[aceplant00]

I have a Dave Brown Metal fuel can. Is it a good thing to transfer my fuel from the plastic jug to the metal can. I don't see anyone else with one at all. I know sun light will kill fuel so will this keep my fuel from breaking down.

[michel gravelle]

Hi Aceplant00

I wish too add my 2 cents worth , because I myself want the right answer .
I cann t remember when or where I got this info but here I go .
There was a test made with canned fuel and bottled fuel left out in the sun , the fuel was sealed to stop evaperation . I believe it was left out for several months . The coluration was differnt and it didn t brake down , the performance was the same This test was done with several brands With what I have said , how can you loose something that cann t escope . Dosn t it still have to be their, if the vaper cann t escape ( nitro gas ) than don t we end up with same thing I kind of believe this . But I am no chemist . I hope someone will set us straight I also believe that leaveing youre can of feul out in the open is the worst thig that a person can do .
I even seen empty cans of fuel for sale at the hobby shop .

So what is true?

Can any body set us straight for the record , it would be nice to know


Mike

Michel Gravelle

[Canhos]

I have heard of cases where a 12 volt battery tipped over against the side of a metal glow fuel container. Big fireball erupted.

I think I read it in a mag or MAAC mag, but it was years ago. I would just use the plastic jug, and keep it indoor when your storing it.

[voyager_663rd]

Couple of years ago there was a (reported?) trend in the U.S. that they were going to go the metal can route exclusively (ie phase out plastic) due to fire concerns.

I don't know that anything ever happened regarding that but it was not an issue in Canada and plastic is the norm here.

IMHO, stick with plastic and don't worry about it.

[DO335]

Back in the "Bad Old Days", the only way fuel was supplied was the metal cans. Now it's plastic.

Plastic is easier and less costly to manufacture.

However, believe it or not, it was claimed during my previous life in the professional photography racket, that the plastic is actually porous to gases. And the claim was that chemicals in plastic bottles would thus oxidize, even while stored in darkness and all that.

The purists used amber glass bottles. They could not be anything other than amber because the claim was that the chemical composition of the clear and other coloured glasses was different from the amber and that's what screwed up the chemicals - not sunlight.

Another thing to consider is that plastic leaches chemical compounds into the stuff in the bottle, especially when hot. So don't cook your fuel in the microwave oven!

From my personal experience, this year I started off my OS 1.08 with my "vintage" fuel supply - some 3 year old stuff stored who knows how, given to me by a friend. He was about to throw it out. I said my mill would burn it fine. Recently I've used it up and moved to the good stuff - only 2 years old. And with any luck, next week I'll get into the REALLY GOOD stuff - only one year old!

It sometimes makes a difference what engine you are running that old stuff in. Fortunately, my old OS burns just about any slop I can find. And it does so reliably - 1 to 2 flip starts and no deadsticks, good transition, idle and top end. But in an 049? Forget it.

[michel gravelle]

This is also what I have learnt , and I m going back 20 yrs .
Thanks for youre info , I hope other members add to this thread . The most important thing is that it is sealed , would you not agry .

Thanks for the info

Mike

[DO335]

Yes, for certain.

Be absolutely sure that you have sealed the stuff up better than you can imagine. Maybe even double seal the lid if it's been opened. And don't open any more than necessary. Every time you let in fresh air, you get more moisture and oxygen.

My old rule was once out of the container, never back in. I used a small jug for the day's flying. If I needed more, it came out of the main jug. Never went back in. These days I'm getting a bit lazy though so that rule gets broken.

But everything gets properly sealed or if new is checked to be well sealed and then stashed in a cool, dry place until opened or used the next time out.

[michel gravelle]

Well Said Sir (DO335)

The info that you have writen is straightup .
I ve have learnt the same thing , but I keep being told different .
Gas is gas , its the conditions that make it look different . It s like a frige , there is no such thing as a frige makeing cold , it removes the heat , but don, t tell anyone this , they ll think youre nuts

Mike

[Noin]

Okay, so now where do I get a proper fuel can/bottle?

[michel gravelle]

Hi Noin
I use a old 2 strock oil rsevoir from a Bombardia snowmoble a skandic to be exact , It s thick , holds 2 liters of gas , large openning with a tight cap .
It has been modified to fit at the end of my flight box .

Winshield wash bottles from cars are good , but not as thick .
There are many solid containers that could be used , just look around you . I m sure you will find something .

I don t believe in the metal cans , gas and metal don t go together .

Have a nice day .

Mike