Year old Gas

[cdc19709]

I have a 19 foot Bayliner with a built in fuel tank and was wondering if my year+ old gas would be OK. I stored it with Sta-Bil and added water removing treatments when I last put it away. I also stored it without oil mix because I thought the straight gasoline would be better. Should I run the boat with the old gas or try to siphon it out? <br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />Craig

 

[dwarrick]

Re: Year old Gas

I would try to run the boat as it is if you did not top it off before storage I would add fresh gas before you start it. But you may want to siphon some out and see if it smells like varnish prior to starting if it does pump it out and start over. Stabil is good for over winter storage of about 6 months. If your boat is equiped with a fuel water separator I would have an extra on hand also. And for God sake make sure you have someone there with another boat when you go out just incase you need a tow.

 

[Deerdog]

Re: Year old Gas

You will be fine. Just dont forget to add the oil (if required). Just fill it up with fresh gas and oil. I do this each year and have had no problems.

 

[dhammann]

Re: Year old Gas

I have to agree with deerdog, It is not the fuel tank that usually gives a problem. It is the gas in the carb. (or fuel injection manifold)that goes stale first. I have seen boats go out after sitting all winter and spit and sputter, and the owner will get a fresh tank of gas and swear that corrected the problem. More often than not, the carburetor was gummed with stale fuel and while he was wasting time getting fresh fuel, the gum was disolving from the old fuel that was pumped to the carb. I wish I could stand in line to get all the fuel that is needlessly thrown away.

 

[TxRiverRat]

Re: Year old Gas

A few weeks ago I filled up with the 93 octane Citgo gas and my boat sounded like it was misfiring! the next time I filled it with Exxon, and it was nearly gone. As the morning progressed and the gas lines cleared the Citgo gas, it ran like a top... <br /><br />So here's a special thanks to Citgo for almost costing me a trip to the shop! Citgo, I hope you choke on your own gas fumes (probably wont happen with that much water in it)!!!<br /><br />I guess it depends on 1. how long it has been idle, and 2. the quality of the gas.<br /><br />Personally, I run my motor once a month no matter what. <br /><br />Adios