Decontaminating Jerry Cans

Logistics and Transport
jennyjj01
Posts: 4246
Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2017 11:09 pm

Decontaminating Jerry Cans

Post by jennyjj01 »

A little help or advice, please from anyone who actually knows about Diesel contamination in Petrol.

Anyone in the motor trade that has dealt with wrong fuel filling?

I used to store 3 jerry cans of Diesel, but used that up when we got rid of the diesel car. I'd like to store Petrol in them*

How can I mitigate the risk of waxy residues or other contaminants getting in the petrol and ruining my car's engine or cat converter.

Will it be enough to rinse the jerry can's in a bit of petrol, or should I use detergents or anything else?

Am I unduly concerned?

*I know about storage limits on petrol, so let's not go there.
Graceful Degradation! Prepping's objective summed up in two words. Turning Disaster into Mild Inconvenience by the power of fore-thought

Not Feeling Optimistic. Let me be wrong
Winterprep
Posts: 162
Joined: Thu Oct 15, 2020 7:55 am

Re: Decontaminating Jerry Cans

Post by Winterprep »

If there’s no diesel in them then I would stick a litre of fresh petrol in them give it a good shake and pour out.Its up to you what you do with the used petrol,molotovs?

This will be the safest method if your worried about cross contamination.Personally if the can were empty and dry I would just fill them with fresh petrol.

WP.
Frnc
Posts: 5063
Joined: Sat Mar 12, 2022 1:54 pm

Re: Decontaminating Jerry Cans

Post by Frnc »

Rinse out with petrol should be fine. But you didn't say if they are metal or plastic. If they are metal, check for corrosion. You don't want rust flakes in your fuel.

https://www.wrongfuelexpert.co.uk/clean ... jerry-can/
grenfell
Posts: 4425
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 7:55 pm

Re: Decontaminating Jerry Cans

Post by grenfell »

Is the tiny amount of diesel that will be left in a jerry can really going to pose a problem ? I used to know a guy , a mechanic , who would regularly add a couple of pints of diesel to his 12 gallon petrol tank. He said diesel being an oil helped with lubtication in a similar way to two stokes. Granted this was some time ago but his Bedford CF ran for years on this mix. Might be different with modern engines but I can't really see how an eggcup full in 20 litres is really going to be a problem...
jennyjj01
Posts: 4246
Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2017 11:09 pm

Re: Decontaminating Jerry Cans

Post by jennyjj01 »

grenfell wrote: Sun Mar 30, 2025 6:10 pm Is the tiny amount of diesel that will be left in a jerry can really going to pose a problem ? I used to know a guy , a mechanic , who would regularly add a couple of pints of diesel to his 12 gallon petrol tank. He said diesel being an oil helped with lubtication in a similar way to two stokes. Granted this was some time ago but his Bedford CF ran for years on this mix. Might be different with modern engines but I can't really see how an eggcup full in 20 litres is really going to be a problem...
To answer my own question. I did find an article on the web that said up to 5% contamination was safe, so I was worrying over nothing.

But thanks to all who advised
Graceful Degradation! Prepping's objective summed up in two words. Turning Disaster into Mild Inconvenience by the power of fore-thought

Not Feeling Optimistic. Let me be wrong
jennyjj01
Posts: 4246
Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2017 11:09 pm

Re: Decontaminating Jerry Cans

Post by jennyjj01 »

Thanks.
It appears that I can store 30L without problems or up to 275L If I simply write to the correct authority,

Note: Write to them: Not ask their permission.

My Jerry cans are Steel 20L. We have a couple of 5L proper plastic ones for the mower.

Even maverick me is a tiny bit concerned at the risk of ignition by the gas boiler or by electrical fault being in the garage. I'm unlikely to store beyond 50L unless we are well into a SHTF scenario.
Graceful Degradation! Prepping's objective summed up in two words. Turning Disaster into Mild Inconvenience by the power of fore-thought

Not Feeling Optimistic. Let me be wrong
Frnc
Posts: 5063
Joined: Sat Mar 12, 2022 1:54 pm

Re: Decontaminating Jerry Cans

Post by Frnc »

jennyjj01 wrote: Sun Mar 30, 2025 6:56 pm
Thanks.
It appears that I can store 30L without problems or up to 275L If I simply write to the correct authority,

Note: Write to them: Not ask their permission.

My Jerry cans are Steel 20L. We have a couple of 5L proper plastic ones for the mower.

Even maverick me is a tiny bit concerned at the risk of ignition by the gas boiler or by electrical fault being in the garage. I'm unlikely to store beyond 50L unless we are well into a SHTF scenario.
OK, so, check for rust, swill with petrol, and make sure they are labelled as flammable. Keep away from electrics. Make sure there is some ventilation. Personally I would stick to 30l, or write the letter and store 50. The letter then covers you for storing more in the buildup to a SHTF scenario. You don't want insurance not paying out, or a neigbour or fireman sueing you. I assume the letter means the fire brigade know about it?