Portable fuel tank... - Diesel Forum

JFordBronco · 01-16-2013, 07:27 PM

I have two old military diesel fuel cans, Jerry cans, is what I have heard them called. IS it a bad idea to put diesel in these for a long road trip? I like to have that "just in case" on hand. Suggestions?

thatmedic88 · 01-16-2013, 08:16 PM

the only thing I can think of is if they are galvanized then NO. The diesel will eat the zinc coating off them and cause an expensive repair bill when the zinc goes threw your fuel system

JFordBronco · 01-17-2013, 03:00 PM

How would I tell if it's galvanized? The only thing I can tell you for sure about it is it's olive drab and it's old but it works well...

thatmedic88 · 01-17-2013, 09:04 PM

Most of them are made out of pressed steel. Galvanized steel has a dull look to it. I cant say Ive seen any in galvanized steel. Most of these are made to an old OSHA standard, if I remember correctly. Google it. Might have a requirement of being made out of a certain material.

I doubt its galvanized but I just saying FYI galvanized steel and diesel dont mix. I would hate for you to have to pay a huge repair bill.

Headspace · 01-24-2013, 09:39 AM

I'm doing the same thing. I have to "gerry cans" (ie German gas cans) I carry for extra diesel. Mine are bare steel inside. Galvanizing would be used for water cans to prevent rust. Diesle doesn't rust steel. That's the way I finger it anyway.

Painted Horse · 01-24-2013, 10:42 AM

Check them out carefully. Maybe put some fuel in them and slosh it around in the back of your truck for a day or two. Dump out your sample and carefully inspect it to see if any specs are now in the fuel.

I've found that a lot of the old Jerry Cans have started to rust over the years and are more nostalgic than functional. And I hate the new generation of plastic jugs. The govt has made the spouts almost worthless.

Hdslider · 01-24-2013, 03:43 PM

Unless ya got a good funnel them pos spouts are worthless.

Headspace · 01-26-2013, 08:30 AM

Yeah, those plastic spouts are worthless and I can't lift a five gallon can because of bad back. So I bought a 12 volt diesel transfer pump that comes with hoses, nozel and wires with clips from Harbor Freight.
I do a lot of off road RV with my '13 f-350 6.7 with a slide in camper. Pulled the back seat out of the crew cab and replaced it with a custom "tool box" that takes up the entire back of the cab. Bolted in with all the original seat and seat belt bolts. Go for miles into remote county in the southwest so I carry extra water and diesel. In stead of built in tanks I can choose how many gerry cans and water jugs to carry on each trip.