Which gas tote tank is safest re: gas vapor ?

[pecheux]

Good day, My small boat stays in my garage for the summer (under house) and so does the gas tank. I dont have an ousite shed but wish I would. I have a choice of either a metal tank without a vent screw (auto cap vent) and a plastic tank with a vent screw on cap. The vent screw is closed when boat is not used. I am concerned about gas vapors leaking from tank. Question is: Which tank is safest to prevent gas vapor leaks ?? Metal or plastic ? Thank you.

 

[frank2222]

Re: Which gas tote tank is safest re: gas vapor ?

I had a small boat once, I kept it in the garage. It had a metal gas tank that started leaking . The fumes were very heavy the next time I went in the garage , thankfully I didn`t have a cigerette lit when I opened the door. I got a very bad headache just opening the outside door . Metal tanks rot to easy. I never heard of a plastic tank spliting or anything like that.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Which gas tote tank is safest re: gas vapor ?

ALL plastic tanks are slightly permeable to gasoline and in a confined space you will smell it. HOWEVER: New plastic tanks have more stringent permeability requirements (in the U.S.) and are twice the price. Metal tanks are not permeable but can rust. So--damned if you do and damned if you dont.

My suggestion is buy whichever suits you and store it outside under a light colored tarp or a half drum etc. to keep weather and sun off it.

 

[pecheux]

Re: Which gas tote tank is safest re: gas vapor ?

ALL plastic tanks are slightly permeable to gasoline and in a confined space you will smell it. HOWEVER: New plastic tanks have more stringent permeability requirements (in the U.S.) and are twice the price. Metal tanks are not permeable but can rust. So--damned if you do and damned if you dont.

My suggestion is buy whichever suits you and store it outside under a light colored tarp or a half drum etc. to keep weather and sun off it.

Tx Frank, I already own the two tanks, Metal is is an OMC (1981) without rust inside and just a few spots on the rim where the tank sits and I just repainted it for looks, the plastic tank is a Qwicksilver (1997) Both tanks have always been store in warm dry garage. I want to choose one for 2 motors and would like to use the safest one re: vapor leaks.
Have a great day.
PS: I still love the look of that Chrysler OB as per your avatar. lol

 

[nicknight]

Re: Which gas tote tank is safest re: gas vapor ?

I have had 2 plastic tanks and I think their expansion has caused them to leak vapors. Or maybe that is just the way it is.

I would never leave a gas canister in a living area or a garage attached to a living area.

Left mine in my boat (full) for a few days, it swelled up a bit, not in direct sunlight. I could smell the gas near the boat and when I removed the cover the smell went in the house.

maybe my tank is now broken?

 

[pecheux]

Re: Which gas tote tank is safest re: gas vapor ?

I have had 2 plastic tanks and I think their expansion has caused them to leak vapors. Or maybe that is just the way it is.

I would never leave a gas canister in a living area or a garage attached to a living area.

Left mine in my boat (full) for a few days, it swelled up a bit, not in direct sunlight. I could smell the gas near the boat and when I removed the cover the smell went in the house.

maybe my tank is now broken?

Had that happening to me once when I left my plastic tank out in the sun with the vent screw closed. The tank ended up like a ballon. When inside I close the vent since it's always shady. Nothing of that ever happened with my metal tank that has an automatice vent cap. But in that case I do wonder how and when the extra pressure comes out ? At this time I tend to favor the metal tank, but appreciate comments. Tx