[Phys-L] Re: Gasoline storage can cap

[herbgottlieb at JUNO.COM (Herb Gottlieb)]

Thanks again to everyone who offered to help me with my
gas cap replacement problem.  I especially liked the last line of
Brian Whatcott's excellen suggestion (below).

Herb

On Tue, 25 Oct 2005 19:50:59 -0500 Brian Whatcott <betwys1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
writes:
> At 02:18 PM 10/25/2005, you wrote:
> > I lost the cap for my red plastic gasoline 6- gallon can.
> > Replacements for such caps in my local stores are not available.
> > Any ideas of how to make one??
>
>
> One immediately leaps to thoughts of buying a replacement
> can, at $9 on up.
>
> But you specifically asked for instructions on making a cap.
>
> Here you go:
>     from a 1/8 thick aluminum sheet, draw a circle  3/8 inch wider
> in diameter  than the tank aperture's threaded gross diameter.
>
> Drill 1/4 inch holes around the circumference. 5 or six holes will
> suffice.
> Bandsaw out the circular disk which will have semicircular holes in
> the circumference, which will serve to key the  female thread collar.
>
> Source a packet of 2 part plumber's epoxy putty, knead it well
> together,   and roll out to a long  spaghetti. Place the disk on the
gas can
> aperture,  and wrap  the putty around the threads, ensuring a good
collar
> surrounding the  aluminum disk top. The collar walls should be at
>   least 3/8 inch thick.
>
> When set, unscrew. Source a synthetic rubber washer to fit in
> the lid of the can.  Optionally face  or file the free end of the
> epoxy thread rim, flat.      Assemble the washer in the cap.
> This should not cost more than about $9
>
> Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!