Funnel Support for Gas Fill

I want to avoid back pour and my funnel moving to cause a spill when I add gasoline to the fuel tank on my Troy-bilt weed trimmer.

Materials

• 1/8" steel rod

Tools

• Vise
• Hammer
• Hacksaw
• Caliper
• Measuring device
• Round bending forms (EMT, 5/8" steel rod)
• MIG welder
• Aluminum angle
• Spring clamps

The photo shows my funnel support in place keeping the funnel stable and upright at the opening of my trimmer's gas tank.

I used a simple caliper to get the diameter of the upmost part of the funnel spout and found it is very close to the O.D. of 3/4" electrical conduit. As shown in the second photo I used the conduit in a vise as a form to make a ring from the steel rod. I used a hammer to shape the ring and make it as evenly round as I can. See the third photo. I cut the ring from the rest of the rod and placed it on the funnel to check the fit before welding.

See the first photo. I held the funnel in the opening of the gasoline tank as I want it to be and placed a straight rod into the tank so the end of the rod rests on the end of the tank opposite the tank opening. I marked it with masking tape.

See the second photo. I used a piece of aluminum angle as a welding form. Spring clamps hold the pieces in place. The aluminum angle also serves as a heat sink to control welding heat. (In the final step an idea will be presented for those who do not have access to a welder.)

I measured the funnel spout near, but not at the end of the spout. For my funnel, a 5/8" rod made a good form for making the second ring. The first photo shows taking measurements for positioning the second ring for welding.

The second photo shows how I clamped pieces for welding the second ring in place. This is a very practical setup, but it has one peril. Part of the assembly hangs in air. If too much heat is used when welding, the weight of the first ring will cause the part hanging in air to fall to the floor. Use just enough heat to tack the second ring in place. Then reposition and finish the weld for permanence.

See the third photo. It shows the support finished and ready to use.

Click on the graphic so you can see it in full. It would be possible to bend one continuous piece of rod with no welding. Some extra care and patience would be necessary.