Very true, AND... (archive)

: Dave,
: Sorry about your misfortune, and good luck to your son.
: However, I feel it necessary to note a few things:
: 1) Bob is a professional (I believe). I recall him posting that he has been a mechanic for many years (and owns his own shop?).
: 2) Although the device is dangerous, when proper precautions are taken, anything is "safe". If someone chooses to create/use this device, yes, they are taking a risk. However with proper ventilation and careful safety measures, this device is no more dangerous than many DIY jobs on a car. Of course, you must always treat flammables (gas especially) with respect. Everyone on the board I'm sure knows this.
: 3) Although I strongly agree with you posting that message and alerting everyone of the POSSIBLE dangers of the device, I disagree strongly with the way you presented it. You are not my father/guardian, and I will do what I wish. Your post was too much more than a strong warning. I understand you've had tragedy in your family, and for that I'm extremely sorry, but you can not tell people NOT to build this device. I hope people don't go and buy testers that cost 100's of dollars simply because you scared them off. Bob would not have presented this information if he felt that anyone would be hurt.
: I in no way mean this post as a bash. However, I can't just watch someone completely destroy a great idea simply because of an event in their own life. Again, I am very sorry for your son, and wish you all the best luck in the future, but please keep your next warning to only that, a warning.
: Thanks for your input, and to anyone who does make this device, please be careful, but don't be scared.
: Justin Gibson
: gibs@abac.com
: 88 M6 Black/Grey

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Your post was dead on. I probably SHOULD have posted a disclaimer warning of the dangers of fuel vapors and finely atomized gasoline, but I would hope that all readers here are aware of basic precautions regarding flammable liquids.

Here goes:

DO use the device outdoors. Don't smoke or use an open flame when performing the tests. Wear safety glasses. DO NOT exceed a safe pressure when filling the canister with air. The installed safety valve SHOULD protect the canister from rupturing, but NEVER trust this valve alone. Monitor the pressure valve while filling. DO NOT HEAT the canister when pressurized as the heating could raise the pressure to unsafe levels.

Also, when all testing is completed, at least allow the air pressure to escape by either activating the Schraeder valve core or by inverting the canister and opening the valve to allow the hose to drain and also releasing the pressure. I do not personally consider an unpressurized canister containing gasoline dangerous. It is a fairly strong and rugged vessel.

While the POTENTIAL for disaster is present (as it is in most of life), common sense and planning can reduce the real dangers to negligible levels.

I might mention that for testing FI spray patterns, you could substitute a non-flammable liquid in the canister. CRC sells non-flammable brake cleaner in gallon containers for about $20. It is the same stuff sold in spray cans and smells like dry cleaning fluids used in cleaners.

I would NOT use water due to the possibility of internal corrosion.

Bob
PS When brazing or heating the canister during construction of the device, remove the core of the safety valve (using a tire valve extractor or small tips of needle nose pliers) from the container, carefully counting the turns required to extract it, to prevent damage of ot from heat. When replacing the core, insert it the same number of turns you did when you removed it, AND NO MORE.

Screwing the core retainer clockwise increases the spring tension and raises the pop-off pressure of the safety valve, possibly beyond the burst strength of the container.

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