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#1
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
A recent thread in a.h.r blamed the government for "ruining"
the portable gasoline container: TITLE: The government ruined the gas can... URL: http://tinyurl.com/cszj22e Personally, I feel manufacturers ruined the gasoline can, simply by following only half the requirements for a gasoline can. That half is the government requirement that the gas stay *inside* the can. Yet, the manufacturers wholly punted on the consumer's requirement that the gas flows *out* of the can! All photos below are of the Blitz brand, since it's all I could find local Lowes hardware store, here in California anyway: http://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12925619.jpg The real problem is that the engineers at Blitz designed a gas can *only* to government standards (and not to consumer needs). For example, the government stipulated that no gas should diffuse or leak leak out of the can, even after a year in the hot sun; and, they mandated that accidental expression of the contents be prevented; and and they required child-proof caps, all of which Blitz engineered into the gas can. But, the government didn't mandate consumer ease of use. Neither did Blitz design to any reasonable consumer use model. The result is that Blitz engineers designed a gas can that holds gasoline *in*; but Joe Consumer can't easily get that gas *out*. In a followup post, I'll describe what I think may be the engineer foibles that resulted, which I know many of you know full well. I'm also well aware of the common workarounds to the problem, which I will mention later; but if you know of better solutions, now would be a good time to suggest them. The best solution of all, would be a replacement cap - so if you know of one, please let us know where to get it. |
#2
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Mon, 13 May 2013 23:20:01 +0000, Danny D wrote:
The real problem is that the engineers at Blitz designed a gas can *only* to government standards (and not to consumer needs). The few Blitz portable gasoline containers I own hold gasoline *in* without losing an ounce by weight even after a full year in the blazing sun, it's almost ridiculous how difficult it is to get that gasoline *out* of the poorly designed Blitz gas can! A quick way to show how well the can holds the gasoline *in*, is simply to take two cans from the cool windowless shed, as I did just now, and put one in the sun and leave the other next to it, in the shade, for a few minutes (this was after about ten min): http://www3.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12926771.jpg Bear in mind, both those portable gasoline containers are holding a full 5 gallons, and they still balloon outward in the sun. When they're a quarter full or less, they basically blow over in the wind like a beach ball rolling about. It should be clear that the Blitz cans are designed only to keep the gasoline *in*, but that no attention whatsoever was made to making it easy for the consumer to get the gas *out*. For example, pour spout manipulation requires two hands alone: http://www5.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12925803.jpg The problem with that is we're talking five gallons of gasoline, which you can't hold high in the air with your pinky while you're refueling a standard-sized automobile. So, in effect, you need three hands (two to defeat the buttons, the other to fight gravity). http://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12925919.jpg Worse yet, your third hand will be holding those five gallons for a long time, because there is no external vent. The internal vent only allows the gasoline to trickle out. http://www5.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12925923.jpg You'd think these handles conspicuously molded into the can would be helpful under these circumstances, but only the top handle is of any use whatsoever when there is any appreciable gas in the can: (If you don't believe me, try to use that handle & report back): http://www5.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12925908.jpg Of course, the only logical solution is to remove the button (which the manufacturer designed expecting you to do just that): http://www2.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12925925.jpg And Youtube videos exist showing where to drill the 1/2-inch hole to vent the gasoline can (again, where the manufacturer left conspicuously thick knowing full well that's what you'd do): http://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12925914.jpg Since nobody on this planet can stand the pour spout, most of the time you just remove the spout in its entirety and just pour or siphon out of the open mouth of the can. http://www2.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12926515.jpg That means you'll be removing the cap a lot - so - again, the manufacturer made it painfully obvious what you have to do in order to make cap removal even close to palatable: http://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12925909.jpg True to the design goal of keeping gasoline *in* the can, even if you tilt the can fully upside down, and do the Harlem Shake, you'll still *never* get all the gas *out* of the can! http://www4.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12926632.jpg Would one of the engineers on this group explain *how* it can be that the spout isn't at a point where *all* the gasoline comes out when you fully invert the gasoline can??? http://www3.