Plastic Gas Can Issues

[Osprey27]

Can anyone help me understand what's happening here and how to fix it? I had an older, larger gas container but thought a smaller 3 gallon would suit my needs and be easier to manage. I used it for a day no problem. Kept it on the boat for a week and when I went back down this past weekend this is what I saw.... it was clearly leaking gas. Thank you for any help!

 

[GA_Boater]

Howdy, Osprey.


Is the tank swollen? Looking at the gauge, is the tank empty or close to empty? Crack the filler cap to allow the fumes to escape and not force gas out.

 

[alldodge]

I'm thinking its full, the can has to much gas in it. It gets hot, expands and leaks out the vent

 

[Osprey27]

Howdy, Osprey.


Is the tank swollen? Looking at the gauge, is the tank empty or close to empty? Crack the filler cap to allow the fumes to escape and not force gas out.

Hi! It's a three gallon container and I had maybe a gallon in there when this happened. The tank was swollen some. Should I put downward pressure to compress the tank before screwing on the cap to give more room for expansion?

 

[Osprey27]

I'm thinking its full, the can has to much gas in it. It gets hot, expands and leaks out the vent

That was my first thought too but there was only about a gallon of gas in the container. I wouldn't expect leaking and that much expansion for being only 1/3 full.

 

[alldodge]

Check the vent, if its clogged pressure builds up and pressurizes the tank and fuel line. Gets high enough that the fitting leaks

 

[Osprey27]

Reading up a bit more, the gas can is expanding as it's supposed to but another forum noted that with this design, the low-permeation requires a sealant. One recommendation was Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket No. 3, Model 13630512. I'll have to give this a try and let you know how it goes!