10. You drill a 1/2" hole and push it in. Done!

 

[Two Dogs]

I've said before I'd like to take the nutcase responsible for these cans several miles out in the desert and give him one of these filled with fresh clean water. Then smash one of his thumbs, bid him good day, and drive away. TDF

 

[S2710]

I have one of them ventless cans and when it was full of gas it would expand and bulge the can, when it was empty it would suck the sides in. I put one of them vents in and now no bulge and no sucking in when empty. Now the vent will pop open when it starts to build pressure.

Bob

 

[RMinVa]

I agree with you both on No-Spill. Had mine over 3 years now and no problems. Found if you insert the spout in to the fuel tank a little, when the gas gets up to the spout it stops flowing also. I really like being able to put them in the trunk of the car and haul them full and never smell gas fumes.

Had one that got a little trouble getting top to thread on easily. I put some white grease on the threads and is good as new again. Have to say they are the best fuel cans I've ever owned.

 

[JGayman]

The only negative on the No Spill is that goofy toothed locking mechanism on the fill cap. Those teeth will put a nasty gash in your hand if you are not careful and when it is very cold the plastic gets stiff and can be very difficult to depress.

I've solved that problem on ALL my No Spill cans by cutting that tooth section off the caps.

 

[RMinVa]

I did too. No need for it. Top fits with good seal and stays tight,

 

[Deere Mark]

Have at least six of the No-Spill gas cans in three different sizes. They work well except for the problem of expanding or contracting when the temperature changes (due to no venting) (didn't know that was an intentional design feature). Have to be careful of leaving them in a warm place when only partially full of gas.
Have had to replace several of the nozzles when they got old.

 

[ericlb]

i absolutely hate these new gas cans, after my last [ real] gi can wore out from decades of use, i tried several different can designs, finally found the fix, i have a large old metal funnel that necks down to 1/2 inch, when i refuel any tractors i remove the spout completely and pour slowly [ but still faster than the spout will if you can get it to pour] into the funnel, maybe not leagle in some places, but i dont really have time for that kind of leagle and where i refuel nobody but the feral cats see me anyway

 

[Bob in SD]

There is a list of states that some vendors won't ship these to. Many also have a very similar product for "water" cans that [i:654c4848f0] can [/i:654c4848f0] be shipped to those states. Made out of the same fuel resistant plastic, of course.

 

[ldj]

(quoted from post at 09:23:46 12/02/15) Have at least six of the No-Spill gas cans in three different sizes. They work well except for the problem of expanding or contracting when the temperature changes (due to no venting) (didn't know that was an intentional design feature). Have to be careful of leaving them in a warm place when only partially full of gas.
Have had to replace several of the nozzles when they got old.

In this example, if the gas has expanded and swollen the can, just as soon as you do what ever you have to do to get the gas out won't it vent out into the atmosphere? Beside that if you do have gas vapor in the can and can get the gas out without getting the vapor out, what happens to the vapor, does it magically disappear? Sooner or later that vapor is gona escape.

 

[Billy NY]

Type I Eagle Safety Can. We had some of the new frustrating types at the stable, and they were disappointing. I recently got a newer tractor, needed something fuel it with and decided to try one of these in yellow. I had wanted to get the type 2 which will cost 1/3 more, but these were on the shelf locally. I'm happy with it, it pours fine, they are a bit heavy at first, but they do work much better than these new problematic plastic fuel cans. Take the funnel off if left on is in the way when its stored, put the funnel in a bag, dry it with a clean rag after use, then use the compressed air to clean it before fueling again. You can stop fuel flow immediately, funnel keeps any from spilling.
Eagle Type 1 Safety Can

 

[Spook]

I have 2 yellow ones for my diesel Kubota. I lay a towel on the hood, and tip it over, resting the hook on the edge of the fuel neck. Works great, no spills at all, don't have to hold the can up.

 

[JimS]

If they see that type of vent in CA you can be cited. There is no limit to the enviro nazis.

 

[BigMarv1085]

I have over 40 of these cans that vent of various sizes. Pick them up at estate sales for less than 5 bucks a piece and even have some of the blitz cans with the flexible spouts. I had to buy a ventless can about a month ago because I was away from town and was my only choice.

 

[CJinMI]

Worried about vapor escaping? The enviro whacks better not
watch tank vents at stations when tankers dump.
wack the little guy/problem, not big guy/politician/corporate.
Similiar to freon 'laws'.

 

[gab]

That can is one of the most dangerous dam things ever made. We had an old Farmall H at work to push dead cars into the shop. I ran out of gas, raised a brand new can up on the tank on 90 degree day, eased lever open and pressurized gas went every where, mostly in my eyes.

 

[Billy NY]

You need a type II for that, its got a relief valve built in if I recall. I know it may not be possible at times, but keeping any fuel container out of the sun is a wise thing to do. I've had plastic ones do the same, because I forgot they would pressurize and opened them too quickly. Easy solution is to open slowly and let the pressure out.

 

[JGayman]

Same thing here... I have one that I use as a transfer can. I raised it up to pour into my 30-gallon bulk tank and when I cracked the lid... BaaaWOOOSH! I was completely soaked in gas.

Let's just say I won't be making that mistake again!!

 

[Part Time Pete]

The no spill cans work about the best of any I can find around here (Central NY)
For fueling tractors I use an old 5 gallon sanitizer jug (square), with a valve on top - I can lay the can on the hood, put the valve over the opening, and open the valve
Pete

 

[JGayman]

Oh! And if that weren't bad enough. The first time I went to the gas station to fill that bad boy up I stuck the nozzle down the fill hole and when I pulled the trigger gas shot up into my face! I thought WTF?

