Old Gasoline

[bobhuberman]

How long can gasoline be left in the fuel tank if it has fuel stabilizer added?  I have gasoline in my boat's tank since the end of last November.  The boat has not been run since although I did add additional stabilizer a month ago.  Boat has been at an Evinrude dealer's lot since early March.  Dealer wants me to put the boat in the water and test the repairs, but I'm concerned about the fuel being too old.  See Evinrude G2 hydraulic leak.

[Capt. BassinLou]

I would remove that old gas. I know it's been stabilized but why ruin a new fix because of old fuel. Just my .02

[Princeton_Man]

How long can gasoline be left in the fuel tank if it has fuel stabilizer added?  I have gasoline in my boat's tank since the end of last November.  The boat has not been run since although I did add additional stabilizer a month ago.  Boat has been at an Evinrude dealer's lot since early March.  Dealer wants me to put the boat in the water and test the repairs, but I'm concerned about the fuel being too old.  See Evinrude G2 hydraulic leak.

Are you talking full tanks and ethanol free gas or something else? A full tank of pure ethanol free gas will easily last a year or more without any breakdown or added stabilizer. Less than a full tank and the clock ticks faster. If it's ethanol laced gas, no matter how full the tank, it begins breaking down after only a few months. I there's any ethanol in that gas, drain those tanks.

[NavyToad]

I wouldn't sweat it, but that's just me. I've been running a Craftsman Made in China roto-tiller once a year for 15+ years and it starts right up every spring. I add stabilizer, turn off the gas, and run it 'til it stops. Then back in the shed 'til next year.

[apenland01]

If it sat that long before you put stabilizer in, I would drain the gas and use it in something else.  Newer model outboards are extremely picky about fuel...

[Wizard]

Star-brite Startron Enzyme Fuel Treatment - will stabilize and REVITALIZE old fuel.  Marine Max, the world's largest boat dealer and repair, uses it in all their motors. Marine or outboard, it will work. I have used it on 3 year old gas in my cruiser and 3 year old gas in my Optimax with no problems.

Wizard

[Oldfart9999]

I would go with what Princeton Man said.
Rodney

[bobhuberman]

The tank does contain gasoline with ethanol.  I left a message for the dealer working on the boat to drain the tank but haven't heard any back from him.  He may not want to be bothered or have containers for all the old gas.  If the tank isn't drained, I will put in Starbrite Startron enzyme fuel treatment for the test drive and see if my regular mechanic can remove the fuel later on.  Thanks all for the help.

[Oldfart9999]

If it runs well with the Starbright I wouldn't drain it, enjoy the ride and save some money.
Rodney

[Princeton_Man]

I wouldn't risk it with that old of ethanol fuel. Startron is good stuff, but it can't undo phase separation of fuel. Clogged injectors, burned pistons, it's just not worth the risk.

[Capt. BassinLou]

I wouldn't risk it with that old of ethanol fuel. Startron is good stuff, but it can't undo phase separation of fuel. Clogged injectors, burned pistons, it's just not worth the risk.

x2

[topdsm0138]

FYI: Ethanol is a type of alcohol. And alcohol absorbs moisture/water. So when the ethanol & fuel "separate" after sitting for too long, it's just like someone had put water in your fuel tank. Cars have this same issue after being stored for too long.

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia