Stoopid Is As Stoopid Does

[Jeepers]

You know that saying that goes something like, “Stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. “ Well, I remembered the riding mower needed gas. I walked by it so I figured I’d go ahead and fill it since I’m right there.

I have gas in a 5 gal. can but it’s too heavy to lift, pull the nozzle back and try to maneuver the spout into the gas hole. That was GAS-hole. I usually pour some of the gas from the 5 gal. can into the little 2 gal. can so it’s not as heavy. But, the 5 gal. can was only half full so it should have been easy. Uh-Huh.

After I got the nozzle in and pulled it back gas flew, splattered and splashed all over me. It was everywhere. The problem is the nozzle is too short. When the gas flows, it hits the side of the…gas hole (don’t know what else to call it) and it’s like gas hitting a brick wall full force. So I figured since the nozzle is too short I’ll just stick it in farther. Idiot. Same thing happened. Well, I’m already covered in gasoline and by now the 5 gal. can is pretty light. Sigh.

Oh yeah. Another gasoline bath. The third. And I mean I’m covered in it. I was praying my chubby legs didn’t rub together and cause a spark. Poof.

I wasn’t giving up because I was already covered in gas and stunk to high heaven and that tractor was going to get filled. I finally did what I should have done in the first place and poured it into the small can and go from there.

I took a shower in Dawn dish washing detergent. The gas seemed oily. I figure if it’s good enough for birds… Will have an interesting hair day tomorrow.

What did I learn? The same thing I learned several years ago. Whenever I do ANYTHING in the garage, keep the door down. That’s about it.

[Mt_Rider]

Um....here's another one besides hiding mistakes behind closed garage door.... LOL

 

"Don't take shortcuts"

 

That's something God kept telling me specifically as I learned to manage the MS. Can't afford to take shortcuts. And getting older, weaker, and ....probably SHORTER too .....it's just harder to do all these manual things!

 

MtRider .....I think Dawn was a good idea. Nasty to have so much on your skin tho. ((((Jeepers)))

[Jeepers]

Yep, shortcuts aren't always so short. Those 5 gal. cans are great for storage but getting the gas out is a different story. I think I'll get a siphon thingy and try that.

 

I've seen something with a hand nozzle like they have at a gas station with a hose attached that goes in the gas can. But they work by gravity. I'd have to have some very sturdy shelves to hold two of those full cans. Plus they would have to sit higher than the mower. I'd have to park right next to them to fill the mower. I'm thinking I might go back to the 2 gal. cans.

[The WE2's]

Yep, shortcuts aren't always so short. Those 5 gal. cans are great for storage but getting the gas out is a different story. I think I'll get a siphon thingy and try that.

 

I've seen something with a hand nozzle like they have at a gas station with a hose attached that goes in the gas can. But they work by gravity. I'd have to have some very sturdy shelves to hold two of those full cans. Plus they would have to sit higher than the mower. I'd have to park right next to them to fill the mower. I'm thinking I might go back to the 2 gal. cans.

 

Look for a "jiggler" hose...probably at most big box hardware stores. We have one and all you do is stick one end of the hose in the container and then jibble it back and forth (up and down?) and when it begins to flow...stick the flowing end into your container :-)

Edited July 9, 2016 by The WE2's

[Jeepers]

I've never heard of those. I Youtubed it and they are really neat. You still have to use gravity with them though, don't you?

[Mt_Rider]

Another easy option is look for a transfer system for kerosene heaters. Usually either by battery or non -electric squeeze transfer. Same design as for transfers from large water containers but the plastic is rated for gasoline/kerosene.

 

https://www.amazon.com/TRDP14-Siphon-Manual-Liquid-Transfer/dp/B00APU2YLI#productDetails

 

 

This one is rated for gas/oil/ non-drinking water

 

• 

Click to open expanded view

 

TRDP14 Siphon Manual Hand Liquid Transfer Pump

by TERAPUMP

4.4 out of 5 stars 935 customer reviews

| 57 answered questions

Price: $4.54 & FREE Shipping

 

 

We used these for our kerosene heater. Very simple and nothing to break.

 

 

MtRider ....transfer from 5 gallon to 2 gallon. OR into the mower if it would reach instead of pouring at all.

[Mt_Rider]

This is a link to a similar one ....rated for drinking water and made to use with the 55 gallon containers. If anyone reading here has that need.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Manual-Siphon-Liquid-Transfer-Tube/dp/B0007VYMUQ

 

MtRider

Edited July 9, 2016 by Mt_Rider
forgot link....ack

[Annarchy]

Jeepers, have you seen the gas can funnels?

 

https://www.rcpw.com/gas-can-nozzles/765192.html

 

I need one! I used it when we were keeping our friends generated running while the were on vacation. It was a blessing.

[Jeepers]

I'm sure I responded here but it's gone now. If I'm repeating myself...oops.

 

We used to have one of those siphons like in the picture Mt. Rider posted. We used it in Japan for transferring Kerosene too. It really worked good as long as you stopped the flow fast enough. That was the kind I was thinking about.

 

The whole problem is with the weight of the 5 gal. can and lifting it up over 2 1/2 feet to fill the mower. And trying to balance it. The gas hole thingy sits under the seat so it's up pretty high.

 

I thought about a funnel but it would have to fasten on someway to keep it from moving around. Then again, I'd still have to lift the heavy can to fill the mower.

 

When I get home from Indy next week I'm going to try the manual siphon. If that's a fail, I'll just get rid of the 5 gal. cans and buy 3-4 of the 2 gal. cans.

 

Boy, those 5 gal. cans sure seemed like a good idea at the time.

[Mt_Rider]

Yeah, DH really works hard when he rotates the fuel we have here....lifting up to the gas height.

 

MtRider

[Annarchy]

I usually only fill my 5 gal. cans 1/2 full otherwise I can not lift them either.

[carr]

ugh. I hate getting gas on me! Glad there were no open flames around. I'm terrible with the gas can myself. I always seem to fling some where it shouldn't be. Usually on me!!