Gas can filter removal

Tired of spilling gas. Sick of wasting your time trying to fill one of the new cans because of the built in filter? Today we modify a 5 gallon gas can by removing that pesky pain in the @#$. It's quick, and it's easy.

[@cfurrow2468]

Bought my first gas can and i had that in it, was so confused, like, it can't possibly expect me to sit here and keep silightly pumping until it drains. Glad to know I'm not just stupid.

[@tarap5618]

Thank you. Those filters are just ridiculous!! Need to remove mine.

[@sgt.hollowpoint6968]

LOL, I thought I was the only one looking like a damn idiot trying to do a simple task as filling up a gas can, yet having soooo much trouble doing so. I'm not alone...

[@joemendiola7345]

Makes many of us.

[@davebriggs1589]

Definitely not alone lol I hate these things borrowed a can that has this and man oh man trying to use a siphon pump to fill kerosene heater just doesn't work lol

[@VanGoghs_LeftEar]

I gave everyone a good show at The gas station today, trying to slowly fill (yet spill) gas on the ground and myself. Not one of my prouder days, I’ll tell you that….

[@toddaway]

I just learned it's a "flame arrestor" that is required to be put on because some geniuses were pouring gas onto fires and felt the laws of physics respond to their actions. I thought it was somehow allowing air into the tank so it would pour more easily. But yeah, makes it hard to fill a tank and hard to siphon, and actually introduces new dangers as you struggle to do either.

[@malextwo]

Scepter calls it a "flame mitigation device" - or "fmd" for short ;-).

[@JodiMontano]

Those stupid filters are maddening and inefficient. I've spoiled so much PREMIUM fuel trying to fill them that it's surely an environmental poluter. I have 2 of these cans and hope to remove both filters. Thank you for this video.

[@kimh2925]

I had the same issue and was so frustrated because I couldn't use my siphon that I had used for 30 years. I can't lift 5 gallons of kerosene anymore to pour it directly into the heater. So I figured out the same solution you did a year before I saw your video. It made me feel more secure seeing someone else use the same method. Called the manufacturer today when I got my new 2 gallon cans and asked what kind of risk I was taking if I pulled out the filter. I explained I'm not an ignorant youngster and have used kerosene heaters for years but can no longer lift the 5 gal cans so ordered new 2 gal cans. Of course they couldn't legally tell me to pull the filter out but they did say as long as I didn't store it in a hot garage over the summer I should be fine. I always take unused kerosene to the hazardous waste recycling plant in March and then buy new kerosene in November. I always wait at least 12 hours for the kerosene heater to completely cool down before I put more kerosene in. I fill it outside and don't anticipate any fires because I pulled out the "flame arrestor". But as someone else mentioned, I guess they had to implement these for people who don't read instructions and try to pour kerosene or gas into hot appliances. Thanks for posting this video.

[@shainbobbitt504]

Thanks! I can't siphon kerosene out as the tube won't fit the FMD that is in the way. Appreciate you showing us how to remove it!

[@simplyadventures1732]

Exactly what i needed for my transfer pump!

[@steveshongony5739]

Thank you for your very informative video. I've been using Midwest 5 gallon gas cans for about 10 years but in my old age it's getting harder to lift and pour a full can without spilling some. I bought 3 new Midwest cans and a battery powered pump. To my amazement I found the cans now had a filter in them preventing the use of the pump. I was ready to return them but first decided to see if there was a video on how to remove the filters. And I found you... Problem solved, THANK YOU

[@ActionBastard88]

Dude I love you imagine filling it up in the winter like I had to. Wasted so much gas and time trying to fill it up. Kept spilling out and ruined my pants in the process. Thank you so much this is going to make my life a lot easier.

[@leveragelifestyle8581]

Perfect video. Just bought the same can and I saw it had this piece in it which was going to be an issue when trying to put in an auto siphon pump to transfer gas to my pressure washer. Had the same issue at the gas station. Will be removing it first thing in the morning.

[@Rodsrib1]

Many Thanks. Just bought one of these cans and was reading the reviews on another website. A lot of people have the same complaint about how difficult it is to fill the can, because of the filter.

[@stephenjenkins1636]

Made the mistake of wearing headphones while listening to this video and freaked the heck out when that bee flew by the microphone!!

