4 year old pre-mixed gas OK to run in 1977 Merc 175HP

keviwe

Cadet
Joined
Jun 6, 2004
Messages
19
Is it OK to run 4 year old pre-mixed gas in 1977 Mercury 175HP. About 3 gallons left in tank. Fuel was originally stabilized before storing.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Are you sure it's still gas?

300 gallons maybe (doubtful), but 3 gallons isn't worth trying to save.
 

Mohawkmtrs

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 13, 2010
Messages
562
If in doubt, test it...

Pump a small amount of fuel from the tank (or better yet, from the carb float bowl into a small glass jar.

Let sit 10-15 minutes...smell it (it should smell like gas). look at it (water/gel will sink to the bottom, this is not good).

Dip a nail (that carpenters use to build buildings) or similar object into the bottom of the glass jar, remove and light with a bic lighter.

If the fuel on the nail lights and burns...good fuel, if not, bad fuel and dispose.
 

harringtondav

Commander
Joined
May 26, 2018
Messages
2,439
Three gallons = +- $9.00. If it's bad you'll be dumping it, and maybe be looking for a tow back to the ramp. Why risk it?
 

Tassie 1

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 13, 2018
Messages
584
( scratches head )
false economy
ain't ya got a petrol station nearby?
 
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