Old gasoline in tank
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,029
From: Sacramento CA
Car Info: 02 Impreza WRX sedan
No, old gasoline doesn't turn to jelly. I had several gallons in my old car when it broke down. Years later I could still hear it sloshing around when I pushed down on the suspension. I still wouldn't run the car on fuel that old, though. Since the tank wasn't full to begin with, it had too much time to react with moisture, tank sediment, and who knows what else. If I had restarted that car, I would have dropped the tank or drained it, then filled up with fresh gas and a bottle of Techron. I've heard of folks who fired up long-dormant cars on tanks of old fuel but I'd still be cautious.
--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush
--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush
VIP Member
iTrader: (9)
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,709
From: Walnut Creek, CA
Car Info: CRZ EX-Navi/6MT & Vue Redline
Originally Posted by WindingRoad
How long can I keep gas in the gas tank? Will the old gas turn into some kind of jelly? (someone told me this)
They make fuel stabilizers that you can add to the fuel already in the tank that will help it to last longer. This is what people with seasonal motor vehicles (i.e. snowmobiles and watercraft) often use.
-Chris
Many areas sell slightly different gas in different seasons. So, if you have a tank from summer sitting in your car, and you try and fire it up in winter, it may have some problems.
Old gas can severely lose its octane rating. Over time, the hydrocarbon chains break down into small chains. But, as bassplayrr said, there are chemicals you can add to a tank if you know it's going to be sitting for a while.
agreed.
Old gas can severely lose its octane rating. Over time, the hydrocarbon chains break down into small chains. But, as bassplayrr said, there are chemicals you can add to a tank if you know it's going to be sitting for a while.
Originally Posted by Wingless Wonder
If I had restarted that car, I would have dropped the tank or drained it, then filled up with fresh gas and a bottle of Techron. I've heard of folks who fired up long-dormant cars on tanks of old fuel but I'd still be cautious.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Koan is pretty much on target...the hydrocarbons break down and the fuel will seperate and turn to a laquor and coat the inside of the tank there will still be a fuel type liquid in the tank but not good for much of anything. You will be able to start the car but the fuel will not be good for much else. There are fuel stadilizers that you can add to fuel to keep it from breaking down.
Guest
Posts: n/a
yes you would have to remove the tank, filter lines replace lines filter, and get lots of laquor thinner and clean the hell out of the tank after draining what was in it...doing all the lines and filter are just me being **** and on the safe side...
on the good side of things the fuels you buy for cars now do have lots of additives and it would take years of the fuel to break down so if its been sitting for like 6 months you should be ok..but I would drain it and fill with new fuel anyway.
on the good side of things the fuels you buy for cars now do have lots of additives and it would take years of the fuel to break down so if its been sitting for like 6 months you should be ok..but I would drain it and fill with new fuel anyway.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
aboothman
NorCal Classifieds
3
Feb 13, 2012 09:11 PM
jrod9707
Engine/Power - EJ20T (pre-2006 WRX and JDM)
8
Mar 25, 2003 04:49 PM
