how to test gas to see if its bad

[rickiefs]

gas has been in the boat for two years added 4gallons fresh to it. ran bad the first two times.the 3rd it ran better . now its backfiring<br />threw the carb.they are no filters on this boat . 1983 volvo bayliner4cyl. i took some gas out and there are large bubbles on the bottom of the glass. looks like a lava lamp! gas really dont look that dark.how can i test it?theres 20 gallons in the tank! help! should i just take it all out !<br />thanks rich

 

[norman158]

Re: how to test gas to see if its bad

good chance the large bubbles are water. drain the tank and refill with fresh fuel and some gas dryer

 

[rickiefs]

Re: how to test gas to see if its bad

WHY WOULD IT RUN GOOD ALL DAY THEN START UP AGAIN

 

[rickiefs]

Re: how to test gas to see if its bad

GAS DRYER LIKE HEET OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT

 

[conimicut1]

Re: how to test gas to see if its bad

there is a paste that you use to detect water. You put it on the end of a stick and stick it in the lowest lying part of the tank, water sits on the bottom as gas is lighter than water. Check in tghe yellowpages for a place that sells petroleum equipment for gas stations. This only checks for water, not other problems.

 

[martinwinte]

Re: how to test gas to see if its bad

Bubbles in the glass are most likely water. I'd say to pump out the gas and refill with fresh. The shelf life on gas is 3 months (1 yr. with stablizer) so I'd say it's bad. Does the gas smell "sweet"??? If so then that is a good sign it's bad. If you decide not to drain it, then I'd siphon some from the bottom of the tank and add gas line anti-freeze (heat) that will mix with the water and burn.