Does a blitz style 5 gal metal leak if laid on its back?

[slickrock]

Have seen those way to expensive mounting brackets to mount a blitz metal can to a roof rack. Instead of standing up, the can is on its back with the spout/cap facing up. Even with a plastic cap, wouldn't that leak like crazy especially after sitting in the sun and sloshing around? A bunch of gas pouring all over the roof can't be good.

 

[rusty_tlc]

.... A bunch of gas pouring all over the roof can't be good.

That's the problem with you kids today, no sense of adventure.






If the gasket is in good shape and the cap isn't over tightened they shouldn't leak.
I think most of the problems people see with the nato style cans leaking is because they overfill and crank the cap down to the point the seal is damaged.

 

[slickrock]

I have two CARB approved cans and can't imagine they wouldn't leak at least when venting. Wanted to know if anyone has any personal experience. Just because they sell mounts that set them on their back doesn't mean they work well.

 

[samibattlemaiden]

you don't have to tip them for them to leak. At least thats been my experience. and that was with a brand new can first time out, it was in the high 90's though so maybe o ring was too soft to work?

 

[CardinalFJ60]

scepters won't leak.

I know you're referring to the Nato cans. That said, I know for a fact the scepters won't leak.. strapped flat on their side on my roof rock in 95+ degree weather through deserts of Utah and throughout Montana/WY. Most of the metal Nato ones i've seen leak.

there's a guy on ebay selling used scepters for $100 for 2 + shipping.

 

[slickrock]

nope...talking about the Blitz CARB approved cans. I can smell gas fumes when they are are on my carrier in the back of the 40 when I am on bumpy roads, change in elevation, or heat so I figure they leak. I keep seeing mounting systems that mount them on their backs and don't want to fabricate something to only have gas running down the roof of my FJC on a 3000 mile one way trip.

 

[samibattlemaiden]

I see all the layers down on the roof rack set ups and keep thinking I must have been the only one w/leaky cans but, I guess not.

 

[rusty_tlc]

nope...talking about the Blitz CARB approved cans. I can smell gas fumes when they are are on my carrier in the back of the 40 when I am on bumpy roads, change in elevation, or heat so I figure they leak. I keep seeing mounting systems that mount them on their backs and don't want to fabricate something to only have gas running down the roof of my FJC on a 3000 mile one way trip.

What is different about the CARB cans? I've been using the steel blitz/jerry cans for years and never had any problems.

 

[fj4068]

In addition to the polymer Scepter cans, there are at least three different styles of metal cans. I think confusion among the latter is muddying the advice here:

- NATO & NATO-style Wedco cans. (WWII German design, origination of "Jerry can" nickname) Have cam-latch lids & don't leak/vent at all if gaskets are good.

Photo courtesy ExpeditionExchange.com/Wedco/



- CARB-compliant metal cans similar to above but with an externally threaded round male orifice.

Photo courtesy ExpeditionExchange.com/Wedco/



- USGI-style metal cans with a large internally threaded female orifice, reputed to leak even when caps are reasonably tightened.

Photo courtesy Colemans.com

 

[Bogo]

nope...talking about the Blitz CARB approved cans. I can smell gas fumes when they are are on my carrier in the back of the 40 when I am on bumpy roads, change in elevation, or heat so I figure they leak. I keep seeing mounting systems that mount them on their backs and don't want to fabricate something to only have gas running down the roof of my FJC on a 3000 mile one way trip.

You could always fabricate up a mount with a built in drip pan and hose to direct the drips to the ground.

 

[slickrock]

It's this type but with the plastic cap that doubles as a spout. The spout goes on the inside and a little cap seals it on the outside like pictured. I can always make a mount to hold them upright. The goal was to keep them as low profile as possible but with a canoe, 3 storage boxes, two bikes, and enough gear for two months wedged under the canoe, I suppose it really doesn't matter.

 

[slickrock]

I'd love to get my hands on the older NATO cans but there are damn expensive.

 

[rusty_tlc]

It's this type but with the plastic cap that doubles as a spout. The spout goes on the inside and a little cap seals it on the outside like pictured. I can always make a mount to hold them upright. The goal was to keep them as low profile as possible but with a canoe, 3 storage boxes, two bikes, and enough gear for two months wedged under the canoe, I suppose it really doesn't matter.

Replace that clusterfxxx spout with a regular steel cap and rubber gasket. I just bought some new cans and was amazed that anyone would think that spout would somehow protect the environment, it almost guaranties you will spill gas. My cans came with a cap and gasket in addition to the spout. I use a Super Siphon to transfer fuel. When you fill the cans leave about 1-1/2" to 2" of head room below the low point on the opening. I've never tried hauling them on the side like this but I know they don't leak in my swing out carrier.

 

[slickrock]

Cool. Where can I find a steel cap? I don't even use the cheap spouts either. I have one of those hoses with the doohickey at one end that you shake up and down to create flow. Love that thing but have to be careful, the last three I had were stolen by my father, brother, and friend. Damn them!

 

[rusty_tlc]

Cool. Where can I find a steel cap? I don't even use the cheap spouts either. I have one of those hoses with the doohickey at one end that you shake up and down to create flow. Love that thing but have to be careful, the last three I had were stolen by my father, brother, and friend. Damn them!

Check your local mil surplus yard for caps.
I called Blitz and they stopped making steel cans 6 months ago.