Cleaning a Jerry Can

[rebapuck]

I have a couple of gas cans that have had fuel in them for at least two years. Is the gas any good? If not, how would I dispose of it and would the can need cleaning?

[T&CLongmire]

I use stabil in my gas cans but never for a two year period. Varnish is the issue along with condensation water build up from fluctuating temps. You might want to call your local recycle organization on disposal methods. I wouldn't use it myself for any type of engine or fuel powered device.

[Woodbutcher]

I have a similar question. I have a Jerry Can that has some crud in the bottom. It may have been used with a gas/oil mixture that had dried out. I want to use the can for fuel. How can I clean out that can to put it back in service?

[pappaw]

watching this thread as I am wanting a jerrycan myself

Cheers

[ssrjim]

I too have a can of old gas to depose of. Do we have an answer yet.

[High Desert]

You might try calling a local fuel jobber/distributor. They should have the means or contacts for the disposing of contaminated fuel.

As for cleaning the can itself, I'd probably use alcohol or maybe acetone. Something like you would use cleaning and old lantern fount.

[mary and bob]

Steam cleaner/ pressure washer or car wash is how I would clean out an old fuel can. A radiator shop could probably do it but may cost more than a new can. And there are places that repair gas tanks but again probably not cost effective. Gas now has ethanol which absorbs water and has caused me many problems in engines that don't get run much, and it eats up rubber parts in older carburetors that weren't designed for it. Notice how bad gas smells now? I don't have a legal method of disposal to offer, but our county does a hazardous material / chemical disposal day once a year where they accept all that stuff.

[72FJ40]

With a good layer of crud in the bottom of the can, there is a chance of the beginning of rust--if metal Jerry Can, new military issue are plastic. So I will offer a method I use on gas tanks on old car restoration ( one of several hobbies); may be a bit extreme for a can with no more than some old gas in it. With an emptied can, pour in two or three quarts of water, very small amount of dish washing soap, and a dozen or so of 1" fence staples; cover opening with hand or cap. Shake well; rest a moment and repeat. Pour out the soapy water and staples; rinse until you have cleared all the soap; invert and let drain a few minutes. Pour in a bottle or two of rubbing alcohol and shake well; pour this out and let it drain in the sun for a few hours. Can or tank will be clean; on old gas tanks, we follow this with a sealer called Red Kote. Doubt your Jerry Can will need that step.

[rebapuck]

I haven't yet done anything, but when I do, what routine should I follow to avoid a repeat?

I carry gas cans in my old VWs because I don't trust the gas gauges. Only have to run out on a deserted Interstate once to learn that lesson.

When I clean the can, how often should I pour it into the tank and refill to keep it viable?

[72FJ40]

I would suggest a 30 day time frame to recycle the gas in the jerry cans. Use that gas in the VW, lawn equip, atv, anything so the supply can be renewed. If not needed for any time, fully drain the cans and leave cans empty until needed.

Have you considered an aux tank for the VW rather than cans "...in my old VW's..."? Running out of gas in an isolated are is no fun, but cans of gas in a vehicle isn't a safe idea.

[eamarquardt]

I carry gas cans in my old VWs because I don't trust the gas gauges.

My brother's 66 type 1 had a mechanical gas gauge. Very reliable. My 67 had an electric gauge. The three terminal five volt voltage regulator that was required to make it work failed. It cost $5 for a new regulator. That was a lot of money in the early 70s. Had I known what I know now I could have gone to an electronic supply house and gotten one for less than a dollar.

I loved the mechanical gauge. When you got low on fuel you could jack rabbit start the car rolling with a quick release of the clutch and a bit of gas. If the gas gauge jumped a bit, you still had a bit of fuel in the tank. If it didn't, you better had look for a gas station as you were only a few miles away from having a human powered vehicle versus a 1300 CC 50 HP gas powered vehicle.

Cheers,

Gus

[mombear]

I bought a bunch of used gas cans and one of them had rust at the bottom. I poured about 3 cups of sand in it and took it to a paint shop to have them shake it for me. They thought I was crazy but the kid did it, I paid them $3.00 for that. When I dumped the contents and checked the inside of the can it was nice and clean. Been using it ever since.

[rebapuck]

Here's a related question. These new cars being advertised, like the Volt. If gas isn't used for months, can that be good for the gas tank?

[RKH]

Here's a related question. These new cars being advertised, like the Volt. If gas isn't used for months, can that be good for the gas tank?

Their programming is set so that the engine occasionally runs to help prevent that. The theoretical "never needs gas" is programmed to be non-existent.

[wagondude]

Here's a related question. These new cars being advertised, like the Volt. If gas isn't used for months, can that be good for the gas tank?

Their programming is set so that the engine occasionally runs to help prevent that. The theoretical "never needs gas" is programmed to be non-existent.

That and the gas tank is plastic on all the new cars.