[@tomrover8354]

Thanks for the video. It was easier than I thought. However, I think it's a good idea to have a screen to catch any dirt or trash that entered your can while filling it. After removing the screen, I used my Dremel to smooth down the tabs (ears) on the outside of the screen. Now I can take it out of the can before filling it. Then after filling, put the screen back in.

[@kimh2925]

That's a good idea. Never thought of that. I knew my dog's nail trimmer would come in handy for something.

[@Elnegro..]

I agree, but they should be removable for filling

[@ScottAkin-u8v]

Makes no sense. A "good idea to catch any dirt or trash while filling it", but you take it out of the can before filling it? There are only 3 steps to filling a gas can efficiently, and done so for 50 years+ : Open the main cap, immediately fill with gas (filter thrown away), then put the main cap back on right away. I only say this because the idiots who forced the use of these in every gas can today don't need to be further encouraged to do more stupid shit. The "no-spill" nozzles the EPA mandated 15 years agoare bad enough.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

I think they are a flame arrestor to keep static electricity from exploding the gas can. It's a safety feature, or was a safety feature.

[@claudiawylie4381]

Thanks! Great technique! Worked easily. Now I can use my transfer pump to avoid lifting that heavy can when filling my generator. Saves my back and the dangerous mess spilled gas makes.

[@thecommonsenseconservative5576]

Bought a can today.. I got so pissed at that white strainer piece of shit I wanted to blow the can up. Man I miss those 5 gallon cans with the clear flex hose and screw cap.

[@collinmc90]

thank you! I had the same exact experience last week. I had a huge line of cars waiting for me it was awful. Doing this ASAP. I don't mind some of the new filler necks on these, some work really well and keep you from spilling (rotopax) but others seem to make them leak more... total silliness.

[@lampshadesoapmaker678]

Thanks. I ripped the screen out and ground off the teeth on the locking cap with a dremmel. 10× easier to use now

[@terrymoorecnc2500]

These filters are probably one of the dumbest ideas ever conceived. As soon as you fill up, any debris will then get put right in your tank. Friggin brilliant.

[@cra2cra226]

not for debris. Flame mitigation. Look it up

[@jimcavaluchi3718]

They suck if you have a Kerosene can and need to siphon out the kerosene. Removal is absolutely required. Thanks for this video!

[@dcthomp]

haha mine fell in within 10 seconds. took about 30 minutes to get it out. but much improved now

[@marniea8395]

mine too, 2 hrs later and it's still in there. POS😡

[@vmarc4682]

I think it's a flame arrester not a filter.

[@xephael3485]

Really a flame arrester? So go light a match by your five gallon gas tank and let me know how good it arrests the flame

[@redblue40rc33]

I bet a lit match will make ya think different 🙂

[@vmarc4682]

@@redblue40rc33 I didn't say it worked .I just said I didn't think it was a filter.

[@americafirst3525]

Thank you! Those filters make the jugs impossible to fill. I’m removing them all today.

[@fredWaxBeans11111]

Yep. I just recently picked up two of these 5 gallon containers at ( I guess I can say) tractor supply. I went through quite an ordeal, hence I'm at this video. I stupidly didn't even think to open them before I went to the gas station. Yes, as the video suggests, it's a much longer process to fill the container at the pump because it keeps shutting off. I will be using these two containers for storage gas for generator, in addition to our cars. The way I transfer the gasoline from the container is by using a self priming hose for siphoning. Of course, this filter insert won't allow the tube to go to the bottom of the tank for proper siphoning so I needed to remove it. What happened with my first attempt, is the filter ended up pushing in and sinking to the bottom of the container (filled with gas). So I siphoned out the gas to another container, and painstakingly used a endoscopic grabbing tool, (thankfully I have one!!) to grab the tip of the filter. I was able to pull it through with pliers. What a royal pain in the Aardvark A** !! I still have the other Midwest container to do. BE CAREFUL, and don't damage the lip (mouth) of the container when trying to pry out the filter. I did damage the lip a tiny bit, but was able to press it back into place.

[@yellow_panther]

Was able to remove 2 of these inserts in under a minute. Holding the can spout opening upside down (to keep the insert from falling into the can)... Used a mini needle nose pliers and inserted the tip of the pliers between the top of the can and the top of the insert about 1/4" and pulled UP on the filter. The filter comes up about 1/8" above the top of the red spout opening. Now I take a small vice grip and grip the edge of the insert that is now sticking up outside the can and pull the insert out. Don't have to wrestle with the insert at all.