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12926701.jpg The result of this inexplicable design flaw is that the trapped gasoline vaporizes such that it all leaks out into the atmosphere the moment you remove the spout to refill the can. While we're discussing engineering fixes, a little known yet very serious flaw in the Blitz spout design is that this spot tends to develop a circular crack, within only about a year of use, which again, allows all the gasoline to leak into the atmosphe http://www3.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12925906.jpg While common workarounds exist (e.g., remove the button, cut off the ratchet lock, add a tire valve vent, etc.) the one workaround I haven't seen, since the spout is so useless, is to replace it with a plain old gasoline cap? http://www4.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12941482.jpg |
#3
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Mon, 13 May 2013 23:21:29 +0000, Danny D wrote:
the one workaround I haven't seen, since the spout is so useless, is to replace it with a plain old gasoline cap? I'm not sure if the company will ever get out of chapter 11; but, if anyone knows of a second source for a plain old gasoline cap, we'd all benefit. http://www.blitzusa.com/chapter11filings.html Any ideas for a plain Jane gasoline cap for the Blitz gas can? |
#4
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
Danny D wrote:
On Mon, 13 May 2013 23:21:29 +0000, Danny D wrote: the one workaround I haven't seen, since the spout is so useless, is to replace it with a plain old gasoline cap? I'm not sure if the company will ever get out of chapter 11; but, if anyone knows of a second source for a plain old gasoline cap, we'd all benefit. http://www.blitzusa.com/chapter11filings.html Any ideas for a plain Jane gasoline cap for the Blitz gas can? http://ezpourspout.bluesarthouse.ws/wp/ Works great and has fit every can I have. |
#5
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Mon, 13 May 2013 19:54:13 -0400, Steve W. wrote:
Any ideas for a plain Jane gasoline cap for the Blitz gas can? http://ezpourspout.bluesarthouse.ws/wp/ This is interesting because it provides for a second vent opening. That would be plan B, if I can't find a plain Jane gas cap to fit. Since I siphon, I don't really need to pop a vent hole; I just need a plain gas cap. So, plan A is a gas cap source for the Blitz USA gas cans. Plan B, if no cap can be found, is that nice spout you just found! Thanks for the helpful information! |
#6
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
On 05/13/2013 07:20 PM, Danny D wrote:
A recent thread in a.h.r blamed the government for "ruining" the portable gasoline container: TITLE: The government ruined the gas can... URL: http://tinyurl.com/cszj22e Personally, I feel manufacturers ruined the gasoline can, simply by following only half the requirements for a gasoline can. That half is the government requirement that the gas stay *inside* the can. Yet, the manufacturers wholly punted on the consumer's requirement that the gas flows *out* of the can! All photos below are of the Blitz brand, since it's all I could find local Lowes hardware store, here in California anyway: http://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12925619.jpg The real problem is that the engineers at Blitz designed a gas can *only* to government standards (and not to consumer needs). For example, the government stipulated that no gas should diffuse or leak leak out of the can, even after a year in the hot sun; and, they mandated that accidental expression of the contents be prevented; and and they required child-proof caps, all of which Blitz engineered into the gas can. But, the government didn't mandate consumer ease of use. Neither did Blitz design to any reasonable consumer use model. The result is that Blitz engineers designed a gas can that holds gasoline *in*; but Joe Consumer can't easily get that gas *out*. In a followup post, I'll describe what I think may be the engineer foibles that resulted, which I know many of you know full well. I'm also well aware of the common workarounds to the problem, which I will mention later; but if you know of better solutions, now would be a good time to suggest them. The best solution of all, would be a replacement cap - so if you know of one, please let us know where to get it. Just take the damned thing off and use a funnel... seriously. The nozzle is damn near worthless, a simple screw-off cap would be more practical, less likely to break, and would make it more clear to the end user how to actually get the gasoline out of the stupid thing. nate -- replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply. http://members.cox.net/njnagel |
#8
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
Danny D wrote:
On Mon, 13 May 2013 19:54:13 -0400, Steve W. wrote: Any ideas for a plain Jane gasoline cap for the Blitz gas can? http://ezpourspout.bluesarthouse.ws/wp/ This is interesting because it provides for a second vent opening. That would be plan B, if I can't find a plain Jane gas cap to fit. Since I siphon, I don't really need to pop a vent hole; I just need a plain gas cap. So, plan A is a gas cap source for the Blitz USA gas cans. Plan B, if no cap can be found, is that nice spout you just found! Thanks for the helpful information! They also sell plain caps. Look under the parts heading. -- Steve W. |
#9
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Mon, 13 May 2013 20:45:45 -0400, Steve W. wrote:
