Pouring gas out of a gas can used to be such a simple endeavor. What happened to old gas can spouts?
Today’s gas can spouts are hard-to-use, with springs that snap the lid shut as you’re trying to pour. The new gas cans also lack vents, which makes pouring all the more difficult.
Continue reading to learn all about what changed, and how you can upgrade your old-style gas cans and keep them in use!
Regulations Were Imposed on Portable Fuel Containers
As of January 1, 2009, all portable fuel containers, more commonly known as gas cans, sold in the US are required to conform to two regulations: The Mobile Source Air Toxics program and the Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act.
The Mobile Source Air Toxics program aims to reduce toxic emissions from passenger vehicles and gas cans. It’s estimated that, by 2030, this rule will reduce VOC emissions by over 1 million tons. These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted into the air from products or processes.
According to a February 2007 report from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), permeation emissions pass through the walls of plastic gas cans, and evaporative emissions come through unsealed or open containers and from gasoline spills. It also says that the estimated amount of gasoline spilled out of gas cans nationwide was 70,262 tons in 2005.
Meanwhile, the Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act ensures each gas can manufactured for sale in the US conforms to a child-resistance standard.
Good Intentions, But Poor Design
These regulations were founded on good intentions of protecting children and the environment. The idea was to reduce evaporation with durable, high-density polyethylene and barrier materials, and prevent spills with a locking device to prevent fuel from pouring out unless a lever is pressed. Yet, the design lacks proper functionality.
These new government gas cans can be cumbersome, making it hard to hold the release lever while supporting a heavy gas can in an awkward position. Some gas cans even have spring-loaded nozzles that must rest on the gas tank at just the right angle to allow fuel to flow.
Plus, the new design doesn’t have a vent to release any air that entered while pouring. If poured too quickly, the trapped air can cause gasoline to splash out.
The Solution: Upgrade Your Old Gas Cans
Luckily, the 2009 regulations only apply to new fuel containers. Take your old gas cans and upgrade them with spouts that work!
Choose a Spout and Vent Kit
First, choose a spout and vent kit listed below. Each comes with a push-in vent and flame arrestor. The push-in vent allows for a steady flow of gasoline, while the flame arrestor prevents vapors inside from igniting.
- Standard Replacement Spout and Vent Kits come with a spout, spout cap, tether, 1/2″ replacement push-in vent, flame arrester, and yellow and black base caps.
- Rigid® Replacement Spout and Vent Kits include a spout, spout cap, 1/2” replacement push-in vent, filter screen/flame arrestor, and yellow and black base caps.
- HI-FLO® Replacement Spout and Vent Kits have a spout, spout cap, tether, 8″ spout extension for those hard-to-reach tanks, 1/2” replacement push-in vent, flame arrestor, and yellow and black base caps.
- HI-FLO® Replacement Spout With Unleaded Reducer Kits consist of a spout, spout cap, tether, reducer tip, 1/2” replacement push-in vent, flame arrestor, and yellow and black base caps.
Select an Adapter
Then, choose an adaptor if needed. It’s that easy!
- 63mm “F” Style Adapters fit 63mm “F” style jugs.
- Chilton Adapters let any EZ-POUR® Spout kit be used with Chilton gas cans.
- Jerry Can Adapters fit plastic and metal jerry cans. Each adapter comes with an O-ring for pouring and a flat gasket to seal the tank completely.
- Metal Can Adapters fit old metal cans with 1 3/8″, 1 1/2″, and 1 3/4″ necks.
- Racing Jug Adapters fit old metal cans with 1 1/2″ and 1 3/4″ necks.
Visit an EZ-POUR® Retailer Today!
With EZ-POUR®, you can keep your gas cans functioning properly. Shop online and have your order delivered right to your door, or find EZ-POUR® products nearest you with our retail locator map! And, if you ever need help, our knowledgeable team is more than happy to assist you.