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Manual gasoline transfer pump

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American Locomotive

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A friend of mine has issues handling the large 5 gallon gas containers for fueling their outdoor power equipment. It's much easier for them to transfer the fuel into smaller 1 gallon tanks, and use those to fill up tools as necessary.

The problem is the piston-style plastic "fuel transfer pumps" from Autozone only seem to last for a few months before they start dissolving. Does anyone have any recommendations for a manual fuel transfer pump that can hold up to gasoline? Not interested in anything electric, and it's got to be able to have a hose (or otherwise fit into) a standard 5 gallon gas can.
 
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JeepYJ

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RoninB4 said:
Following this thread. Pouring 5 gallons of diesel fuel while atop my tractor isn't fun any more.
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Diesel is easier on plastics than gasoline. The little battery pumps seem to do k with diesel.
I’ve found that only putting 4 gallons in the 5 gallon cans makes them much easier to handle. My diesel fuel fill cap in the hood and adding fuel isn’t easy but is easier with less than a full can of fuel.
 
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Firebrick43

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bakmopar said:
This is what I use. Works well.

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Neighbor used those, they don't last long and he finally gave up. . He now uses a siphon that last much longer. You do have to get the can up to the level of the tank however.

https://www.amazon.com/Action-Pump-Polyethylene-Siphon-Gallon/dp/B00866CNV4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
 
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Firebrick43

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CJM8515 said:
DO NOT use anything electric with gasoline. the spark the electric motor makes can cause combustion!
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You do realize that every time you go to the service station and put gas in your car or truck its an electric motor driving the pump?

Details on how the motor is constructed is what is important
 
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CJM8515

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Firebrick43 said:
You do realize that every time you go to the service station and put gas in your car or truck its an electric motor driving the pump?

Details on how the motor is constructed is what is important
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a gasoline pump at an actual gas station is VERY different than some 20-50 dollar transfer pump you can get at the store.

those cheapo transfer pumps, the end result is not good. i literally just handled an insurance claim for a guy whom was using one and guess what happened..
 
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Firebrick43

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CJM8515 said:
a gasoline pump at an actual gas station is VERY different than some 20-50 dollar transfer pump you can get at the store.

those cheapo transfer pumps, the end result is not good. i literally just handled an insurance claim for a guy whom was using one and guess what happened..
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Then be specific. You were very absolute in your statement.
"DO NOT use anything electric"

Most of those cheap battery electric pumps specifically say they are not for gasoline, I am guessing that was what he was using.

There are a few battery pumps however are rated for it. They still don't last long.

There are other DC electric fuel transfer pumps that are very high quality and safe.
 
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CJM8515

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Firebrick43 said:
Then be specific. You were very absolute in your statement.
"DO NOT use anything electric"

Most of those cheap battery electric pumps specifically say they are not for gasoline, I am guessing that was what he was using.

There are a few that however are rated for it. They still don't last long
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ill take my chances by never using one, to each his own
 
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no704

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Bulb squeeze like an OB Moter tank uses. Bonus if you can have a height difference and siphon.
 
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Steve_P

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The obvious solution is to use 2.5 gallon cans. I personally don't want a transfer pump sitting around leaking smelly vapors; it'll always have some fuel in it.

Personally, I use a 5 gallon and then transfer it to my 2.5 and 1 gallon outside. While not the easiest thing, 30 lbs isn't terrible for me currently. If I couldn't handle this, I'd just buy another 2.5 gallon can and certainly not bother with any type of pump.
 
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American Locomotive

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Firebrick43 said:
Neighbor used those, they don't last long and he finally gave up. . He now uses a siphon that last much longer. You do have to get the can up to the level of the tank however.

https://www.amazon.com/Action-Pump-Polyethylene-Siphon-Gallon/dp/B00866CNV4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
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Do those hold up to gasoline?
oldmachinenut said:
Could this be adapted to a 5 gallon container?

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That could be an option, but it really comes down to is if its seals can handle gasoline. I've seen a lot of pumps "rated" for fuel, but what they really mean is "diesel", and they just don't live long with gas.
 
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darrowco

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I got one of these. All metal except for the rubber plunger, advertised for gas, diesel, etc. Well built for the $20 but I have not had a chance to try it yet, will post if I get a chance to use it this weekend:

Double Action Transfer Pump

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HenryAZ

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RoninB4 said:
Following this thread. Pouring 5 gallons of diesel fuel while atop my tractor isn't fun any more.
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Same problem here. I have 2 JustRite type 2 five gallon diesel safety cans (yellow, of course). Years ago I could lift the full can up on the tractor to fill the 4.5 gallon tank. Then age happened. I started filling both cans with only 2.5 gallons, and that worked, for a few years.

Now we hire a handyman to do all of the odd jobs around the house that I used to do. He is a tall guy, and can lift and fill the tractor from the ground, and make it look easy.
 
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American Locomotive

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darrowco said:
I got one of these. All metal except for the rubber plunger, advertised for gas, diesel, etc. Well built for the $20 but I have not had a chance to try it yet, will post if I get a chance to use it this weekend:

Double Action Transfer Pump

1720852571152.pngScreenshot from 2024-07-12 23-46-06.png
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Screenshot from 2024-07-12 23-46-45.png
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That would be ideal, but what has me concerned is that the website says "Fuel Oil", while the picture says "Gas". Let me know how it goes.

I will also investigate the self priming siphons.
 
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danielbuck

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LeeG said:
I use a self priming siphon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JC3QPVF?tag=atomicindus08-20
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I carry one of these in my jeeps/trucks anytime I'm using jerry cans for extra fuel. They work really well, although a bit slow (which for me is just fine). I like these because they are simple, don't require power, basically nothing about it can break or fail except for the hose itself and they are very compact.

I call it a jiggle pump, cause you jiggle it up and down to start it :LOL:
 
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CJM8515

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however an external spark is not able to get to it. the gasoline itself isnt that flammable, you can drop a lit match in a bucket of gas no issue. its the vapors.
 
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darrowco

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American Locomotive said:
That would be ideal, but what has me concerned is that the website says "Fuel Oil", while the picture says "Gas". Let me know how it goes.

I will also investigate the self priming siphons.
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Success, I pumped about a gallon of gas today. It worked pretty well, took around 10-12 pumps. Pulling ***** gas in, pushing pumps gas out. No leaks👍 The pull stroke did **** some gas back into the output tube, about a foot or 2, but not all the way to the pump. I assume that the check valve was allowing back flow but really not enough to matter. It could have been just my pump or it could be all of them - more reports needed!

I unscrewed the end and looked at the rubber seal - unchanged - but time will tell. I got this specifically for gas and will report back if the seal deteriorates. I did not think about static electricity until later, I've always been told to keep both containers on the ground if possible, not sure if this helps or not.

All in all, I perfectly happy at this point. $20, it pumps well and does not leak onto my hands.
 
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hardalada

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Almost all of these solutions NOT using 12VDC are expensive.
Totally enclosing the electric side and the pump in a sealed box should absolutely provide spark safety....

Even if you use a lousy old Facet style clicky clack low pressure pump and let it run until it ***** the 5 gallon jerry can dry in 30 minutes beats spending $400 to $1000 for a wobbly manual fuel transfer pump or a pneumatic one.....
 
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