Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Any one know of a good way to modify one of these spill proof gas cans to not spill so much gas.

You almost always need to hold the spring loaded nozzle open while you are trying to fill a tank or pour into a funnel. All the while, the you are trying to watch the gas go in the tank at a terribly slow rate. Instead you are knocking over the funnel or pouring the gas down the side of the tank.

I feel like most of the time I am a pretty reasonable, forgiving sort. But I think I would like to see the person that came up with these things tarred and feathered.

What could possibly be the matter with a regular gas can? I can't get mail order, went to PA and Delaware. Forgot to look when I was in NY. Tried to buy a regular spout, doesn't fit the can.

Help.

AJace wrote:

Hi AJ,

My container is similar to Marshall's except a bit higher and longer.  It's 6 gallons rather than 5.  I just found out it comes with adapters, so I'll go on the assumption I won't have any connection problems to my present containers.  The only thing I wasn't thrilled about is that it pumps on the upswing not when the plunger is moving down.  Seems if the container was running low on fuel that there may not be enough weight in the container while pumping and it may want to lift off the ground a bit.  Since you own one, do you think it was a good purchase?  My reasoning behind getting it was because I felt it may virtually eliminate spilling fuel, rather than holding a gas can with 5 or 6 gallons of fuel in it steady while pouring in a piece of OPE.  I've had my fill (no pun intended)  of the container neck slipping off the inlet of the fuel tank I was filling.  I hate spilled fuel all over the place.

I'm very happy with the Briggs & Stratton Smart Fil I believe it is called. You can find it on the B&S website. I believe it is up to about $27 now but it absolutely works great.

I do remember now that it comes with adapters.  You should have no problem.  To tell you the truth, that gadget found a home in a storage bin in the shop.  I used it for a while and found that it was more hassle than I needed.  You have to put more force forth pumping the gas, and if you don't get it all out of the hose it leaked a little while putting it away.  It has a good plug on the end, and I guess what is left over in the hose will drain when the vent is opened.  Other than that, I'll try using it again.  Thanks for the motivation.

Smitty,
How do you use a a filtering funnel with one of those cans that require pressure?

OK, I had a can cost $22 about 8 months ago. Today I threw the "smart nozzle" away and found a nozzle with a cap that fit my can for $8. Now I need to drill a hole so it will vent. I had two other choices, buy a kerosene can and use that for gas for less than $10, or a safety can for $80.

I did not want to use a kerosene can for about 50 reasons.
So a cheap plastic can ended up costing me $30.
Next time for $80 I will get  the Eagle safety can.

Walt wrote:
Walt LOL! 

Maybe a little home made brew too......  

It can be done by controlling the air am I wrong?

I use the B&S Smart Fil for my snow blower, mower, and wood chipper. "I don't need no stinkin filter " for any of those. I just open the valve and pour, it doesn't spill a drop and stops automatically when the OPE fuel tank is full. To each his own, but I would never use anything else.

 This thread got me to wondering,and I did some searching.  Has anyone ever tried this funnel ? Seems like it might be the answer. ( Of course, I'm an optimist  )

http://www.smallenginebusiness.com/mowerzone/prods/7-05903.html

I hate those new gas can's....   Different thread size so can't use old spouts.  Found that the blue cans for kero  don't have the safety spout and they are the same thread size,  If you wanna mix and match before check out(not actually suggesting that),   or buy two and throw blue one away.  Could buy the blue one and paint it red.   

What I use for my small stuff like string trimmer etc is  one of those aluminum fuel camping bottles. (looks like a thermos bottle cept narrow spout like a pop bottle,  no funnel usually needed) They are made for fuel/gasoline etc.   they vent before opening it,  they come in various sizes up to a quart.  Sure you gotta fill them, but they are easier to fill and you fill it once and you get four fills on the small stuff,  and real quick to top off when you only want a few ounces like when you start out.

Get a couple, oil/mix in one plain in other.  You will be able to pour as fast as the local bartender.  Easy/small enough to use with no funnel.

I have one of those old time safety 5 gal gas cans.  Looks like an old fashioned  milk can from a dairy farm.  They were bout 60/ 70 bucks.  Found it at on old auto parts.  It was on there floor for years , inch of dust.  asked about it, guy said He will give it to me for 12 bucks as it  was his last one and he was tired of lookin at it.  I waxed that baby, (colonite insulator wax) the spout opening is big enough to clean the inside with like a stick  an a rag. (actually big enough to get a good size arm in there, Do not try this at home folks!!) just don't do that. however if you even find an old rusty  one, you could get in there enough to sandblast and coat, (like a por 15 or something. ) (did a couple junky old motor cycle tanks for ones I keep At hunting camp,with that stuff, didn't work too bad)  (haven't clogged the carb yet, 2 years)

Ben07

I had a camping bottle like Ben07 had mentioned.  I looked at it a while back and saw that it needed to thrown away.  Too much rust.  I wonder if gas stations will turn on the pump if you try to fill a blue can with gas.  I don't like metal cans as they rust.  I like plastic, but don't like the style that store away in the can.  Too much dirt can get in there over time.  I like the style that has the spout on the top with a sealed cap on the end.  I only have 1 gallon can like that, and it has a 2 cycle mix in it.  The best alternative to all of this is probably to have a setup like me and Richie do.