Storage of Generator Fuel in Containers

Hi

I do not know if this is the correct place to post this topic.

I purchased a 6Kw generator many years ago before I installed an 8Kw inverter. I bought two 20l metal jerry cans and three 25l treated(red) plastic petrol storage cans.

The metal jerry cans sometimes leak at the seal of the spout. I have since 3D printed thicker seals and have no more problems. The metal cans can also rust as there is a small amount of water in the petrol and can separate when stored.

A bigger problem was with the treated plastic containers. I filled the containers and sealed them for when needed. I had stored them for quite a long time and when it came to using the fuel this is what I found.

The plastic caps on all the containers were broken (cracked) and needed to be replaced. After some thought, I came to this conclusion. The full cans were sealed in the winter when it was cool and when the weather heated up the pressure from the petrol heating up broke the caps. I also lost a lot of fuel through evaporation. I now store the petrol in the treated plastic can and slightly loosen the small breather cap on the opposite side of the spout.

I know that you should not store petrol for more than a year and now fill my vehicle with the stored fuel after 6 months and put fresh fuel in the cans. I also do not fill all the cans.

Edited April 13, 20251 yr by Peter Topp