Last week when I pulled the Shay out of winter storage I noticed the gas gauge was near empty

Not trusting my memory if I filled the tank before storing it I went to the gas station to fill it up

As I was squeezing in gas I noticed a big puddle of gas on the ground coming from the center of the underside of the Shay

The gas station had mechanic on duty who hoisted it up and said it was dripping from something he called an emission canister. This canister was to the engine side of the gas tank and apparently is filled with charcoal to filter gas vapor.

The mechanic said he thought the gas would evaporate and no damage was done - but I am left with the puzzlement as to why the gas didn't come out the spout I was pouring it into. Any thoughts on this?

Also I may well need a new gauge or float or ? any suggestions on how to determine what I need and where to source it?
thanks
Mike

I had a similar problem several years ago with gauge reading empty and when filling, gas was on ground from the canister. I found my problem was a bad ground--reason gauge was reading empty. Fuel was coming out of the top of the canister because the top was not on tight, therefore running on pavement instead of backing up in the filler tube. Hope this helps. (absent Reggie would most likely have an "EXPERT" solution.

Now we hear from the experienced and the real "EXPERT".

Get rid of that canister "ASAP" !!!! You don't need that canister, if the charcole inside of can comes loose and gets into your carb, you can kiss your carb goodby. remove canister, by pass it, but get rid if it.
Ron C.