Can gas really go bad?
 

Can gas really go bad?
CNN News
April 9, 2008
Eric Peters

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayof...gas/index.html

Does gasoline really go "bad" if you leave it unused for a period of time? Some people are convinced this is just another urban legend, and that people who worry about "old gas" and spend money on fuel stabilizer are wasting psychic energy as well as cash.

http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/2008/LIVING/w...as.pump.gi.jpg
Compare stored gasoline with fresh gas. If you notice it is darker or smells sour it is probably bad.

But in fact, gasoline can degrade over time. That can lead to a number of problems, ranging from hard starting, to rough running, to no starting at all.

Here's why

Unlike crude oil, gasoline is a highly refined product brewed to a certain chemical composition with very specific characteristics. One characteristic of gas is volatility, a term used to describe how easily and under what conditions the gas vaporizes so it can be efficiently burned in your car's engine.............

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayof...gas/index.html

Re: Can gas really go bad?
 

While this is a serious topic, it just begs for some infantile comments!

Re: Can gas really go bad?
 

Do NOT store gasoline. Just don't. You are looking for trouble. Too dangerous to be worth the risk. The monetary save is not worth storing large quantity of gasoline at home. However, store a few gallon for emergency usage, is a good idea.

We just need to get used to higher gasoline prices.

Re: Can gas really go bad?
 

In my old country my father kept gasoline in large drum in garage for few years and it always worked,I bought in 2005 and is still good -mainly for lawn mower but doesn't affect start or anything,gasoline will not explode ,only vapors are dangerous

Re: Can gas really go bad?
 

The only gasoline that will not readily go south these days is possiblly avgas, since it has no additives and no ethanol.

Unfortunately, it is close to 7 bucks a gallon right now.

Current formulations of gasoline will begin to break down in less than a 2 months for 2 major reasons:

1. the additives begin to break down
2. ethanol is alcohol, alcohol attracts water.

There is a major problem right now with people who keep boats on the water with the ethanol in the fuel attracting way more water than the previousl gas with MTBE.


Look into PRI-G and PRI-D for gas and diesel preservers. The stuff flat works.

Re: Can gas really go bad?
 

gasoline is stored in closed container if not you will smell the fumes,which way water can enter closed container?
my is in plastic canisters for 3 years and is perfectly fine
don't know anything about additives tho....

Re: Can gas really go bad?
 

If you feel comfortable with that it is up to you. I treat all long term fuel storage, period.

Have you not ever had a lawn mower or small engine fail to run properly after being stored for months without starting? This is a result of old/degraded gasoline. Gums and varnish settle out of the fuel clog up fuel lines, carbs, etc.

Re: Can gas really go bad?
 

Obviously you live in a area immune from Hurricanes.
A few gallons is not going to help much.
I treat my gas with Stabil and never had any problem with it, even after 2 years in storage.

Re: Can gas really go bad?
 

There have been some good discussions on this topic -- proper storage and such. I'd suggest a look in the archives for more info.