Plastic Petrol Cans

[max_power]

Like many, I use those green petrol cans for the tender outboard and lawnmower.

Although I keep them out of the sun, I noticed that this particular can was bloated well out of shape.I gingerly released the cap to allow air to escape.

Is this usual and should I take precautions to stop this happening?

Years ago there were only metal cans that I believe had an air hole.

I also use them for storing extra diesel in lockers.

Any thoughts on the anove would be appreciated.

Many Thanks,




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[Evadne]

Like you I use plastic cans to store diesel in the cockpit lockers (a mixture of red and black 1-gallon cans). Being out of the sun and sitting on bare grp at the waterline I've always assumed they stay at a fairly constant temperature. I've not observed the shape change and have never noticed any hissing noises when loosening a cap. Petrol is more volatile and if you heat it a little it will exert more pressure, but they are supposedly approved for carrying in car boots, which are not reknowned for staying cool.

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[VicS]

This is quite normal behaviour for plastic cans. In cold weather they also tend to go the other way too. I have a 6gal. plastic tank for the outboard which does the same, when the vent is closed, even tho' I cover it to keep the sun off it. I have always assumed that as they are intended for petrol they are safe but it does underline the importance of only using cans intended for the purpose.

If it worries you the the only solution is to use metal cans.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>Ne te confundant illegitimi.</font color=purple>

 

[Boathook]

I have 5 gallon plastic cans on board for my outboard and after seeing them the other week looking bloated, I now leave the vents slightly lose so as to get round the extreme presuures. As they are in lockers I was worried about the smell but so far it has been no problem. Time will tell though ......

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[Moose]

I allways leave the tank cap slightly open, I have to leave my 23litre tank in the cockpit because it will put the RIB over the davit weight limits!! I allways think it best to leave the tank where it can vent over the side which is why I leave it next to one of the cockpit drains, or you could put it in your gas locker.

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El Alce

 

[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

the one in the boot of my car did this 3 years ago, never went back to it's original shape, but seems fine, so I don't worry, it is of the stumpy cube variety.

The outboard can is the taller thin type and has not changed shape at all in 12 years, must be the design me thinks.

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk/Honda_00.html>Honda Formula 4-Stroke racing</A>

 

[LORDNELSON]

I use two, red, 10 litre plastic cans, one for outboard mixture and the other for the emergency petrol four stroke generator. Both are kept on deck(to ensure that any gas escaping goes overboard) in full sun. Both are kept tightly stoppered. The cubical one has a rather bloated look whilst the one which is of triangular section has not altered shape. Both are at least four years old. I have had no problems with either. The red colour has bleached to pale pink.

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[andyball]

I've a 5l one that now holds nearly 6l after expanding in the heat.....but always when empty- with petrol inside it stays the right size. It is 19 yrs old & still seems more solid than most.

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[Boathook]

Re: Plastic Petrol Cans (re Moose)

I should of added that the locker is vented with a drain hole in the bottom exiting outside the boat well above the water line.

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[MedMan]

Molatov Cocktail Anyone?

I use a green can for my outboard petrol. It does get bloated if let in the sun and hiss when the pressure is released. Solution: I try to make sure it is never left in the sun!

I feel very concerned about the suggestion of leaving the top slightly loose or having a top with a vent hole in it. I would be most grateful if anyone following this practice would avoid mooring anywhere within half a mile of me. A container venting petrol fumes, more commonly known as a Molatov Cocktail, is highly dangerous and could be ignited by a naked flame or spark anywhere within a metre or so.

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[ArthurWood]

If the can is pink, you might want to check that it has not become brittle from UV degradation of the plastic.

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