Storing Fuel

Stovepipes · 10 Dec 2015 at 16:53

I have a 20L Plastic Jerry can that I liked the idea of keeping spare fuel for the bike, only problem is I didn't take into account how bloody heavy and awkward the thing is to maneuver when even half full and the spout was useless so I haven't used it much in the last year.

I still like the idea of being able to top up the bike without having to go to the local petrol station and was wondering if there is a pump anyone recommends as the few I've seen online have terrible reviews or do I just get a smaller petrol can?

Anyone else keep a wee bit of petrol handy?

tom_e · 10 Dec 2015 at 16:56

Just get one of the little 5 litre cans. That's still at least a 3rd of a tank on most bikes.

wazza300 · 10 Dec 2015 at 17:09

you have a reserve on the bike? that should be enough

I just drain or syphon any needed petrol out of my tank,for cleaning the bike ect

just a regular car 5l plastic can would do you?

^JP^ · 10 Dec 2015 at 17:16

Can on bench or shelf above bike and few meters of tube works for me.

Stovepipes · 10 Dec 2015 at 17:40

wazza300 said:
you have a reserve on the bike? that should be enough

Not really worried about running out just like having some spare.

wazza300 · 10 Dec 2015 at 18:32

I meant that you have some in reserve in your tank should you ever want to syphon any for cleaning purposes

20L is a lot of fuel imo,it goes stale and evaporates,5L would be easier to handle ect but up to you really

Stovepipes · 10 Dec 2015 at 19:31

wazza300 said:
I meant that you have some in reserve in your tank should you ever want to syphon any for cleaning purposes

Oh I see, no I don't clean with petrol.

wazza300 said:
20L is a lot of fuel imo,it goes stale and evaporates,5L would be easier to handle ect but up to you really

I've heard that but I don't keep it around more than a few months and it seems Ok. I'm just really lazy after a 12 hour shift and if I've been asked to go further out than usual I need to top up the tank more than once a week which means getting up a bit earlier or going to bed later. Plus I keep remembering the fuel shortage thing we had. :eek:

Dogbreath · 11 Dec 2015 at 13:54

I don't really understand the problem, I refuel cars with 20L steel jerry cans of fuel quite regularly and it's really not difficult at all. Obviously a bike's filler faces directly upwards, so a good funnel is pretty much mandatory to prevent pouring fuel everywhere.

agnes · 11 Dec 2015 at 14:09

I've always kept a few 5ltr cans full. I'd never use it to fill the bikes up. Simply to top up to get me to a petrol station? Fuel is degradable and as such, shouldn't be a primary source if it's been sat for years on end.

I assume the can will be pretty static? Could you not buy this, mount it to your garage/shed wall, stick some hose on either end and then simply put one end in the can on the floor and the other end in your fuel tank?

Job done.

http://www.fueltankshop.co.uk/fuel_...2OP7l75Aswnn30y0euhAxCzC_950b5EHsbRoCI1_w_wcB

Sagalout · 11 Dec 2015 at 14:23

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1950s-vin...577145?hash=item3d0ac34fb9:g:RcQAAOSwI-BWNls0

Problem solved!

andicole0 · 11 Dec 2015 at 14:35

I suggest you check the law, it is confusing but you cannot carry petrol in more than 10l containers and store more than 30l at home but not in the house!
A 20l jerry can is now ilegal to use for petrol. There are also laws on the use of metal and plastic containers.
Andi.

Stovepipes · 11 Dec 2015 at 15:52

Dogbreath said:
I don't really understand the problem, I refuel cars with 20L steel jerry cans of fuel quite regularly and it's really not difficult at all. Obviously a bike's filler faces directly upwards, so a good funnel is pretty much mandatory to prevent pouring fuel everywhere.

Well then you're stronger man than me cause I cannot by myself easily manage to top up my bike with a funnel and a half full 20L jerry can.

agnes said:
Fuel is degradable and as such, shouldn't be a primary source if it's been sat for years on end.

I assume the can will be pretty static? Could you not buy this, mount it to your garage/shed wall, stick some hose on either end and then simply put one end in the can on the floor and the other end in your fuel tank?

It won't be stored for years, weeks at most and no as I don't have a garage or a shed.

Sagalout said:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1950s-vin...577145?hash=item3d0ac34fb9:g:RcQAAOSwI-BWNls0

Problem solved!

I'll make an offer tonight.

andicole0 said:
I suggest you check the law, it is confusing but you cannot carry petrol in more than 10l containers and store more than 30l at home but not in the house!
A 20l jerry can is now ilegal to use for petrol. There are also laws on the use of metal and plastic containers.
Andi.

I do remember reading about what was legal when I first got the container last year and not being 100% sure.

I think I'll get some smaller metal cans.

ShakenNstirred · 11 Dec 2015 at 19:20

Just go to the petrol station when needed, it takes a few mins if its local
you really cant spare 5 mins ?

agnes · 12 Dec 2015 at 00:06

Aye, good choice. Just get a few small gerry cans. 2 petrol, 1 diesel if you have a diesel car. Always good to have some spare.

Stovepipes · 12 Dec 2015 at 00:56

ShakenNstirred said:
Just go to the petrol station when needed, it takes a few mins if its local
you really cant spare 5 mins ?

Don't wanna!

Sometimes like today the bloody queue for petrol, because of the price drop means I'll be at the pumps for ages, when I'm on a 12 hour shift I just want get home. Plus I like the peace of mind it gives me knowing I have a wee bit should another fuel shortage happen. If I had a suitable place I'd seriously consider storing the maximum 275 litres, it's all those prepper TV shows I've gone mad. :eek:

agnes said:
Aye, good choice. Just get a few small gerry cans. 2 petrol, 1 diesel if you have a diesel car. Always good to have some spare.

Indeed.

^JP^ · 12 Dec 2015 at 08:15

Also get one of these 5L Measuring Jugs

Makes it so easy to decant from 20L Jerry can then fill up the bike, everyone at track days use them.