How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

Just asking how long gasoline can be stored in plastic gas cans without degrading and causing problems in my generator when I use it?

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

Great question.... I started my snow blower yesterday after sitting all Spring/Summer/Fall, I had used up the gasoline, and even think I put some "stabil" in the gas before running it out just to be sure the leftovers in the carb would not varnish up. Started right away (not going to say 1st pull, because I have the 120v electric start motor on it) but within seconds of cranking it was running very well.
This does nothing to answer your question, but have found many carburetors over the years completely varnished up and it takes hours of work to get things running after this happens.

:favorites8:

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

30 days or so before un-stabilized fuel will start to go bad.

Some carbs are more picky than others. Husqvarna recommends high-test only plus a high quality stabilizer such as seafoam. With that combo, expect no more than a year of useful life.

Now, If you can get ethanol-free fuel (at your local small airport or race shop) you can get much more life from the fuel.

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

I have run gasoline that was a year old, no stabil, through a four stroke lawn more with no ill effect. I have a feeling this stuff will work for a long time if not forever, the only caveat being gunking up your fuel system. There may be some way to filter it to help prevent that. Otherwise if you can strip down the engine and clean it out it seems like you should still be able to run it on some really old gas. If you do have the option definitely use stabil.

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

It's a bit of a loaded question, since you need to reference the age of the gas before you purchase, as well as it's initial quality. A high quality fuel recently delivered should give you 6 months without issue in cool weather.

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

I've stored fuel in a shed, in proper (read UN approved hazardous waste) barrels made of steel, unleaded gasoline with Stabil for five years and then used it in my 1990 GMC Suburban with zero ill effects.

Several keys. You SPECIFCALLY say plastic containers. DITCH THEM. Eventually they degrade. Consider finding steel NATO five gallon cans. You can still find them if you look.

I do currently have two plastic cans full of unleaded gasoline and I don't worry about them. Partly because they are stored in a shed, so out of the elements. But these are used in my roto-tiller. Plus occasional other gasoline powered tools.

Also, use SOME KIND of fuel stabilizer.

I use Stabil and Acetone added at the same time, one after the other. Then the fuel sits until I use it. The last time was five years for gasoline. I've switched over to diesel (though my wifes car is gas) and I am pretty much only storing diesel.

I don't care WHAT you use, just use something. Store in a cool dry place.

FILL THE CONTAINER WITHIN AN INCH OR LESS OF THE TOP. The less air, the less likely you will have problems with it. ADD stabilizer.

Once you are ready to put them away for long term storage, don't move them around a lot. Put them in place and leave them alone. So THINK about where you can put them and won't need to move them to get to other things in your storage spot.

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

Use Stabil x 2 for 2-3 year gas stored in a metal airtight can.You can check by visually inspecting, older gas turns darker brown. New gas is almost clear.

Gas out of the pump would be 6 months max before degrading and depending on type of carburator,it may/maynot leave heavy varnish in the bowl and fuel lines.

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

i keep stabil in my sportscar and after a few months up on blocks for the winter it starts fine.

i also kept stabil in the fuel from my snow blower from last winter...just started it up last weekend and all it took was one pull on the cord to start it up...and that was year old fuel.

i like stabil.

32 oz was $10 at walmart and it only needs about 1 oz per 2.5 gallons of gas.

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

I store about 20 gallons. In the Fall, I put it into a car and refill the cans and add Stabil. In the Spring, I add Stabil again. Never had a problem.

My biggest issue has been that when the generator sits more than a month or two, the float sticks and I have to open it up and break the float free. First time, it cost me $100 to have a small engine shop do it. Now, I do it myself in 10 minutes.

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

Never had any luck with Stabil after a year.

PRI-G I've found works for up to 5 ( that I know of ), in 55gal drums.

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

Another vote for Pri-G and Pri-D for the tank of diesel fuel.

I store my fuel in 600 gallon Military surplus tanks.
http://goldismoney.info/forums/attac...4&d=1236575057

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

I think the gas I have is from when we were at $5/gallon, so I am really trying to hold onto it! I use sta-bil, adding the correct amount every few months or so, and my generator still starts.