They also sell plain caps. Look under the parts heading. I see them! I will call tomorrow to see if they fit the Blitz cans. http://ezpourspout.bluesarthouse.ws/...roducts/parts/ I'll say I'm from Kansas, or some other non-nanny state! PS: Let's hope the 'gubament doesn't see this! |
#10
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Mon, 13 May 2013 23:21:29 +0000, Danny D wrote:
Would one of the engineers on this group explain *how* it can be that the spout isn't at a point where *all* the gasoline comes out when you fully invert the gasoline can??? http://www3.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12926701.jpg I have the same problem! There must be a puddling spot inside somewhere. This guy had a similar problem at point 6:45 of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lcnwdIYEfI |
#11
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 01:35:34 +0000, Eddie Powalski wrote:
This guy had a similar problem at point 6:45 of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lcnwdIYEfI Another fix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpaP-nT3Zog And another: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3o5tHLWZKc |
#12
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
Danny D wrote:
On Mon, 13 May 2013 20:45:45 -0400, Steve W. wrote: They also sell plain caps. Look under the parts heading. I see them! I will call tomorrow to see if they fit the Blitz cans. http://ezpourspout.bluesarthouse.ws/...roducts/parts/ I'll say I'm from Kansas, or some other non-nanny state! PS: Let's hope the 'gubament doesn't see this! You can order the "water spout" which is the same material just white in color. The yellow cap is the one you need. Fit's blitz cans. -- Steve W. |
#13
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
On 2013-05-13, Steve W. wrote:
Danny D wrote: On Mon, 13 May 2013 23:21:29 +0000, Danny D wrote: the one workaround I haven't seen, since the spout is so useless, is to replace it with a plain old gasoline cap? I'm not sure if the company will ever get out of chapter 11; but, if anyone knows of a second source for a plain old gasoline cap, we'd all benefit. http://www.blitzusa.com/chapter11filings.html Any ideas for a plain Jane gasoline cap for the Blitz gas can? http://ezpourspout.bluesarthouse.ws/wp/ Works great and has fit every can I have. Because they sell it for containers made -before- 2009. In other words it works because it doesn't meet the regs. See it's up to you not use it on containers made after 2009.... |
#14
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
On 5/13/2013 7:54 PM, Steve W. wrote:
Danny D wrote: On Mon, 13 May 2013 23:21:29 +0000, Danny D wrote: the one workaround I haven't seen, since the spout is so useless, is to replace it with a plain old gasoline cap? I'm not sure if the company will ever get out of chapter 11; but, if anyone knows of a second source for a plain old gasoline cap, we'd all benefit. http://www.blitzusa.com/chapter11filings.html Any ideas for a plain Jane gasoline cap for the Blitz gas can? http://ezpourspout.bluesarthouse.ws/wp/ Works great and has fit every can I have. I have purchased those but they are useless on the new and improved cans which have a different thread size. Their web site prominently notes that: "EZ-POUR REPLACEMENT SPOUT KIT IS DESIGNED AND SOLD AS REPLACEMENT PARTS SPECIFICALLY FOR PORTABLE FUEL CONTAINERS MANUFACTURED BEFORE JANUARY 2009" |
#15
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
On 5/14/2013 1:17 AM, Brent wrote:
On 2013-05-13, Steve W. wrote: Danny D wrote: On Mon, 13 May 2013 23:21:29 +0000, Danny D wrote: the one workaround I haven't seen, since the spout is so useless, is to replace it with a plain old gasoline cap? I'm not sure if the company will ever get out of chapter 11; but, if anyone knows of a second source for a plain old gasoline cap, we'd all benefit. http://www.blitzusa.com/chapter11filings.html Any ideas for a plain Jane gasoline cap for the Blitz gas can? http://ezpourspout.bluesarthouse.ws/wp/ Works great and has fit every can I have. Because they sell it for containers made -before- 2009. In other words it works because it doesn't meet the regs. See it's up to you not use it on containers made after 2009.... I have only dealt with a few but the thread size on the pre 2009 cans is different than the post 2009 "new style" cans. Likely intentional to prevent the use of older accessories. |
#16
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 07:00:13 -0400, George wrote:
I have only dealt with a few but the thread size on the pre 2009 cans is different than the post 2009 "new style" cans. Likely intentional to prevent the use of older accessories. I had a few older gas cans lying around and none fit the California 2011 & 2012 Blitz cans I have, so that's why I'm leery also. However, I'll order a dozen of the B4 caps ($5 + shipping) to see if they fit & report back when they arrive. |
#17
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 06:45:18 -0400, George wrote:
"EZ-POUR REPLACEMENT SPOUT KIT IS DESIGNED AND SOLD AS REPLACEMENT PARTS SPECIFICALLY FOR PORTABLE FUEL CONTAINERS MANUFACTURED BEFORE JANUARY 2009" This could be due to one of two possible reasons: 1. It could be legalese (as previously stated), or, 2. It might actually be the wrong threads. I'll try calling Blitz again to see if they changed their threads: Blitz U.S.A., Inc., 404 26th Ave. NW, Miami, OK 74354 Unfortunately, the Blitz USA hotline is out of commission: 24-hour Consumer Service Hotline at 877-922-5489 So is the Blitz local telephone number: 918-540-1515 I'm going to have to order a few caps just to see if they fit. I may also buy the water jug caps, to see if they fit. If anyone has *already* tested the cap, it would be nice to see if they fit. Maybe someone can test them side-by-side in the store? (I'll check out my local stores to see if they have both the water jugs and the gasoline jugs to test.) |