Turns out it was due to that goofy "flash screen" they have in the fill neck.

Got home, grabbed the needle nosed pliers and ripped that screen out like a bad tooth.

It is just simply amazing how dangerous these "safety cans" are. heh heh

 

[JGayman]

> You need a type II for that, its got a relief valve built in if I recall.

Not so. The relief valve opens at a higher pressure. The lid on these cans is spring-loaded and in fact acts as a relief valve. Although it is relief for the can exploding, not blasting gasoline into your face.

 

[crwilson]

Tractor Supply sells a ventless can kit with a flex hose and extension that has a screw on cap for the hose and a covered vent that you push in after drilling a 1/2 inch hole. It works great and you can empty a 5 gallon can in less than 30 seconds. The extension is nice especially when pouring into lower tanks.

 

[Ivan in Mich]

I have one of the new ones and it does not work. I bought a pump that drops in the can and I don't have to lift the can anymore. It runs on 2 double AA batteries and I was kinda leary at first about battery life. I have pumped over 50 gals of gas thru it and batteries are still going strong. A landscape service told me abut them and they use them all the time

 

[: JerryBowers]

As others report above, I really like the "NoSpill" brand cans. I currently have 2 of the 2 1/2 gallon for gasoline (straight and mixed) and 1 of the 5 gallon for diesel. I also have the extension nozzle that is used when fueling my SUV (or any vehicle) with a recessed filler pipe.

I do cut the ratcheting part off. I talked to a factory rep who said it was designed as a child proofing device.

They meet all current CA regulations, are extremely easy to use, and really do prevent spills. As to the point about them having pressure (or vacuum) caused by temperature changes, just push the button while they are upright, prior to using. Never had any fuel come out doing that.

Like the post above, I refuel my Kubota B7100: Open the hood, remove the cap, insert the NoSpill nozzle while resting the can on the top of the fuel tank, and press the button. It stops at exactly the right point with out constantly stopping to see the level.

Same with my weed whacker and chainsaw.
These cans are quickly replacing my collection of jeep cans, recycled chemical cans and flexible nozzles.

 

[JimS]

Where did you get the pump?

 

[Ivan in Mich]

I got it from Amazon and it was around 14.00 if I remember right

 

[Andy Martin]

(quoted from post at 08:02:15 12/02/15)

(quoted from post at 09:23:46 12/02/15) Have at least six of the No-Spill gas cans in three different sizes. They work well except for the problem of expanding or contracting when the temperature changes (due to no venting) (didn't know that was an intentional design feature). Have to be careful of leaving them in a warm place when only partially full of gas.
Have had to replace several of the nozzles when they got old.

In this example, if the gas has expanded and swollen the can, just as soon as you do what ever you have to do to get the gas out won't it vent out into the atmosphere? Beside that if you do have gas vapor in the can and can get the gas out without getting the vapor out, what happens to the vapor, does it magically disappear? Sooner or later that vapor is gona escape.

Of course the vapor all escapes when you fill the can. Next is a vapor recovery nozzle that works on cans at the filling station. I drill a hole for a vent and put a big sheet metal screw in it, I can unscrew with my hand and it makes a good seal for storage.

 

[D beatty]

I have a high capacity 12 volt electric fuel pump with filter and put switch on it. I bought it at an auto supply. I use it to pump fuel to tractors that gas can is head high trying to fuel tractor. I also pump the fuel out of tanks of pulling tractors in spring and refuel them with fresh fuel.

 

[Bob]

"If they see that type of vent in CA you can be cited."

Just curious, as a naive NorDakotan, who's "they"?

Are there actually gas can Nazis or would cops at a routine traffic stop be looking for this?

Must not be much other "crime" going on to keep the po-po busy in the Golden State?

 

[tn terry t]

[/url]http://www.external_link.com/tsc/product/ez-pour-universal-replacement-spout-kit?cm_vc=-10005

 

[Bud in FLA]

Hopefully the pic will make it - I use a Schrader tire valve with the guts removed. Fish it through to a hole you drilled and pop it in place. Got a nice screw on cap that keeps water out and can be removed for a vent.

 

[Teakettle]

Google "jegs utility jugs". Not intended for fuel (heh) but available in useful colors like red, yellow, and blue, with vents, and pretty much indestructible.

 

[GordoSD]

I triple rinse and baking soda wash the 2.5 gallon, widemouth pesticide jugs. Two in a box. Never tip over, easy to lift and pour. Just need the proper funnel. Us old timers need to be imaginative.

 

[GordoSD]

It's pretty dangerous to have 200 gallons of highly flammable liquid in plastic jugs around your residence, I'd say get rid of 35 of them.

 

[flhr62]

Drill a hole in can. Push a golf tee in it. Pull tee out to vent.

 

[Mark - IN.]

Move away from a state with a governor named Moonbeam and things are likely to get better.

Mark

 

[Hobo,NC]

(quoted from post at 21:33:27 12/02/15) I have 2 yellow ones for my diesel Kubota. I lay a towel on the hood, and tip it over, resting the hook on the edge of the fuel neck. Works great, no spills at all, don't have to hold the can up.

I have the same jug and I was happy with it TILL one day I was making sure I had got all the fuel out of the can when I lifted the can up the end of the nozzle shot off and went in to the BOTTOM of the fuel tank. The only way to get it out is remove the fuel tank on my bota :twisted: So far its not been a issue I hope it does not disturb the fuel sender....

I capped off whats left of the nozzle and went to a funnel WHAT I should had done from the get go...