[@PatriotMike-sb9oj]

Thank You! I just bought two 5 gallon gas cans at Home Depot and when I went to 7-11 to fill them I noticed the plastic device. I even tried to let the gas out slowly and the gasoline still sprayed back out. Ridiculous! I took them out.

[@lovepeacejoy8869]

You are awesome. Everything they have done to gas cans in the last several years are a pain in the a$$. Besides tipping over in the back of my truck, (placing the gas can in sink dish pans works for that), nozzles that spurt...and these filters are the worst. I am not an engineer but I could design a better can than these monstrosities. Thanks, I knew I could find the solution on youtube.

[@ColinM1212]

Thought I was a dumbass at the gas station, good to see it’s not just me 😂.

[@eddierussell3933]

Wow thanks! These new cans piss me off so much

[@sheilajohnson1583]

Thank you! I thought I was doing something wrong!

[@bobjones9727]

Great video

[@kevinkotchevar2339]

Comy government mandates this and the spouts replacement spout with vent upgrade readily available

[@donhoward3770]

Thanks. Safety for my own good. Becomes a pain in the A. Too much these days. Don't need it.

[@thomasosteen6027]

Thank you

[@magiclarry7688]

I have always questioned why the filter was in there. Sure it filters out trash when gas is filling the can but when you go to pour the gas into a tank it rinses the trash out of the filter putting it into the tank.

[@Big_Un]

FYI - It's not a filter, it's a safety feature called an "internal flame mitigation device". The Midwest website has a video demonstrating how this feature operates, but in a nutshell, it prevents a flame from igniting the fuel inside the can. The vapors on 'this side/external side' of the device CAN still ignite/burn, but the flame will not pass through the screen. Back in the days of coal mining by hand, when miners still used open flame candles/lanterns as light sources, the lanterns were encased in a metal screen to prevent the open flame from igniting the pockets of flammable gas within the mine. Essentially the same concept but in the reverse of the flame/fuel equation. "Because Science!!" Having said all that, I don't disagree with your reasons or justifications for removing the device. They certainly are a PITA!! Unfortunately, safety regulations are designed to deal with the lowest common denominator of human intelligence rather than letting the "Darwin Awards" cull the population. Thank you for your explanation and demonstration for removing the device. (For all the bleeding hearts, ambulance chasers, and regulatory entities out there, 'Do not try this at home', 'Do not attempt to disable or circumvent any safety devices', and 'Do not blame anyone but yourself for your own idiocracy!')

[@MyBigThing2010]

Agreed! Darwin definitely has a surplus in awards to be given away these days.

[@WyzrdCat]

Ah yes, a safety" device that makes me get gasoline all over my pants and all over the ground around the gas pump and all over the side of my vehicle! Seems real safe!!!! FUCK GOVERNMENT

[@kimh2925]

Love your comment about the LCD of intelligence! It's kind of like the warning signs on the sun shields for your windshield "Do not drive with this in place" Seriously????

[@cra2cra226]

Thank you! This should be the top comment (and, frankly, the poster should edit the video to add this fact). It's amazingly useful and required (in most places), simple piece of life & property-saving technology. That said, the end-user should have the capability to pop it out or just slide it out of the way when filling or using a syphon, then popping it back into place.

[@vanglez765]

I just want it to carry and transfer fuel, not as a candle holder.

[@willardwilliamson6778]

Thanks for the video!!

[@N2.W8S]

All you need to do to remove the filter...... slide screw driver down about an inch , between the filter and inside the filler neck .....then turn the screw driver 90° this will poke a hole in the filter...then tip the handle of the screw driver away from the neck...this will pry the filter out...may have to get a second ( lower ) grip on the filter.....but you don't need a pliers and have to struggle with the filter and worry about it going inside the tank.

[@bellabelle9804]

I have the same problem, but my cans are full. Kept me from syphening K1 into my heater. Your screwdriver technique was on point took me less than 3 min. THANKS👍

[@N2.W8S]

@@bellabelle9804 thanks for the thanks

[@NKARENG]

Thanks for the video. Just one question.... mine fell in the can & I can not get the filter out. How did you finally get it to the opening to pull it out?? I'm even going to change the spout also. It's impossible for a women to hold this & pour gas.