#18
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
Danny D wrote:
On Tue, 14 May 2013 07:00:13 -0400, George wrote: I have only dealt with a few but the thread size on the pre 2009 cans is different than the post 2009 "new style" cans. Likely intentional to prevent the use of older accessories. I had a few older gas cans lying around and none fit the California 2011 & 2012 Blitz cans I have, so that's why I'm leery also. However, I'll order a dozen of the B4 caps ($5 + shipping) to see if they fit & report back when they arrive. They are available in some retail stores as well as online. I picked mine up at a Tractor Supply. Might want to check that avenue first, they list the retail stores on the site. On the ones I have I measured up the original spout and discovered the new ones were the same as far as the seal and seat area, the hole in the cap was the same as well. Bit of surgery later and the new spout was secured with the old cap retainer ring. The newest can I have is one of the dopey lever style and the yellow ring included did fit it, but the original had a locking tab. You could also do what I used to do to have a plain cap, cut a piece of stainless with a holesaw and use an O ring to seal it inside the original cap. -- Steve W. |
#19
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 11:01:28 -0400, Steve W. wrote:
They are available in some retail stores as well as online. I did try the ezpour retail store finder, but there were none in California when I looked at your original link. stainless with a holesaw and use an O ring to seal it inside the original cap. That's an interesting idea. A circular piece of gasoline-stable sheet material inside the original spout cap. That might work. That will be plan C, if the caps I ordered don't actually fit. PS: I can't be the only one who hates those spouts enough to find a cap that fits, so, if others have tested various other cap suppliers - now is the time to report it to the news group. |
#20
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
On May 13, 10:17*pm, Brent wrote:
On 2013-05-13, Steve W. wrote: Danny D wrote: On Mon, 13 May 2013 23:21:29 +0000, Danny D wrote: the one workaround I haven't seen, since the spout is so useless, is to replace it with a plain old gasoline cap? I'm not sure if the company will ever get out of chapter 11; but, if anyone knows of a second source for a plain old gasoline cap, we'd all benefit. *http://www.blitzusa.com/chapter11filings.html Any ideas for a plain Jane gasoline cap for the Blitz gas can? http://ezpourspout.bluesarthouse.ws/wp/ Works great and has fit every can I have. Because they sell it for containers made -before- 2009. In other words it works because it doesn't meet the regs. See it's up to you not use it on containers made after 2009.... From the few I have tried, the compliant cans take a different size cap. They changed the size. Harry K |
#21
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
UPDATE:
Called CARB at 800-242-4450 and was transferred to Angus at 916-445-4686 who discussed with me the legality of gas caps: http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/contact.htm Angus says that the cans aren't tested in the sun, but the "system" is certified for permeability after 140 days in an enclosure or after an accelerated 30-day test at 100 degrees F. It seemed to him that gas cap 'should' easily meet those permeability requirements, as long as it's made of similar material. Angus said the cap must hold the ~13 psi above atmospheric Reid Vapor Pressure of California winter formulation gasoline (which has a higher vapor pressure than summer formulations); but that RVP & permeability requirement seems easy enough for a gas cap of the same material as the current spout. In addition, the spout must be spill proof and child proof; but again, those requirements would be met by use of a cap. The only requirement of the spout that the cap can't meet is the auto-shutoff requirement; but if the cap is used just for storage, then that requirement wouldn't be applicable. Interestingly, Angus said there is a provision in the specs for a "secondary opening" (e.g., a vent!); but he said none of the cans certified for California have opted for that secondary opening. Angus said these 5 manufacturers are certified in California: 1. The Plastics Group 2. Scepter 3. Midwest 4. Great Outdoor Products 5. NoSpill Of those manufacturers, the first three have the lions share of sales in California, according to Angus, and the first is the one he thinks who bought the Blitz operation in July of 2012. That explains why I can't get a hold of anyone at Blitz to affirm the threads on the gas can caps. I'll work on The Plastics Group next, to see if they sell just the gas caps. Q: Anyone have a 411 on "The Plastics Group"? |
#22
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 18:20:55 +0000, Danny D wrote:
That explains why I can't get a hold of anyone at Blitz to affirm the threads on the gas can caps. Apparently Angus was right in that Blitz ceased operations: http://tinyurl.com/d6ebfem http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/...EWS/306139977/ beleaguered-gas-can-manufacturer-blitz-usa-closing-down And, Hopkins Manufacturing technical support was right when they told me they bought everything *but* the gas can manufacturing. Blitz was spending about 3 million dollars a year in lawsuits, mostly for the gas cans not having flame arrestors built in. ---- cut here for verbatim press release --- MIAMI, OKLA. (June 13, 10:15 a.m. ET) €” Plastic fuel-can molder Blitz USA Inc. will shut operations after unsuccessfully trying to reorganize under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since Nov. 9, according to a company statement issued June 12. The July 31 shutdown will affect 117 employees at Blitzs manufacturing plant in Miami, Okla. The firm plans to liquidate all assets either en masse or piecemeal, external affairs manager Amanda Emerson said in a telephone interview. €œWe appreciate the support of our employees and their families in their efforts to reorganize and develop a viable business plan,€ said Blitz President Rocky Flick, according to an article in the Joplin (Missouri) Globe. €œUnfortunately, we were not able to address the costs of the increased litigation associated with our fuel-containment products.€ In April, Blitz sold its F3Brands LLC business, a major in oil drains and other associated auto products, in a bankruptcy auction sale to Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. of Emporia, Kan. Court documents stated Blitz netted $14.6 million from the sale, which it applied to secured debt. Blitz has been facing a storm of lawsuits blaming its products for consumer injuries caused by fires. The firm spent some $30 million defending itself in product liability suits and owes $3.5 million in legal fees, Blitz reported in court documents. Blitzs decision to sell its assets is subject to approval by bankruptcy court. It sought Chapter 11 protection in Delaware. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., a major retailer of Blitz gas cans, also faces lawsuits. Blitz has been the dominant producer of plastic gas cans in the United States and claimed 75 percent of the market. €œOther manufacturers face similar uncertainty €” putting the industrys ability to meet the typical spike in demand driven by storms in serious jeopardy,€ Blitz stated in a news release. In the week of June 4 the Portable Fuel Container Manufacturers Association began alerting consumers in hurricane-prone states of a potential product shortage, which increases public safety risk. In times of disaster, consumers rely on portable fuel supplies to operate electricity generators, vehicles, chain saws and other relief equipment. PFCMAs legal office is in Sacramento, Calif. PFCMA has said congressional intervention is needed to stabilize the business environment so PFCMA group members can continue supplying the products necessary for safely transporting and storing gasoline and diesel fuel. €œWhile it is now too late to save Blitz, adoption of mandatory safety standards could convince others to invest in expanded operations,€ the Blitz news release stated. PFCMA has criticized the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission for twice refusing to mandate fuel-can safety standards because it claims that harmful incidences were the result of misuse of the fuel cans rather than a product issue. Fuel-can producers have adopted voluntarily standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials since the 1980s. The standards include container stability and heat resistance, openings and closings, filling and pouring, drop strength, permeability and cautionary labeling. Labeling, for example, states that gasoline should never be used to start or accelerate a fire. Much litigation resulted from such misuse of the fuel in the containers. U.S. consumers buy more than 15 million portable fuel cans each year, but that number rises by 30 percent when hurricanes make landfall. €œIf gas cans arent available, disaster victims will still be transporting and storing fuel, but at much greater risk to themselves and everyone around them,€ Blitz stated. Blitz President and CEO Rocky Flick said the sale process for the Miami assets could take three months. Other PFCMA members include Midwest Can Co. of Melrose Park, Ill.; No- Spill Inc. of Lenexa, Kan.; Scepter Corp. of Scarborough, Ontario; and the Plastics Group Inc. of Willowbrook, Ill. €œBlitz was very good at what they did,€ said Tom Cray, president of No- Spill. €œThe legal system is what brought them down. Blitz exported around the world and only here [in the United States] were there lawsuits.€ |
#23
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 10:38:47 -0700, Harry K wrote:
From the few I have tried, the compliant cans take a different size cap. They changed the size. That's exactly been my experience but I had never researched the caps thoroughly before. I just used the spouts as caps. But it would really be nice to find the 'right' sized cap. After speaking to CARB today (Angus 916-445-4686), it looks like the big four gas can manufacturers in the USA a Midwest Can Co. of Melrose Park, Ill. No-Spill Inc. of Lenexa, Kan. Scepter Corp. of Scarborough, Ontario Plastics Group Inc. of Willowbrook, Ill. Since the Plastics Group apparently bought the Blitz manufacturing operation for gasoline cans, I'll start with them. http://www.theplasticsgroup.net/fuel_containers_us.php Looks like this is their contact information: http://www.theplasticsgroup.net/contact-us.php 630-325-1210 x295, mdeckard at the plastics group dot net |
#24
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
Some of my 5 gallon plastic gas cans happen to be the same size and
