Leaking Fuel Containers !!!

[tvedit]

Leaking Gas Container

I was wondering if others have had the same problems I experienced with leaking gas containers.

I purchased a gas can with pump for my gasser back in December from ABELL RC HOBBY (http://www.abellrc.com). It's a simple poly gas can with a Dubro gas hand pump and some Tygon tubing. Nothing special or out of the norm.

The tubing passes through the gas can lid via holes with rubber grommets and eventually goes to the pump. The pump sits on an aluminum support that fits under the screw cap.

A couple of weeks ago, the can tipped over in the back of my truck and gas with 2 stroke oil leaked everywhere! 2.5 gallons worth (Good thing I don't smoke). Gas leaked from the pass though rubber grommets and from under the cap. The aluminum support does not allow the gas cap to screw down far enough to seal and the rubber grommets do nothing to stop gas from leaking out.

Aren't gas cans suppose to be fluid and vapor tight?? It seems like this is a product liablily suit waiting to happen. How could anyone produce a product; a gas can that leaks...better question is why would anyone want to pay $57.00 for a gas can that leaks!

I called the guys at ABELL HOBBY and they were not very helpful or cooperative. They said they would send me a RMA but they never did.

I decided to make my own using bulkhead fittings that seal airtight. Cost me all of fifty cents and ten minutes of my time.

If you want bad customer service and leaking gas cans... ABELL HOBBY is the place to go!!!

[maverick06]

thats horrible and very unsafe. Talk about a potential lawsuit.

I am glad that I havent had that problem. I have knocked my charger over and the electrons have never spilled out and made a mess...

Just joking, none of that electric/fuel thing here. I did my time with nitro trucks. Glad you were able to fix it, hope no one else has that problem. And yes, i am sure that a gas can is supposeto be tight!

[rmflyfish]

thanks for the update Tvedit... wish I saw it a few days ago, my can is on the way from Abellrc as we speak..

Would you be willing to post pic's of how you fixed it, so I can retrofit mine before I put fuel in it?

Thanks in advance

BP

[Merlin1205]

Hmm great timing for me as I was just getting ready to order from them as well.
Leaking cans and poor customer service... Think I will pass and just make my own.
Thanks a lot for the posting and saving me some grief :)

Happy Flying,

Tim

[tvedit]

Hey guys! Thanks for all the interest. I'll post to the group in hopes of getting the word out that:

"LEAKING GAS CONTAINERS ARE JUST NOT ACCEPTABLE!"

I fixed the leaking gas container by using sub miniature quick disconnects fittings and coiled tubing, I made a gas container that won't leak or breathe with pressure changes (heat, altitude). In fact, you can kick this gas container down the street without leaking one drop of fuel, or one molecule of gasoline vapor. I know... I did just that!

Basically, I installed 2 bulkhead quick disconnects into a gas container I purchased at Wal-Mart for $6.00.

Using an awl, I punched 2 holes exactly 7mm from the center of the cap.

Drill out the two punched holes with a 1/8" drill bit.

JB Weld is excellent when gasoline is used. Apply some to the fitting if desired.

The coiled body is on the output of the pump with a male lock fitting.

The fueling tip is used when you want to fuel. It twists on with a 1/2 twist and locks to the end of the coiled fuel tubing's male fitting.

When finished fueling a push the tip into the vent fitting for quick storage. When finished for the day, disconnect the fueling tip and lock the coil tubing on to the vent bulkhead fitting with a 1/2 twist. The system is now locked air and fluid tight.

I just happen to have a small quantity of the coiled tubing (which is compatible with hydro carbons - gasoline) and the fittings are made from nylon necessary to construct this system. If you're interested in making a system like mine, please PM me.

Hope this helps,
Mike :cool:

[I_FLY_CL]

Could you tell me where you found the twist lock fittings?

Thanks
terry




Hey guys! Thanks for all the interest. I'll post to the group in hopes of getting the word out that:

"LEAKING GAS CONTAINERS ARE JUST NOT ACCEPTABLE!"

I fixed the leaking gas container by using sub miniature quick disconnects fittings and coiled tubing, I made a gas container that won't leak or breathe with pressure changes (heat, altitude). In fact, you can kick this gas container down the street without leaking one drop of fuel, or one molecule of gasoline vapor. I know... I did just that!

Basically, I installed 2 bulkhead quick disconnects into a gas container I purchased at Wal-Mart for $6.00.

Using an awl, I punched 2 holes exactly 7mm from the center of the cap.

Drill out the two punched holes with a 1/8" drill bit.

JB Weld is excellent when gasoline is used. Apply some to the fitting if desired.

The coiled body is on the output of the pump with a male lock fitting.

The fueling tip is used when you want to fuel. It twists on with a 1/2 twist and locks to the end of the coiled fuel tubing's male fitting.

When finished fueling a push the tip into the vent fitting for quick storage. When finished for the day, disconnect the fueling tip and lock the coil tubing on to the vent bulkhead fitting with a 1/2 twist. The system is now locked air and fluid tight.

I just happen to have a small quantity of the coiled tubing (which is compatible with hydro carbons - gasoline) and the fittings are made from nylon necessary to construct this system. If you're interested in making a system like mine, please PM me.

Hope this helps,
Mike :cool:

[tvedit]

Please PM me for more info on the fittings for a leak proof fuel container.

Mike

[I_FLY_CL]

PM Sent


Please PM me for more info on the fittings for a leak proof fuel container.

Mike

[tvedit]

ttt

[Airetch]

Hey tvedit,

What department in Wal-Mart have the fittings?