Every month or so, I like to pose a particularly stupid question, so here's this month's contribution:

Can a travel can that has been used to store diesel, also be used tlater o hold gas?

I ask this because it seems that expedition suppliers sell one can for gas and another for diesel.

Every month or so I like to answer a question that I really don't know anything about, but cannot contain my need for conjecture.  So here ya go -- For gasoline to diesel, the gas will evaporate, and any remaining residue shouldn't hurt the diesel.  For diesel to gasoline, the diesel won't fully evaporate unless you wait a long time.  But, the little bit of diesel still clinging to the can walls will be so diluted in the gasoline that it shouldn't cause any problems in a gasoline engine.  It will be like having a little Marvel Mystery Oil in there.  The reason for two kinds of cans is for easy identification and to avoid accidental filling on the trail.

This concludes my know-it-all session for today.

There's got to be a "can" joke in there somewhere. Oh well.

While I'm at it, can anyone recommend a local (Portland) supplier for NATO cans?

Mike, I'd be open to a trade if mine fit your criteria. 2 are in pretty good shape and 2 are painted OD. some scrratches and scuffs on both.

The surplus shop in Bend on old 97 by the RR crossing had them for $12 last time I was there. About the same shape as mine.

Doug shipman usually keeps some around his shop as well.

Sounds good to me. Do you just want to sell them to me for $12 each?

If so, consider them sold.

As an owner of an x-military vehicle I only use the Nato cans as they do not leak. I can turn them in any direction and not worry about the contents getting out.

Just a hint for the owners of older cans...some of the seals may deteriorate over time. Rather than buy a new rubber gasket for the can, just remove the gasket and turn it over and you will have a new surface for sealing the can.

Oh...by the way Peter, I am not familiar with your method of emptying or removing the contents. If you will give a demonstration, I will supply the can.

Cheers,

Morris

Beard trims! Sounds more like whole face trims! Peter, if you give Morris a demonstration, can I watch? ;)

http://www.expeditionimports.zoovy.com/category/tools.nato_gerry_cans/

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ZBQ1410-51732-525.html

Expedition Imports are quality folks. Get my pinz parts from them.  Excellent price on the cans.

Just a word on the data plate on the Nato cans, if you put them where they will be shaken alot the data plate may come out. I have a can mounted sideways under the pinz and the plate shook out on a rock trail. Mount them upright and that does not happen, all my other cans are ok.

The can does not leak though.  That is what is really important.

Morris

My 4 used NATO cans arrived today. So now I need to figure out how  and where I want to carry them.

Option 1: On the roof rack. Only problem with that is the weight plus they would have to go on the front portion of the rack since the tent would take the back half.

Option 2: One or two on a rack attached to the spare? Don't like all that weight on the door hinges.

Option 3: Inside? Arghh.

I guess maybe two inside and two up top? Have I missed anything?

No, I don't think you missed anything. I have made holders to carry two inside. The cans do not leak or give off fumes and that is the good part. In the desert I have to let off pressure when they get hot. I can see them get puffy but I never fill them all the way up. They will hold a bit more than 5 gal, but that is all I put in.

Putting cans up high is chancy as they weigh 40lbs filled and higher than my shoulders is really difficult for me, so I never thought to load them up above the roof. Can't do it with a soft top anyway. The hard top pinz can do things on top.

Morris