threads of a briggs & stratton lawnmower engine. I swapped them by accident and the sealed cap killed the engine pretty quick. I have thouggt about replacing my bad caps, 2 lost one cracked with those lawnmower gas tank caps. Although they have a automated vent for high pressure. I have never been fond of swollen gasoline cans that look like a over filled balloon |
#25
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 12:33:51 -0700, bob haller wrote:
Some of my 5 gallon plastic gas cans happen to be the same size and threads of a briggs & stratton lawnmower engine. I swapped them by accident and the sealed cap killed the engine pretty quick. Bad news on Blitz. I called the Plastics Group at 630-325-1210 x295 http://www.theplasticsgroup.net/contact-us.php That extension was invalid, but I spoke to a representative who said *nobody* bought the molds that Blitz used on their gas cans. The lady (I forgot to get her name) said that all the molds could be different but they themselves might re-use their own molds for their Briggs & Stratton engines (she wasn't sure). So that would explain how a Briggs & Stratton engine can use the same cap threads as a gas can from The Plastics Group. Regarding the Blitz manufacturing operation, the lady said nobody bought the molds because then they'd be subject to the lawsuits; so, in the end, it looks like there is no way to get a *direct* replacement cap. The only option left is to see if someone else's threads *fit* the Blitz gasoline cans. That's going to be left to trial & error. |
#26
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
On May 14, 3:15*pm, Danny D wrote:
On Tue, 14 May 2013 12:33:51 -0700, bob haller wrote: Some of my 5 gallon plastic gas cans happen to be the same size and threads of a briggs & stratton lawnmower engine. I swapped them by accident and the sealed cap killed the engine pretty quick. Bad news on Blitz. I called the Plastics Group at 630-325-1210 x295 *http://www.theplasticsgroup.net/contact-us.php That extension was invalid, but I spoke to a representative who said *nobody* bought the molds that Blitz used on their gas cans. The lady (I forgot to get her name) said that all the molds could be different but they themselves might re-use their own molds for their Briggs & Stratton engines (she wasn't sure). So that would explain how a Briggs & Stratton engine can use the same cap threads as a gas can from The Plastics Group. Regarding the Blitz manufacturing operation, the lady said nobody bought the molds because then they'd be subject to the lawsuits; so, in the end, it looks like there is no way to get a *direct* replacement cap. The only option left is to see if someone else's threads *fit* the Blitz gasoline cans. That's going to be left to trial & error. Now that there are do-it-yourself manufaturing of plastic parts machines readily available, maybe someone will come up with a design for a cap with the needed thread dimensions and make it available on the internet. If they can illegally make crappy-firing guns that way, they should be able to make a gas can cap, legal or otherwise.. |
#27
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
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#28
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
Home made scofflaws making gasoline can spouts. What is this world coming to. On so many levels.
.. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. .. wrote in message ... Now that there are do-it-yourself manufaturing of plastic parts machines readily available, maybe someone will come up with a design for a cap with the needed thread dimensions and make it available on the internet. If they can illegally make crappy-firing guns that way, they should be able to make a gas can cap, legal or otherwise.. |
#29
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
On 2013-05-14, wrote:
On May 14, 3:15*pm, Danny D wrote: On Tue, 14 May 2013 12:33:51 -0700, bob haller wrote: Some of my 5 gallon plastic gas cans happen to be the same size and threads of a briggs & stratton lawnmower engine. I swapped them by accident and the sealed cap killed the engine pretty quick. Bad news on Blitz. I called the Plastics Group at 630-325-1210 x295 *http://www.theplasticsgroup.net/contact-us.php That extension was invalid, but I spoke to a representative who said *nobody* bought the molds that Blitz used on their gas cans. The lady (I forgot to get her name) said that all the molds could be different but they themselves might re-use their own molds for their Briggs & Stratton engines (she wasn't sure). So that would explain how a Briggs & Stratton engine can use the same cap threads as a gas can from The Plastics Group. Regarding the Blitz manufacturing operation, the lady said nobody bought the molds because then they'd be subject to the lawsuits; so, in the end, it looks like there is no way to get a *direct* replacement cap. The only option left is to see if someone else's threads *fit* the Blitz gasoline cans. That's going to be left to trial & error. Now that there are do-it-yourself manufaturing of plastic parts machines readily available, maybe someone will come up with a design for a cap with the needed thread dimensions and make it available on the internet. If they can illegally make crappy-firing guns that way, they should be able to make a gas can cap, legal or otherwise.. You do not want FDM parts for a gasoline container. I don't recall the gasoline resistance of PC or ABS off the top of my head but FDM by it's very nature will have to be thick to prevent fluid and vapor from passing through it. Also it will cost more than simply buying a new plastic gas container. And the FDM gun is just nonsense. People with skills and specialized equipment could always make their own firearms. |
