How old is old gas?

[dodge man]

I bought a generator about 3 months ago and its gas powered. I'm wondering how often to drain the fuel and change it out. I treat the fuel with Marine Stabil. I'm thinking every 3 to 4 months. Is the too often, not often enough? I'll probably take the older fuel and burn it in my truck.

 

[rekees4300]

It should be good for a year with Stabil. Start your generator once a month and to stop it shut off the gas. That way the carburetor will be empty preventing oxidation.

 

[Soundguy]

perhaps you can drain it out and use it in something like your car or lawnmower.. that way it always stays new. ie.. get it.. treat.. keep in tank for a month or two.. drain and use then add new?

soundguy

 

[ultrarunner]

Old Gas... really old gas has a smell to it you will not forget... the best I can describe it is very strong and similar to varnish...

I occasionally come across equipment that has been stored for years... sometimes more than 20 years and all the problems that go along with it.

On another related issue... over one year ago, my brother filled the tank on his SeaRay 176BR carburetor 4 cylinder.... the boat has not moved.

At first I was thinking of syphoning it off for use in my daily driver vehicles... then I decided not to use it in anything with a CATALYTIC Converter or Fuel Injection...

At least with a full tank... there should not be much trouble with moisture...

 

[sld]

I believe Stabil claims their product works for 12 months when in reality I have read and experienced it to be closer to 24 months (with the adequate dose).

I would just get on a schedule (fall or spring) and replace the gas once per year. In my opinion, even the ethanol gas is ok for this length of time provided it has been treated (i will do a double dose in smaller containers) and keep the tank full to prevent condensation.

I have never gone to the trouble of running something dry to prevent problems. I wouldn't think you would want to fuss with your generator to get it started after running it dry. When you need it, you need it right away. Properly stabilized gas and a full tank will easily last 12 months without causing problems. This is my experience in my part of the country. It could be different due to environmental factors. We do have high humidity at times though.

 

[Diamondpilot]

6 months is enough for me now days. I used to store gas for years but not now with this crap they sell. Marine Sta-Bil is good stuff though.

Chris

 

[VA MTN MAN]

some may not agree but I think the best thing is to run it dry and i have never had trouble starting any of my stored engines that way. Some have been a couple years. I have been told that some seals and gaskets will dry out this way but some of those generators etc are a few years old when bought new and their seals and gaskets dont dry out. Works for me anyway.

 

[KennyG]

I may be off base, but I think gas is actually more stable now than it used to be. Years ago, if you didn't run an engine for 3 months it would be hard to start. I've accidently left unstabilized gas in engines for 8 or 10 months recently and started with no problem. I agree with the idea of putting in stabilizer and keeping it full should give you a year plus with no problem.

 

[Diamondpilot]

some may not agree but I think the best thing is to run it dry and i have never had trouble starting any of my stored engines that way. Some have been a couple years. I have been told that some seals and gaskets will dry out this way but some of those generators etc are a few years old when bought new and their seals and gaskets dont dry out. Works for me anyway.

I do this on most everything but I put shut off valves on the gas lines to do this. I then top the tank off. If I don't use the gas in it I then use my pump to take it out and run it in my boat. Only item I don't always use in 6 months is my generator.

Chris

 

[2manyrocks]

I may be off base, but I think gas is actually more stable now than it used to be. Years ago, if you didn't run an engine for 3 months it would be hard to start. I've accidently left unstabilized gas in engines for 8 or 10 months recently and started with no problem. I agree with the idea of putting in stabilizer and keeping it full should give you a year plus with no problem.

Are you buying 100% gas or ethanol mixed gas? I've had trouble with ethanol gas in as little as 6 weeks. Could it be a climate related thing (middle TN-lots of summer humidity) ? Maybe my carb was already a bit dirty and the ethanol was all it took to push it over the edge...

 

[Diamondpilot]

Are you buying 100% gas or ethanol mixed gas? I've had trouble with ethanol gas in as little as 6 weeks. Could it be a climate related thing (middle TN-lots of summer humidity) ? Maybe my carb was already a bit dirty and the ethanol was all it took to push it over the edge...

In Indiana its illegal to sell any gas that is not 10% ethanol crap except for at airports, marinas, and co-ops for off road use. I hate it. Also, all our diesel must contain 2% bio. Thats not that bad because it has lubricity, something the older diesels need with this Ultra Low Sulfur.

You are lucky if you can get real gas still. Thats all I would buy. I now run noting but 100LL Aviation fuel in my 2 stroke stuff. Cost $5 per gallon or a little more but I only use 5 gallons a year or less so its much cheaper than a $80 carb or $25 rebuild kit.

Chris

 

[KennyG]

I've heard rumors that 100% gasoline still exists, but it's been years since I've seen any.

 

[tmshort]

I now run noting but 100LL Aviation fuel in my 2 stroke stuff. Cost $5 per gallon or a little more but I only use 5 gallons a year or less so its much cheaper than a $80 carb or $25 rebuild kit.

Chris

I'm interested in this ... am a pilot as well, so I can get my hands on the 100LL.

Do you just do the 50:1 mix (or whatever is called for) and run it in the 2 stroke engines? I have several - blower, string trimmer, etc etc and would love to do this, as the 100LL is so clean.

Do you have any issues or problems with running 100LL?

T.

 

[Deano]

Old Gas... really old gas has a smell to it you will not forget... the best I can describe it is very strong and similar to varnish...

Exactly what I would say it smells like. By the time it smells like this, you might have serious gum issues.

Deano

 

[Bigkrank]

Been using nothing but 100LL for all 2 & 4 stroke small engines and antique tractors for many years. Not a problem.

Bought a used Honda generator that had been run with old regular gas and left sit, took $170 plus my time to get it up to snuff.

 

[dodge man]

I can still get 100% gas in Illinois, although you have to hunt for it. I do shut the fuel off and run it dry, and use the choke to keep it running until completely out of fuel. My generator is electric start, but I don't think it matters, I've pull started with just a couple of pulls after running it out of gas. I will probably go 6 months, then put in fresh fuel and run the old stuff through one of my vehicles.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I'm interested in this ... am a pilot as well, so I can get my hands on the 100LL.

Do you just do the 50:1 mix (or whatever is called for) and run it in the 2 stroke engines? I have several - blower, string trimmer, etc etc and would love to do this, as the 100LL is so clean.

Do you have any issues or problems with running 100LL?

T.

Yep, mix the oil and no issues. Changed 1 spark plug in my saw in 5 years or so. My 2 stroke equipment is a saw, weed eater, leaf blower, and a snow blower. Generator and riding mower are 4 stroke and just get 87 from the gas station.

Chris

 

[ultrarunner]

Exactly what I would say it smells like. By the time it smells like this, you might have serious gum issues.

Deano

Just about always means pulling the tank and using using alcohol to clear out the lines and carb cleaner... guess alcohol blended fuel from the pump would do the same.

 

[Egon]

Old gas may be pretty old, from long before our time. Gasoline will be quite new in comparison based on time scales!

 

[The Haymaker]

It should be good for a year with Stabil. Start your generator once a month and to stop it shut off the gas. That way the carburetor will be empty preventing oxidation.

This. If you don't, that carb will not like the Al Gore Martini.