Re: Gasoline - How old is 'too old'?
I doubt your motor problem is old fuel but might be water accumulation in the tank from sitting.<br /><br />According to some research I did a long time ago, gas STARTS loosing octane at three months and the gas companies say it is good for a year. Kinda makes me wonder why Sta-Bil is only good for 15 months. Who knows how old it is before getting into your tank though.<br /><br />From my own experience in various outboards & inboards, 6-8 month old gas doesn't show any difference in performance. If it evaporates and leaves crap that's another subject, which is why I don't run the carbs dry either...also another subject. <br /><br />Be aware that down here in Florida many, many boats are stored for 6-8 months by annual winter visitors and degraded gas isn't a problem. They top the tank off and go home until next winter, then return, crank the engines and go.<br /><br />I always top off with high octane if I know the rig will sit for a few months. After 6 mos or so I drain and start with new fuel anyway. Also, when away cruising, my cars sat for a year at a time and never had a problem with year old fuel. They started and ran like new. Did this several years without problems. <br /><br />I sure would like to see something current in writing from the gas companies ...does anyone have that data?
