Gasoline, how long does it last?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Gasoline, how long does it last?
I took my Vette out yesterday and it ran really rough for the first fifteen minutes but then smoothed out some. I haven't put gas in it since last fall and I was wondering how long does it take before Gasoline goes sour? How long is gas really potent, 93 octane I use from Mobil? :skep:
[Modified by killain, 6:17 PM 2/7/2003]
[Modified by killain, 6:17 PM 2/7/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,091
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From: Texas
Re: Gasoline, how long does it last? (killain)
you should be able to tell if it is bad by smelling it. i use exxon 93 in my jet ski and i leave it in the all winter and dont use it again until late march or april
Mike
Mike
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Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Dove Mountain Arizona
Re: Gasoline, how long does it last? (killain)
It doesn't last long in mine at all. :lol: Seriously, over the winter shouldn't be a problem but just to make sure I always add some Sta-Bil to the fuel and run it for a few minutes to get it into the carb prior to shuttin' it down. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,501
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Re: Gasoline, how long does it last? (killain)
Gasoline, especially modern mixtures, does oxidize, especially in the carb. From what I've read, the shelf life is about 6 weeks without adding a fuel stabilizer. That doesn't mean it won't run your engine after 6 weeks, it just means it isn't as good as it was 'fresh from the pump' so to speak. Eventually, it will become inert but it takes a long time.
When putting your car away from the long winter nap, it's best to do so with a full tank (less air) and a good stabilizer additive but make sure you run the motor long enough to pump stabilized gas up from the tank into the carb. It's better NOT to start your engine every couple weeks during the winter because unless you're willing to run it long enough to completely heat the engine and cooling system, a short run will cause condensation inside the engine, won't pump oil everywhere and will cause premature engine wear.
When putting your car away from the long winter nap, it's best to do so with a full tank (less air) and a good stabilizer additive but make sure you run the motor long enough to pump stabilized gas up from the tank into the carb. It's better NOT to start your engine every couple weeks during the winter because unless you're willing to run it long enough to completely heat the engine and cooling system, a short run will cause condensation inside the engine, won't pump oil everywhere and will cause premature engine wear.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
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From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Re: Gasoline, how long does it last? (Mac)
For storage and starting info, I recommend the following site:
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/care/storage.html
I contains info from General Motors and is pretty informative.
Hope it helps. :chevy
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/care/storage.html
I contains info from General Motors and is pretty informative.
Hope it helps. :chevy
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,117
Likes: 671
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Re: Gasoline, how long does it last? (Mac)
I've always wondered if it was better to leave the engine alone for the winter or run it every two weeks. I concede that I don't think runing for a half an hour is able to get enough heat up to warm and lube everything inside, so from now on I'll leave it alone for the winter. And I did leave it with only half a tank of fuel and that's a no no! :cry
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 530
Likes: 11
From: Lewes, Delaware
Re: Gasoline, how long does it last? (killain)
Every winter I used to add Sta bil to the gas tank in my boat then one winter I forgot and the thing still fired right up. Ive read that their is more methanol in the new fuels and they may break down some but will not gum up like the old leaded fuels. I still add Sta bil to the boat tank but not the Vette, I drive that between snow storms so the gas is never more than a month old. :cheers:
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Timmins ON
Re: Gasoline, how long does it last? (killain)
Ask every one that regularily stores their cars, snowmobiles, motorcycles and/or atv's... You will need a fuel stabilizer for reliable start and service of your toy when you want to drive it! period! If you wonder about my experience, ask... I will tell!
:cheers:
:cheers:
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 289
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From: Wisconsin Rapids, WI USA
Re: Gasoline, how long does it last? (killain)
Well, I can tell you that my local motorcycle/snowmobile dealer makes a lot of money cleaning carbs on customers toys who store them without gas stabilizer in them. The carbs turn green inside with a really stinky slime coating. My dealer tells me they see problems with bikes/sleds starting already with gas that's only 60 days old. Of course these items are more fuel critical than a car, but it gives you an idea of how crappy the gas is these days.