#30
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
Eddie Powalski wrote:
On Tue, 14 May 2013 01:35:34 +0000, Eddie Powalski wrote: This guy had a similar problem at point 6:45 of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lcnwdIYEfI Another fix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpaP-nT3Zog And another: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3o5tHLWZKc those videos are great. Later I am going to see if YouTube can teach me to tie my shoes again.....damn velcro.... GW |
#31
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 17:02:02 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote: Home made scofflaws making gasoline can spouts. What is this world coming to. On so many levels. When they make it illegal to own gas caps and toilets, only criminals will have gas caps and toilets. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org . . wrote in message ... Now that there are do-it-yourself manufaturing of plastic parts machines readily available, maybe someone will come up with a design for a cap with the needed thread dimensions and make it available on the internet. If they can illegally make crappy-firing guns that way, they should be able to make a gas can cap, legal or otherwise.. |
#32
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 21:06:06 +0000 (UTC), Brent
wrote: On 2013-05-14, wrote: On May 14, 3:15*pm, Danny D wrote: On Tue, 14 May 2013 12:33:51 -0700, bob haller wrote: Some of my 5 gallon plastic gas cans happen to be the same size and threads of a briggs & stratton lawnmower engine. I swapped them by accident and the sealed cap killed the engine pretty quick. Bad news on Blitz. I called the Plastics Group at 630-325-1210 x295 *http://www.theplasticsgroup.net/contact-us.php That extension was invalid, but I spoke to a representative who said *nobody* bought the molds that Blitz used on their gas cans. The lady (I forgot to get her name) said that all the molds could be different but they themselves might re-use their own molds for their Briggs & Stratton engines (she wasn't sure). So that would explain how a Briggs & Stratton engine can use the same cap threads as a gas can from The Plastics Group. Regarding the Blitz manufacturing operation, the lady said nobody bought the molds because then they'd be subject to the lawsuits; so, in the end, it looks like there is no way to get a *direct* replacement cap. The only option left is to see if someone else's threads *fit* the Blitz gasoline cans. That's going to be left to trial & error. Now that there are do-it-yourself manufaturing of plastic parts machines readily available, maybe someone will come up with a design for a cap with the needed thread dimensions and make it available on the internet. If they can illegally make crappy-firing guns that way, they should be able to make a gas can cap, legal or otherwise.. You do not want FDM parts for a gasoline container. I don't recall the gasoline resistance of PC or ABS off the top of my head but FDM by it's very nature will have to be thick to prevent fluid and vapor from passing through it. Also it will cost more than simply buying a new plastic gas container. Cost isn't the issue. And the FDM gun is just nonsense. People with skills and specialized equipment could always make their own firearms. Sure, but try telling a statist gun grabber (anything). |
#33
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 11:44:52 -1000, Geoff Welsh wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lcnwdIYEfI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpaP-nT3Zog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3o5tHLWZKc I am going to see if YouTube can teach me to tie my shoes again.....damn velcro.... Everything in those videos was intuitive to me except what to use for a vent. I thought it was ingenious that they drilled a half-inch hole (paddle wood bit would be better than the spiral flute bit they used though) and inserted an automotive tire valve sans the stem. Pulling out the locking "trigger" was obvious, I agree. Personally, I defeat the child-proof lock simply by knocking off the nub on the red plastic, whereas in the videos, they redundantly cut both the nub and the ratchet (either one would have worked alone). That child-proof feature is odd though, because even with it removed, it's still darn difficult to get the cap off. It's my opinion that any 'kid' strong enough to remove that cap is certainly already old enough to defeat the ratchet lock on his own anyway. Overall, after experiencing these cans since their inception in California (which happened before you guys had the honor of following CARB regulations)... I've concluded the best thing to do with the spout is to simply remove it. That's why I'm looking for caps to fit! |
#34
