Rotopax Gas Can Problem

[ski3pin]

I received my replacement 3 gallon fuel can. They included something extra that has made me very pleased and satisfied with Rotopax's good customer service. I made sure to send them a thank you.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Ski have they given any idea as to the "why" you had a problem?
Frank

 

[ski3pin]

Ski have they given any idea as to the "why" you had a problem?
Frank

Nope

 

[Bosque Bill]

I emptied my two 2 gal rotopax into my tank this winter and refilled them when gas was cheap. I stood them in my garage until I put the camper back on last week. Both cans were bowed out above and below the center mounting point like pillows. Don't know why this would be, I didn't think gasoline expanded much with temperature. I cracked the lid on one, expecting air to rush out, but no. I now get a whiff of gas smell, but still don't see any leaks. They barely fit into my overhead rack now.

 

[ski3pin]

My cans have expanded mounted on the camper in response to heat. I would it expect it to be heat related. An aside..............if you keep gas in a can for a long period, do you use a stabilizer such as stabil? Since I have gas for snowblowers, blowers, generator, chain saws and such, I always add stabilizer.

 

[BillM]

Bosque,

There are two reasons your cans expand as temp goes up. The vapor pressure of the gasoline rises and the liquid fuel expands. I learned early on riding motorcycles in L.A. in the summer not to fill the tank to the top. The fuel is cool coming out of the ground and would expand and overflow the tank as it warmed. If your cans expanded I would expect a rush of vapor when you open them unless the lid is leaking vapor under pressure. My 5 gallon cans usually expand on a hot day and they do "exhale" when I open them. I'd check for leaks.

 

[PaulT]

You might be able to return the plastic to more original shape by emptying the Rotopax, pouring very hot water on them, flattening them physically, replacing the cap tightly, and leaving them flat on the floor until cool. After all, they changed shape at lower temps possibly because they were not restrained in the center while standing vertically.

Paul