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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Steven Kientz on March 28, 2014, 03:45:52 PM

Title: Fuel containers plastic or metal?
Post by: Steven Kientz on March 28, 2014, 03:45:52 PM
I know our fuel comes in plastic jugs. But a IMAC and pattern flier(also C/L) told me I should carry fuel in a F style metal can. So I know for convenience keeping it in the original container would be easier, but would it stay "fresher' in the metal container? Also, would condensation be higher in the metal can?

Steve
Title: Re: Fuel containers plastic or metal?
Post by: James_Mynes on March 28, 2014, 03:50:47 PM
Metal cans, fuel vapors, and 12V batteries are not a good mix. I've heard of cans bumping batteries with less than pleasant results.
I'll use plastic, thank you very much!
Title: Re: Fuel containers plastic or metal?
Post by: peabody on March 28, 2014, 04:10:55 PM
In one of my previous lives I learned that plastic is POROUS and that water molecules seem into plastic fuel containers....
If you like a little water in your fuel (John D'Ottavio always said that it was a good thing) then plastic is the answer.
I believe that gallons of fuel in plastic are forbidden in CA?
John makes a good point about batteries.....
Glass is the best for storing fuel, except for the obvious....
Have fun!
Title: Re: Fuel containers plastic or metal?
Post by: Joseph Lijoi on March 28, 2014, 04:59:06 PM
I know our fuel comes in plastic jugs. But a IMAC and pattern flier(also C/L) told me I should carry fuel in a F style metal can. So I know for convenience keeping it in the original container would be easier, but would it stay "fresher' in the metal container? Also, would condensation be higher in the metal can?

Steve

Fresher for how long?  You should be burning fuel like a fish drinks water.  I Have heard of people buying 50 gallons at at time.  A collapseable bottle would be best.

My preference is a metal Powermaster GMA can.  This is generally excepted as great stunt fuel.  That way I can put green Cool Power in it (if it works) and I won't have to hear about it from others.

Actually I have some old car Car Craft magazines from the early 60's where those guys would have candy apple painted pinstriped cans with "fuel" and "oil" painted on them for tool kit in the trunk (white button and tuft upholstered of course).
Title: Re: Fuel containers plastic or metal?
Post by: Jim Kraft on March 28, 2014, 05:04:57 PM
I have had fuel stored in my garage for several years in plastic jugs and also in metal cans. I cannot see any difference in the fuel and it works just fine. I did have one can of Testors fuel that was many years old and was only about half full. I opened it up and ran my Atwood Wasp .049 on it, and it ran great. How long has it been since Testors sold fuel in quart cans?
Title: Re: Fuel containers plastic or metal?
Post by: Brett Buck on March 28, 2014, 06:55:23 PM
I know our fuel comes in plastic jugs. But a IMAC and pattern flier(also C/L) told me I should carry fuel in a F style metal can. So I know for convenience keeping it in the original container would be easier, but would it stay "fresher' in the metal container? Also, would condensation be higher in the metal can?

Steve

   You should store fuel in METAL cans, because it is opaque.

     Brett
Title: Re: Fuel containers plastic or metal?
Post by: david beazley on March 29, 2014, 06:01:54 AM
I use metal gallon cans for my fuel for storage then transfer to metal 1 quart water bottles with screw tops for the field.  You can usually catch them at wally world or target for a couple bucks.
Title: Re: Fuel containers plastic or metal?
Post by: john e. holliday on March 29, 2014, 08:11:50 AM
I was told  many years ago by Mr. Wilson that plastic fuels jugs will take in moisture if not stored properly.  Main item was to have them sitting on a wooden plank.  Not on metal shelves or concrete floors.   Also either metal or plastic containers should not be opened too often.   I use an old K&B quart can to carry my fuel in the pit box.  Another is to keep the containers out of sun light as much as possible.
Title: Re: Fuel containers plastic or metal?
Post by: Phil Krankowski on March 29, 2014, 01:33:46 PM
Keep the fuel cool, and in the dark.  Light degrades nitromethane, and water is a product of decomposing nitromethane.  Methanol absorbs water from the atmosphere readily.  If there is a replaceable seal under the cap, replace it.

Phil