Old Fuel
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 92
Likes: 1
Old Fuel
I already admit to myself that I'm a knuclehead for letting this happen, so no side punches please 
I didn't start my 68 up for a long time and ended up with a gunked up carb. I completed the rebuild of the it last night, but haven't started it yet. Here is my worry... Since the fuel is old, should I drain it, or attempt to start with it. I have 3 different inline filters, so I'm not worried anything will get through. I know all the ethenol debates, but I'm wondering what you guys think I should do... Drain or run?
Thanks!
I didn't start my 68 up for a long time and ended up with a gunked up carb. I completed the rebuild of the it last night, but haven't started it yet. Here is my worry... Since the fuel is old, should I drain it, or attempt to start with it. I have 3 different inline filters, so I'm not worried anything will get through. I know all the ethenol debates, but I'm wondering what you guys think I should do... Drain or run?
Thanks!
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Oroville California
In my experience with older cars your local auto store should have a resto additive, then change your fuel filter, drive it the the pump and top it off with premium and go take her on a joy ride. You'll both be happy.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 390
Likes: 1
From: Livonia MI
If it were me, I would drain all but a gallon or two from the tank, top it off with fresh fuel and drive. You can burn the old fuel in your daily driver. Just add a gallon of old fuel to each tank of new fuel.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
This may be a situation where ethanol fuel has a benefit. Ethanol is an alcohol; alcohol dissolves water into fuel. So, if you have any accumulated condensation in the tank, ethanol fuel should dissolve it so it can't plug up any [or all] of those filters.
I say put a few gallons of fresh [ethanol] fuel in the tank and 'light it up'.
I say put a few gallons of fresh [ethanol] fuel in the tank and 'light it up'.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Drain much as you can, and put some fresh premium in, as could start fouling your plugs too. Good idea running fresh fuel through the lines, before hooking up your newly rebuilt carb. Best thing is transfering the old fuel to poly racing fuel jugs(like at Summit Racing), and mix a little in your daily cars tanks to use it up. With gas at $4 bucks a gallon, could almost recover the fuel jug costs.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Another thing to consider on rarely driven cars, is an electric fuel pump. I do this, and you can prime the carb bowls before hitting the starter. Fires right up. Also switch the pump off when parking, and stall out on an empty carb. No fuel left sitting in there to varnish up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 437
Likes: 3
From: Alvin Texas
Interesting read, phase separation, may answer some old ethanol fuel blend questions........
http://fuelschool.blogspot.com/2009/...l-blended.html
http://fuelschool.blogspot.com/2009/...l-blended.html
Last edited by bpassmore; May 22, 2012 at 09:14 AM.