[@markkiser9329]

Long handled needle nose pliers

[@Rich-vp4ih]

Good riddance to bad rubbish! Thanks.

[@AmateurSuperFan]

bro, thank you. this was driving me nuts and i was wondering if this can be done without destroying the can. I appreciate it and my back does too now i don't have to wait 10 minutes to fill the thing up

[@gradtaz]

Was looking for a way to remove it, because it was making a mess trying to fill it no matter how slow I tried to go.

[@1hogchop]

why not add a vent cap

[@ritasenergyherbs3650]

Thank you. My previous attempt did not work so I will try again with the flat head /needle nose pliers method. These filters have to be one of the worst inventions in the transportation industry. Which fluid transfer pump did you get? I see those that run on AA batteries. How long would that last if out on a boat? Seems a rechargeable might be nice....but I am not sure. Thanks Again.

[@N2.W8S]

Thanks.... I just bought 2 ...5gallon cans....saw those idiotic filters and thought " those gotta get pulled out of there "

[@debbradecker9900]

Thank you so so much

[@Texantelidi]

I see you also removed that stupid latch on the cap (that's the first thing I do). Good job.

[@h8GW]

Flame arrestor, not filter. You should be fine if you don't plan on *pouring directly* from the gas can onto a fire. ...Still, I'd recommend transferring the gas to an open container first ifyou're gonna pour it on or into anything hot.

[@ScottAkin-u8v]

As a kid in the late 70's, we thought we might have flying cars by now. These flame arrestors (required by the shit EPA I assume) only prove our country/society has been moving backwards since the turn of the century.

[@WallyBoots]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@lowrangeoverland9013]

Thanks 👍

[@rusticglamlife985]

You are very welcome, just had to post this after my filling up fail at Costco.

[@ericamccollor7618]

What an absolute unit🤩

[@Phillip_of_Burns]

Bought a rotopax and they came with one too. Wonder if it's a regulation now or somethin...

[@pololauren1107]

Fast forward to 0250, you are welcome

[@jakeschisler7525]

I bought the new wide mouth diesel can and use my transfer pump, well low and behold it has that filter inside. Also very hard to get it to take fuel

[@tictac8737]

Thank You!

[@SSGHOST20]

I jst bought sum today and i wouldnt put the nozzel all the way in and filled them up in like 2 min

[@carminericca1740]

You gotta be kidding!

[@kitsunewedding]

Why does he keep calling the flame mitigation device a filter and why did he remove it when it prevents the gasoline from reaching optimal fuel to air ratio for ignition while pouring?

[@ChrisHirner]

They put one of those arrestor thingies on my kerosene can. My siphon pump was useless. I get it on a gas can but hell kerosene is less flammable than Detroit water.

[@sarahlopez8542]

THANK YOU!!

[@terrydawkins9936]

The government saving us😮😮😮😮😮😮.

[@buckobango]

The idiots that think we need their protection have made a simple task a dangerous and cumbersome one.. Government 😠

[@carminericca1740]

He removed a safety device?

[@WayneTesta4444]

Yeah so i will be doing the same thing I'm tired of gas splashing out as I'm filling up the gas can.

[@carminericca1740]

Confused

[@Elnegro..]

I hate them, they make me waste my gas, takes a shit ton of time.

[@davidgenthnerjr4995]

I just spilled diesel on the ground cause of the stupid ovommit mandated gas cans trying to put fuel in my truck. I wish the EPA and all the other idiot agengies that had a hand in madating this crap would be forced to reverse the mandate. The older fuel cans were way better.

[@cloudbase7799]

This is the byproduct of a nanny state.

[@PAWarden]

Just wait 'til they put them in cars.

[@gonzchi]

Public service? You are actually doing a dis-service. You have no clue what you are doing, and encouraging people to do. That's not a filter, it's a flame arrestor, for safety.

[@lampshadesoapmaker678]

I safely ripped the flame arrestor right out. 👍

[@cra2cra226]

True. He should know what it is before messing with it. But once he knows, he should tell others (in the video and/or description) and it's his business if he wants to remove it. Once he's informed. Wish it could be pushed aside for siphoning and then spring back into place for safety.

[@kitsunewedding]

This guy probably bought one of those devices to put in his seat belt buckle.

[@carminericca1740]

I don’t have the patience to listen to Biden

[@gusbaker4u]

2:28 who else heard that and started swatting the air for a bug that isn't there? 🪰😜