Old petrol

After reading some bike forums, the Yanks can't store their petrol over winter. Apparently goes off in those few months. I don't know if their petrolis any different to ours. Can't see why it would be.

OK in dry storage up to 6 months then some degradation begins. I would not store it for more than 12 months. There are also laws limiting the amount you can store in unlicensed premises.

i did find something on the BP web site a few weeks ago about the storage life of petrol >>>>
"As general guideline, fuel stored in sealed containers and under shelter will be suitable to use for about 12 months. If the container has been opened or stored outdoors, especially in the sun, storage time should be limited to 6 months."

http://www.bp.com.au/products/fuelnews/faq.asp#7


Cheers Joe

I found a product called Bitron fuel additive that I used on the farm in motors that only got used occassionally and it stopped all the gumming caused by old fuel.
Now my employment is motor homing I put some in the generator fuel tank in the Winni. Have not used the first tank of fuel in over 3 years and it starts first pop any time I have needed it. There are probably other brands but I stick with the devil I know.

Neil

Stored a drum of it once for 10 years , I reckon it was a better investment than my super.

It did loose some of the higher order compounds and would ping a bit, but mixed it over time with fresh fuel and all was good.

Modern fuels "go off" much quicker than they did years ago. In particular the petrol that contains ethanol.
Some years ago I was talking to our local mower repair store & he said a large percentage of his repair work was due to stale fuel gumming up power equipment.
I use a fuel stabilizer called STABIL in all my outdoor power equipment & I never get any engine problems caused by stale fuel any more. It extends the life of the fuel for up to 2 years. There is another brand available called POR-15 that someone mentioned on this site a while ago that I believe is available at outboard motor suppliers.
Cheers
Stu

hi myprado
i have kept petrol in both poly and steel containers for 2yrs and found there to be no deteriation
how ever both where full during that time
but when i have left petrol in a half empy container for long period i have found that it lost its octane and formed an orange gum on the bottm of container
also had same problem leaving small amounts in small engine tanksneedle valves and seat tend to gum up as well so i think air in the container is the factor that allows it to deteriate
cheers
barry

Go to your local boating shop & buy some [2 plus 4 fuel conditioner] it's use for long term storage of petrol say winter time and it realy helps to start old boat motors that have trouble statring won't hurt your car