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I have what I believe is the original spout for the Jerry can. It has worked well for many years, but I used it the other day and gas poured out of the breather valve and made quite the unexpected mess. Gas was coming out of the breather. I took it apart and waited a few minutes. I tried it again and got the same results. Can someone explain to me how this breather works? Why would it suddenly fail so poorly (pun intended)? Is there some sort of rubber gasket or something in there that could have worn out? Maybe something got stuck in there? Thank you.

You sure the breather spout is still facing up when its inside the can? Cant tell from the pic which way its facing.

VinceAtReal4x4s wrote: Mon Oct 07, 2024 3:11 am You sure the breather spout is still facing up when its inside the can? Cant tell from the pic which way its facing.

Yes, facing up when in the can (not in the picture).

Without breaking down the the physics of the spout's function, my experience is that it works optimally with an aggressive pour. When attempting to pour just a small amount of fuel from a full can I'll often experience the behavior that you described. However, when dumping a full can into the Pinz, spout in and immediately bottom up, it rarely leaks any fuel from the breather. It all probably has to do with the flow rate out of the can generating adequate vacuum to draw a steady flow of air through the breather against/through the fuel within.

I've never had a problem with the Swiss spout -- but I think I always use it as does Mr. Zero

But I sure have had issues with the Short Wavian spouts, too short to really get the can
up high so you have to hold awkwardly.

My biggest beef is the new pressure activated spouts -- they really suck. Not only to hold
open but the flow rate is low. I've pulled the spring out so you don't have to find an edge
to keep it open but again the flow rate is terrible. The only thing these are good for is to
pull the gasket out for use on a good spout.

Mr Zero wrote: Wed Oct 09, 2024 8:22 am Without breaking down the the physics of the spout's function, my experience is that it works optimally with an aggressive pour. When attempting to pour just a small amount of fuel from a full can I'll often experience the behavior that you described. However, when dumping a full can into the Pinz, spout in and immediately bottom up, it rarely leaks any fuel from the breather. It all probably has to do with the flow rate out of the can generating adequate vacuum to draw a steady flow of air through the breather against/through the fuel within.

Are you aware of any moving parts within the breather? Anything which could wear out? Springs, flaps, seals?
It's just baffling to me why this would suddenly become an issue after so many years without an issue.

dbixby001 wrote: Wed Oct 09, 2024 10:10 am Are you aware of any moving parts within the breather? Anything which could wear out? Springs, flaps, seals?
It's just baffling to me why this would suddenly become an issue after so many years without an issue.

I'm not. I believe it is a static air inlet, but I could be mistaken. I just examined/blew through one of mine and there is zero indication of any valve components. Is it possible that the breather tube that goes into the can may have been bent such that it's position when fitted is misaligned from it's intended design? For reference I've included a pic below of a properly functioning nozzle. The angle of the breather tube into the can is a little greater than 90 degrees from the external inlet part of the breather.

I'd get a second one while they're still available. They won't be around forever and not entirely unlikely that you'll lose or damage that one eventually (if not already the case).

I'm going to chalk this one up to the can being too full. I attempted it again and got more spillage than I would have preferred, but after a while, it worked as intended. I guess I filled the can more than I ever did previously. Lesson learned (hopefully).

These original models are pretty valuable now. I had a guy offer me $100 recently for one but I said no because there is no modern replacement that works as well. Take care of these things and buy a real gasket for it when its time. I made a post about the fake ones that are all over the place now. They are not the correct thickness and leak like hell.

Yeah the new ones that are "Ca." approved are absolutely useless! I tried hard to make one work and it took 5 times longer to get fuel out of compared to these original ones. I threw the Ca. one away.