how much fuel in the tank when winterizing?

[TruckDrivingFool]

Correct me if I am wrong but the problem is the water in the ethanol fuel separating and causing corrosion and just bad gas. The higher octane gas does not have this problem of water separation (to the same degree)? I have an old car in my drive way that has sat for two years now, I start it up once a year and have never had a problem. My lawn mower and other small motor equipment sits with different levels of gas and I have no issues.

So in short more gas more water but a full tank wont rust, less gas less water but more room to rust and corrode.

Way I see it

Any grade with ethanol is going to have the problem and I don't even know to any differing degree <----that's why I don't use any kind of ethanol gas in anything

Rust is oxidation keep the air out you keep the rust at bay.

 

[BRICH1260]

I don't worry about the level of gas but I do treat what is left with Stabil type of product.

 

[bruceb58]

Correct me if I am wrong but the problem is the water in the ethanol fuel separating and causing corrosion and just bad gas. The higher octane gas does not have this problem of water separation (to the same degree)?

You only have a problem if the amount of water reaches the saturation point of the fuel. This is extremely rare. Higher octane is no better than lower octane assuming they both have the same amount of ethanol.

 

[boatman37]

wow...lots of replies. FWIW I was told the fueling station I use is non ethanol. but sounds like the consensus is to leave it wherever it is when I am done. I will likely add sta-bil or something though. thanks!

 

[bluewater19]

I like to top off my tank if i'm not going to use it for a while.

 

[bobdec]

IMO amount of fuel in the tank just dosen't make any difference. In fact the less fuel in there the less stabil needed. And as said previously there's less old fuel you get stuck with in the springtime. Lots of theoretical stuff has been published supporting full or empty, in reality proper layup procedures and a decent fuel/water separator filter negate ever having to think about the tank level.