I'm debating on what kinds of fuel cans I want to use for a backup supply in the CRD. The contenders are traditional-style wedeco steel jerry-cans:
...and newer mil-spec MFC's:

I want some thing to be very durable, leak-proof (even on its side and upside-down), able to withstand the solvent properties of B100, and friendly to use. Also, they might be carried on a rack and might be inside the cab, depending on the trip. Each of the above has its merits IMHO, but I'd like to hear what you folks think about one or both.

Thanks.
Dan

I wonder the same thing also.

Do you know were to buy the Mill-spec ones?

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2006 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited
1983 Mercedes Benz 240D

Since B100 can come from a variety of sources its solvent properties will of course vary depending on the base product. As for friendly to use, I am assuming you mean a product that has low enviromental impact. I can't tell you which is better: plastic, or metal. However, I suspect that the metal cans are made from re-cycled refrigerators and cars and the like. So that might be what you want. However, in figuring the energy cost to produce the product you have to look at the amount of oil needed to make the plastic vs the energy needed to refine the steel and recycle the metal. I simply don't know the anwer. Its very much like the argument of cloth vs paper diapers.

I would suggest that you stay away from corn/starch based containers. They will degrade over time via exposure to UV and possibly (probably?) will be subject to solvent action by B100

Indeed. From the manufacturer:
Fuel Cans (MFC)
Scepter's military fuel cans are manufactured from extra tough, high molecular weight, high density polyethylene. They protect the fuel from contamination, and the environment from fuel leakage and fuel vapours.

I'm guessing that since these cans have supplanted the MILSPEC steel cans for the US, Canada, and many NATO countries, that they're pretty darned durable, and it goes without saying that they're less likely to mess up your KJ if you bump up against the paint.

if you google Scepter MFC, you'll find multiple mail-order locations. I think generator-joe carries them, and I wouldn't be surprised if tractor-supply does, too.

From what I can tell, the polyethelene is superior to the steel in every way except the cam-ing, locking closure (where the former simply has a gasket-ed on sealed closure). The Steel does have the whole nostalgia thing going for it I'd just worry about the inner lining, rust, noise, and damage to the jeep. if things bump around.

Dan

I'm using metal cans that I've had for over 30 years, have been on the back or inside multiple jeeps. Had to change gaskets a few times, but they have held up well.

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No one knows as much as all of us.

You can't go wrong with Scepter MFCs. I'm using surplus NATO cans (metal) and they have been holding up just fine and very economical compared to MFCs. I also use a filtering funnel for pouring into the tank that you can get from Gemplers.