Old gas

[cbarzola]

I have a boat that has an internal gas tank with old gasoline, maybe about 1 and half years old, the gasoline has been stabilized and I was wondering if it's ok to start the engine with this gasoline. I tried to remove it but it's just impossible to remove. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

The boat engine is an outboard 1998 2 stroke Mercury.

 

[JASinIL2006]

How does the gas smell? Like gasoline or like varnish/turpentine? If the latter, don't try to start it...

 

[mike_i]

Approx. how many gallons? If not too much you can fill the tank with new gas and try it.

 

[racerone]

You put a gas can on the ground.-----You remove fitting on the end of hose.-----Put hose in can and squeeze primer bulb.-----Gas tank on boat will empty.-----Do not smoke while doing this.

 

[Lou C]

Is it straight gas or E-10? If straight gas I would think you probably won't have a problem.
Is the tank full?
I have used E-10 stabilized as much as 2 years old and not had a problem in the boat.

 

[JimS123]

If the boat was stored covered in a dry garage, snug as a bug in a rug, just take it out and run it....it'll be fine.

If it was sitting outside in a damp cold environment, you probably will have a problem.

If its somewhere in between, you won't know till you try it.

If the gas smells good and a few pumps on the primer bulb don't pull out water, then run it for awhile and fill it up with fresh.