I am always surprised when it does.

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

Strawman, how do you buy the fuel? Do you store 600Gal gasoline, or just diesel?

Thanks!

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

The truck in the pix is an M1008. So it's diesel. What's in the tank, I cannot say.

SMC, I AM REALLY ENVIOUS of your milsurp fuel tank. While I can afford one, the wife won't let me get it. At least until we move out of the burbs.

"But dear, I CAN still put the 600 gallon tank in my new shed..."

Nah, didn't fly.

Dang man, closer inspection of the photo leads me to believe that your fuel tank is shoved up against a steel shipping container. What length is it, a 20 or 40 footer? How do you like it? Just asking...

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

I have 3 of the 600 gallon tanks on the property, 1 is offroad Diesel, #2 is onroad diesel and the 3rd is premium Gasoline, all fuel is from Nevada as it tends to last longer and or give more mileage. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
wallew, Ya gotta do what ya gotta do IE I purchase things like fuel and other supplies in bulk, mass quantities because its much cheaper that way. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

I also didn’t ask the wife if it was OK with her I just did it, Its my responsibility to take care of things on the land and make sure we have the things, supplies we need so I don’t ask permission to do these things. <o:p></o:p>

Oh the Can, it’s a 24footer from <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Hawaii</st1:State></st1:place>. I imported a bunch of Hawaiian girls they do this Hula dance that I just love.



Matson shipping uses this size can its just about perfect for storing things. btw if you want a 24ft can Matson is just about the only place that ever used that size.
<o:p></o:p>
Hope this helps.

<o:p>I buy the gas through a distributor in Reno Nevada, An old friend I worked with. </o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p>Information here may be helpful when it comes to the taxes we pay when we purchase fuel. </o:p>
<o:p>http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AQ...0NTZ0Z20&hl=en</o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

I've ran 2-year old gas in my lawn mower and it didn't miss a stroke.

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

Check this link out:

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/...ale-so-quickly

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

I had 50 gal of gas in cans for about 4-5 months. Ran thru lawn mower with no issues. I did not use any additives.

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

I have stabilized gas (nothing special, just OTC stabilizer) that has performed perfectly after 1.5 years.

I'm PUI so I can't remember the name of the stabilizer right now, but I will post it once I get off my lazy ass and go look in the garage. The good news is that may be in the next 5 minutes!!

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

I'm stocked on this.
I add to stored vehicles/gas and then add again when I use them.

http://www.batterystuff.com/images/p...eatment_md.jpg

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

I have stored for 5 year in tightly sealed steel 55 gal drums.....just like new with no additives.....the key is steel drum and SEALED TIGHT.....also helps by keeping them very full. When they are sealed tight - the light end distillates will not evaporate away....that is what makes gas stale.

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

I use a stabilizer on all my stored gas just in case. And because my Stihl chain saw and weed wacker cant sit for six moths without stabilized gas in them

I know Im spose to Run them out...but sometimes I forget

I think I will look for that Pri-g next time

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

I bought it here. A quart will last you a while.
http://www.nitro-pak.com/product_inf...oducts_id=1038

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

I know you did not ask, but I will tell you anyway. Convert your car and generator to run on propane. Propane will store indefinitely, literally. Keep the container out of the weather so it does not rust, and your great-great-great grandkids can sell it when propane is selling for 0.1 ounce of gold per pound. It will NEVER deteriorate.

All backup generators should run on propane. It is nuts to install anything else for a stationary system.

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

Thats a big 10/4.

Just bought a few tanks for prep.
1K gallons with the short footprint 12 ft long not the 14-15 ft most 1K tanks measure out to.

They are in the area of 3500 FOB if anyone wants one.

http://goldismoney.info/forums/attac...5&d=1258872307

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading
 

That's the stuff I got!! Thanks for saving me the trouble EE_...

So far as I can tell, this stuff works ok...

Re: How long does gasoline store without degrading