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 11:44:52 -1000, Geoff Welsh wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lcnwdIYEfI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpaP-nT3Zog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3o5tHLWZKc I am going to see if YouTube can teach me to tie my shoes again.....damn velcro.... Everything in those videos was intuitive to me except what to use for a vent. I thought it was ingenious that they drilled a half-inch hole (paddle wood bit would be better than the spiral flute bit they used though) and inserted an automotive tire valve sans the stem. Pulling out the locking "trigger" was obvious, I agree. Personally, I defeat the child-proof lock simply by knocking off the nub on the red plastic, whereas in the videos, they redundantly cut both the nub and the ratchet (either one would have worked alone). That child-proof feature is odd though, because even with it removed, it's still darn difficult to get the cap off. It's my opinion that any 'kid' strong enough to remove that cap is certainly already old enough to defeat the ratchet lock on his own anyway. Overall, after experiencing these cans since their inception in California (which happened before you guys had the honor of following CARB regulations)... I've concluded the best thing to do with the spout is to simply remove it. That's why I'm looking for caps to fit! |
#35
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 11:44:52 -1000, Geoff Welsh wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lcnwdIYEfI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpaP-nT3Zog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3o5tHLWZKc I am going to see if YouTube can teach me to tie my shoes again.....damn velcro.... Everything in those videos was intuitive to me except what to use for a vent. I thought it was ingenious that they drilled a half-inch hole (paddle wood bit would be better than the spiral flute bit they used though) and inserted an automotive tire valve sans the stem. Pulling out the locking "trigger" was obvious, I agree. Personally, I defeat the child-proof lock simply by knocking off the nub on the red plastic, whereas in the videos, they redundantly cut both the nub and the ratchet (either one would have worked alone). That child-proof feature is odd though, because even with it removed, it's still darn difficult to get the cap off. It's my opinion that any 'kid' strong enough to remove that cap is certainly already old enough to defeat the ratchet lock on his own anyway. Overall, after experiencing these cans since their inception in California (which happened before you guys had the honor of following CARB regulations)... I've concluded the best thing to do with the spout is to simply remove it. That's why I'm looking for caps to fit! |
#36
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
Eddie Powalski wrote:
On Mon, 13 May 2013 23:21:29 +0000, Danny D wrote: Would one of the engineers on this group explain *how* it can be that the spout isn't at a point where *all* the gasoline comes out when you fully invert the gasoline can??? http://www3.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12926701.jpg I have the same problem! There must be a puddling spot inside somewhere. This guy had a similar problem at point 6:45 of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lcnwdIYEfI Really, really liked the hint of obtaining gas can vent caps via Ebay ! Cheap (1 for $3.00, 5 for $7.75, 10 for $11.20, 15 for $11.98, etc. ), trivial to install (1/2" bit is all you need), and quite functional. |
#37
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to be fixed
On 05/14/2013 07:39 AM, Danny D wrote:
On Tue, 14 May 2013 06:45:18 -0400, George wrote: "EZ-POUR REPLACEMENT SPOUT KIT IS DESIGNED AND SOLD AS REPLACEMENT PARTS SPECIFICALLY FOR PORTABLE FUEL CONTAINERS MANUFACTURED BEFORE JANUARY 2009" This could be due to one of two possible reasons: 1. It could be legalese (as previously stated), or, 2. It might actually be the wrong threads. I'll try calling Blitz again to see if they changed their threads: Blitz U.S.A., Inc., 404 26th Ave. NW, Miami, OK 74354 Unfortunately, the Blitz USA hotline is out of commission: 24-hour Consumer Service Hotline at 877-922-5489 So is the Blitz local telephone number: 918-540-1515 I'm going to have to order a few caps just to see if they fit. I may also buy the water jug caps, to see if they fit. If anyone has *already* tested the cap, it would be nice to see if they fit. Maybe someone can test them side-by-side in the store? (I'll check out my local stores to see if they have both the water jugs and the gasoline jugs to test.) ebay for "nato jerry can" and you'll have your solution. -- fact check required |
#38
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 17:26:06 -0700, jim beam wrote:
ebay for "nato jerry can" and you'll have your solution. I love that thing! It's expensive; but it is designed and build like a brick outhouse! |
#39
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 22:47:45 +0000, Danny D. wrote:
That's why I'm looking for caps to fit! Yikes. Sorry for the duplicate posts. AIOE keeps doing that! I don't know why. Message-ID: Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 22:46:14 +0000 (UTC) Message-ID: Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 22:46:44 +0000 (UTC) Message-ID: Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 22:47:45 +0000 (UTC) |
#40
Posted to alt.mechanical.engineering,alt.home.repair,rec.autos.tech
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The Blitz gasoline can - what went wrong - what needs to befixed
On Tue, 14 May 2013 17:48:30 -0500, HeyBub wrote:
Really, really liked the hint of obtaining gas can vent caps via Ebay ! I wonder how 'much' gas (percentage wise) actually escapes as vapor from a modified gas can with a vent? That is, how much of a problem is the EPA trying to solve? I'll call CARB tomorrow to see if I can nail down what we're saving in gas venting versus the huge frustration and cost of those useless spouts. BTW: Sorry for the duplicate posts (AIOE does that every once in a while). (Using a different newsserver for this post). |
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