5 Gal US MIL Jerry Cans

B

BrandonS

Observer
My buddy gave me two cans. They look like the one in this auction. My question is; I keep reading that the spouts you can buy like this leak a lot. Anyone that has these cans, have you just resorted to siphoning the gas into your vehicle? Additionally, when they are full I planned to put them on my roof rack on their sides. If I purchase new donut seals for the caps and the jugs are in good shape can I expect that they will not leak?

Sorry for the really dumb questions, never owned these before nor had to use them since we don't refuel airplanes in the USAF with them ;)
 
Jonathan Hanson

Jonathan Hanson

Well-known member
Not dumb questions at all.

The "Blitz" type cans your friend gave you are unfortunately well-known for leaking, both from the spout and the lid itself, even with new O-rings. The large diameter of the opening makes it difficult to put sufficient pressure on the gasket to seal it effectively. I'd be very, very surprised if you were able to successfully carry these on their sides, and would not recommend it.

The very best jerry cans are the NATO style, which have a smaller opening sealed with a cammed lid. Like this:

8841467278_bb8b1fc239.jpg

They're available from a number of suppliers. If you need to carry extra fuel, and want to do so safely, I recommend investing in a couple of those.
 
craig333

craig333

Expedition Leader
Check them for rust too. The cans on my Jeep are a bit difficult to get off so normally I just use a shaker siphon. Easier and not that much slower. I would never ever try and carry a blitz can anything other than upright.
 
I Leak Oil

I Leak Oil

Expedition Leader
....and yes, those spouts leak like no tomorrow. I agree with Jonathan that the NATO style cans are probably the best out there.
 
LR Max

LR Max

Local Oaf
I have one. I don't even bother with the spout. Instead I use a funnel. Seems to work quite well since it actually has a little bit of a built in spout-ish.
 
Inyo_man

Inyo_man

Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining.
The spouts do leak over time, but they get the job done when they're new. I too, use a funnel when refueling.
I have never had a problem with my Blitz can leaking. A few light taps with a hammer will make for a leak free seal. My brother has stored his can on its side on the roof rack and has never had it leak. Be sure the seal area is clean and the seal is in good shape.
 
Jonathan Hanson

Jonathan Hanson

Well-known member
getting the lid tight is key. Make sure you have the hammer to get the lid of as well
Click to expand...

And that pretty much sums up living with Blitz cans. Or the original Sceptre cans for that matter, for which you can buy very nicely made wrenches to get the top secure so that (you hope) it doesn't leak.

No on has ever needed a wrench or a hammer on a NATO can.
 
Louisd75

Louisd75

Adventurer
Jonathan Hanson said:
No on has ever needed a wrench or a hammer on a NATO can.
Click to expand...

Unless you empty a can at higher elevation on a hot day but wait til a cooler day and lower elevation to refill it. It can be a bear to break the seal in that situation. A crescent wrench can make it easier. On the plus side, no worrying about leaks.
 
B

BrandonS

Observer
I ordered new donut seals for the cans. I'm going to use them this weekend on a 2 day trail run. We'll see how it goes as I'll have one full can on my roofrack on it's side.

As for the hammer, I already have one with me to put tent stakes in the ground so that's a non-issue about carrying that.
 
X

Xtreme XJ

Adventurer
Anyone have any concerns with a hammer striking the cap... maybe a spark ??
Brass hammer ??

Might not be a concern... just curious...

Curt
 
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