Leak Proof Fuel Can

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robbieg

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I carry a few litre of unleaded for the o/b in my anchor locker which is drained-just in a ordinary plastic 5 litre fuel can. Despite best efforts (ie changing the can/tightening the cap until the pips squeak) after being bounced arround on passage it starts to leak slightly-vapour pressure getting past the seal (?)-SWMBO who is very sensitive to these things gets a bit upset when going to anchor, opening the locker & getting a wiff of petrol!

Anyone got any tips for improving the seal on these things or alternative know of a leak vapour/leak proof container (within reason smaller the better)?
 
[ QUOTE ]
a ordinary plastic 5 litre fuel can

[/ QUOTE ] You are using a proper petrol can? It sounds as though the seal in the cap has gone. I have a couple and have never noticed any problem with either and sometimes when it gets a bit warm they look as though they could burst! Get a new one, but a good one. Take the old one home for the lawnmower.
 
I have seen ordinary acrylic sealant used when the rubber seal is gone. But then again you are probably better off getting a new one. They don't cost much and I don't know how acrylic sealant holds up against petrol.

How about a steel jerry can? We have a few big 20 liter ones but I have seen 5 liter ones before in army surplus shops. They don't leak and we have never had problems with corrosion yet as they are well painted and heavy duty.
 
I have a similar problem: I've used two different plastic cans kept in the anchor locker (the only locker that really keeps the smaell of petrol out of the cabin. I really don't need a 5-gallon jerrycan, or think a steel can would last long without rusting, as the locker regularly gets salt water in and out.

What we want is a small well made plastic petrol can....
 
Try kneeling on the handle as you do the cap up.

It creates a vacuum, and keeps the vapour in, assuming the seal is good!
 
I'm not being flip when I say, keep the can either empty or full. That's how I deal with this one. When it's half full the vapour can expand a lot when warmed, and gas can escape. So 2 small cans are better than one larger one!

PWG
 
[ QUOTE ]
When it's half full the vapour can expand a lot when warmed

[/ QUOTE ] But the presure produced by the vapour will be entirely temperature dependent so IMHO it wont make any difference if it is full or partly full. Are there any scientists around tonight?
 
A standard fuel can from Halfords should do. If it isn't vapour tight, take it back its not fit for purpose.
I too use the anchor locker for outboard fuel and have had many years service from £3 plastic 5l fuel cans.
Don't leave them on deck long term, the UV will kill the plastic.
You could check the neck, maybe clean up the moulding with a bit of wet and dry if it isn't flat and smoooth acroos the top. Had to do this on a water can.
Cheers,
 
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