Those using MSR fuel bottle *warning*
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Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 3
From: Stamford, CT
Those using MSR fuel bottle *warning*
Since my bike is sitting for the winter I drained the fuel from my new this summer MSR bottle that is kept in the saddlebag. It looks like the O ring is beginning to break down. Maybe its from the 10% ethanol content, I don't know. The bottle lays on its side. Perhaps I would do better to keep it upright. Actually I assume its breaking down. There is a light brown and white colored crud built up on the O ring and the top of the bottle where it contacts. The fuel had Sta-Bil in it.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
I believe the bottle is made for stove fuel not gasoline, it even says so on the can. Chances are either the o ring is not compatible with gas or the gas is reacting to the aluminum. I only fill my bottle when on a trip and thats when the distance to the next stop is iffy. I wouldnt store it you can blow up your house.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 507
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
You can find silicone o-rings at home depot and on the web.
Here is a simple less-than-scientific test we use at work:
Test a fresh o-ring by pulling it apart like a rubber band until it breaks. Examine the surface of the torn ring to see the 'normal' damage pattern. You can also test breaking force with a fish scale.
Soak a fresh o-ring in the brand of fuel you use the most for 2 weeks, then reperform the breaking strength test. Look for checking and tearing along the o- ring surface and compare to the earlier test.
This should be an effective and easy test.
Here is a simple less-than-scientific test we use at work:
Test a fresh o-ring by pulling it apart like a rubber band until it breaks. Examine the surface of the torn ring to see the 'normal' damage pattern. You can also test breaking force with a fish scale.
Soak a fresh o-ring in the brand of fuel you use the most for 2 weeks, then reperform the breaking strength test. Look for checking and tearing along the o- ring surface and compare to the earlier test.
This should be an effective and easy test.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,747
Likes: 1,078
From: N/A
MSR stoves are made to run on anything- Coleman stove fuel, white gas, kerosine, regular unleaded, yak fat, whatever's available- and the bottle is an integral part of the stove. The O rings need to be inspected/replaced at least once a year no matter what you put in em. Even if they sit empty the O ring will dry out and crack. BTW, it states on the bottle that storing/transporting alcohol can cause corrosion.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 3
From: Stamford, CT
Well I will definitely look a for a Nitrile O ring and I have to find a way to store it vertically on the bike.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
In addition to only using such a bottle on long trips, another suggestion is to empty the gas from it after each of those trips, so when you refill it next it has fresh gas in it. May not cure the seal problem, but it seems unwise to keep gas for a long time.