The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop After sitting one year, gas still good?

After sitting one year due to replacing engine, is gas still good? I heard some say empty fuel because old fuel can gum up and cause problems with fuel line and carburator. Others say just add fresh gas and should be fine. Thanks!

I would not use 1 year old gas. Could damage motor/clog stuff. Drain it, use two filters at first. Rebuild carb.

"Should be fine" for them not you.

I would be skeptical of year old gas. Here in the midwest we use E10 in virtually everything. I just recently had to take the card off my mower to clean out corrosion.

I would at the very least, clean your carb and drain your fuel lines. As far as what's in the tank... Do you have any brush that needs burnt?

Thanks will drain

I have no data to back it up but my personal experience is that "it depends". If the gas is stored in an air tight container, my experience is it's likely still good. For example I'm still using gas (that has 2 stroke oil mixed with it) in my chainsaw that's several years old. It starts and runs fine every time I fire it up. It's stored in an air tight can. The other side of that coin is if the gas has been exposed to the air for a year where moisture can get in and volatile compounds can escape I wouldn't trust it.

Absolutely DO NOT USE OLD GAS! I recently started a thread on this very subject. Gas is cheap. Repairs are not.

My two cents worth.

A good rule of thumb to live by. I'm not recommending that anyone use year old gas. I'm just pointing out that one needs to be wary of absolutes. "Always" and "Never" are often incorrect.

That is true Tiny. I believe in that also. Everything has to be considered. There are big issues and small issues. The gas around the house for machines is usable. My gas like that and my boat gas (in it for almost a year), has Sta-Bil in it.
In this case the risk out weighs the reward. Gas is cheap, cleaning the tank is work, the damage is risky. Your point is well taken. You and I and others have seen the inside of carbs and gas tanks and know that pushing all that so called "varnish" into orifices and motors can cause more work and could even render a carb and other parts non useable. I also would recommend a new gas tank because after a while condensation and water in the gas will rust them out inside real bad.

Yep. I'm as frugal as the next guy, but sometimes that can get in the way of good ole common sense. This is one of those times. Put the gas in a gas can and offer it to that neighbor nobody likes.
BTW, I do not accept any gas from any of my neighbors...
Carl

Any of my seasonal use engines.........get non ethanol fuel and Stabil........6-12 months is not a problem.
Collector cars, RV, back up Generators, power equipment and motorcycle are stored with a full tank.