Gas tank half full of year old gas

[sikz3]

Boat : '04 bayliner 185 4.3l v-6 (carb)

I topped of tank last fall with 10% ethanol fuel (all that's available here) and added stabil before winterizing. This summer we didn't get out much and only used 1/2 a tank. Is it safe to top off w/ 1/2 tank of fresh fuel and add stabil again and use next spring?

 

[robert graham]

Re: Gas tank half full of year old gas

Since you used the Stabil, and you're topping off with fresh gas, my best guess would be that you'll be fine. I use a bit extra of Stabil foe extended off-periods, and check,dump or replace your fuel/water seperator. If in doubt, draw off a sample of the gas in your tank and give it the eyeball and smell test...old, degraded gas can smell pretty bad! Good Luck!

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Gas tank half full of year old gas

If you suspect that you're not going to use that much AGAIN next year...I'd drain the tank empty. Then again...I'm one of the "Empty tankers". I drain all of mine EVERY year regardless and fill it in the spring/fall. I've done this in snowmobiles, mowers, boats etc... No problems. I'm not a Stabil fan...seen (rebuilt) many sled carbs with the Stabil film in the bowls...yuk!

I use http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/fuelfresh.php in my Cessna...never a problem.

Gas will deteriorate more quickly as the temp increases. Not a problem for me here in NE Wisconsin!

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Gas tank half full of year old gas

Take the thing out one more time and drive it around for a couple hours, or drain the gas out of it. I typically store with whatever is left in the tank and no snake oil additives, but old gas is old gas.

 

[sccatfish]

Re: Gas tank half full of year old gas

Why would you top it off now if you're not going to use it until next spring?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Gas tank half full of year old gas

At least it is half FULL instead of half EMPTY.

Would half empty be better???

Ideally, make it empty. With stabizer, probably OK.

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: Gas tank half full of year old gas

Why would you top it off now if you're not going to use it until next spring?

When it comes to seasonal toys like boats and motorcycles, most folks store over the winter with a full (stabilized) tank in order to minimize the opportunity for moisture to accumulate in the tank.

 

[phillyg]

Re: Gas tank half full of year old gas

I'd put in more Stabil before putting it up for the season. If it were me, I would not pump out the tank because old fuel is difficult to get rid of unless your local jurisdiction has a fuel recycling facility. Or just get out there and use what you have.

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Gas tank half full of year old gas

I'll go with the "top it up and add more stabilizer" group. One thing not mentioned so far would be to top it up with premium fuel. This will help restore octane levels in the mix. As seasons end approaches I've been topping of my tank with 89 octane.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Gas tank half full of year old gas

I would not pump out the tank because old fuel is difficult to get rid of

It's just pump gas and it burns just fine in my truck...
I use any remaining O/B mix in my snowmobiles, snowblower, or riding lawnmowers cut down with a little straight gas...never missed a beat.

The ONLY reason I use "Fuel Fresh" in my Cessna is that I just paid $5.79 per gallon for it...and it's in a heated hangar.

It's another one of those "there is no BEST way" topics...only the way YOU have found successful.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Gas tank half full of year old gas

Since the fuel is a year old, I would also top it off with premium(91 or better) and add more stabilizer. Take it out on a nice afternoon to circulate the gas thru the whole fuel system. Then top it off again leaving a little room for expansion..... I just wouldn't want to leave the old gas in another year w/o at least adding fresh, or, draining it out...... You need to do something...