Andrew_Palmer
Member
Anyone got experience of additives which actually work to extend the shelf life of unleaded petrol? I just tried my left overs from last year in a motorised bicycle and it won't even start with it.
Petrol Shelf Life
- Thread starter Andrew_Palmer
- Start date
Cloven
Well-Known Member
I use old petrol in my chainsaw and it works no problem. Probably at least 18 months old now. Not sure I would use it in the outboard however.
VicS
Well-Known Member
I regularly keep 2 stoke mixture from one year to the next.
However I only keep full cans to minimise the exposure to air.
I use metal cans for two reasons. To exclude light and because I fear the plastic ones may be permeable to air
I keep them in a coolish place. Coupled with a tightly capped can that hopefully prevents loss of lighter fractions
Before use I filter the fuel. The only time I have been caught out was the one time I did not filter it but I think the oil was the trouble not the petrol.
I mix stored fuel 50:50 with fresh for the main outboard but don't bother for the Seagull or the lawnmowers
If not stored properly it can go off. I have known the Seagull to perform a bit below par on stale fuel and I have had trouble starting the Flymo on very old fuel.
In the USA the outboard experts recommend the use of a fuel stabiliser or something called "Sea Foam" which is not available AFAIK in the UK. They do seem to be of the opinion that unless treated fuel there does not keep for more than a few months. Much of their "gas" is I think a 10% ethanol blend. That may be their trouble.
I have just this week got one of my cars out for the first time since last autumn. Tank just over half full. It started OK and passed its MOT without any CO problems (no "cat" so the CO is what the CO is)
However I only keep full cans to minimise the exposure to air.
I use metal cans for two reasons. To exclude light and because I fear the plastic ones may be permeable to air
I keep them in a coolish place. Coupled with a tightly capped can that hopefully prevents loss of lighter fractions
Before use I filter the fuel. The only time I have been caught out was the one time I did not filter it but I think the oil was the trouble not the petrol.
I mix stored fuel 50:50 with fresh for the main outboard but don't bother for the Seagull or the lawnmowers
If not stored properly it can go off. I have known the Seagull to perform a bit below par on stale fuel and I have had trouble starting the Flymo on very old fuel.
In the USA the outboard experts recommend the use of a fuel stabiliser or something called "Sea Foam" which is not available AFAIK in the UK. They do seem to be of the opinion that unless treated fuel there does not keep for more than a few months. Much of their "gas" is I think a 10% ethanol blend. That may be their trouble.
I have just this week got one of my cars out for the first time since last autumn. Tank just over half full. It started OK and passed its MOT without any CO problems (no "cat" so the CO is what the CO is)
johnalison
Well-Known Member
I had no end of trouble with a 2hp Suzuki 2 stroke a couple of years ago, using up old fuel, and it wasn't until I put new fuel in that it ran properly without fouling up. However, the mower never seems to mind.
NOHOH
Well-Known Member
Stale petrol which refuses to start an outboard can be `rejuvenated` by adding about half a cup of methylated spirit to the tank...that usually gets the thing going /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Refueler
Well-Known Member
Well after reading the Meths bit ... I'll only say that I used to pep my fuel for Go-kart with Methanol ......
I do not advise either.
I do not advise either.
wotayottie
Well-Known Member
I suspect problems are more about engine condition than anything else. Not to say that petrol doesnt go stale, cos it does. But an engine in good condition and with a good electronic ignition will in my experience run on old stale petrol.
I've never had a problem with over wintered classics, either bike or car, except those with coils and points.
I've never had a problem with over wintered classics, either bike or car, except those with coils and points.
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
I used to pay my local motorbike repair man to get my BSA started each spring. I later found out that all he did was drain the fuel tank and re-fill with fresh fuel. I haven't had a problem with the Seagull or Mariner engines though
NOHOH
Well-Known Member
Thats a bit negative Refueler....and you don`t say why....I`m not suggesting regular use...just something to get you out of a jam...."sometimes desperate measures are called for"...
A
Anonymous
Guest
Add it slowly to your car's tank over a few fillings. I always start the season with fresh fuel for the tender.
Kawasaki
Well-Known Member
Which motorised bicycle is giving grief Andrew?
I have some experience of lots these machines!
I have some experience of lots these machines!
BrendanS
Well-Known Member
Just to add some validity, he really does! Lots
brianhumber
Well-Known Member
Sounds like the volitile compounds have evaporated off because of the tank vent. So the petrol has rating of 2 star or less and has become more like tractor TVO or paraffin.
Add some cetane enhancer ( from Halfords etc ) and away you will go, or as some one has suggested easier and cheaper to slowly add couple of litres at a time to car tank after refuelling.
In a sealed container I do not have trouble with 5 year old petrol but always start the outboard on new filling from the container if left for a couple of months.
B
Add some cetane enhancer ( from Halfords etc ) and away you will go, or as some one has suggested easier and cheaper to slowly add couple of litres at a time to car tank after refuelling.
In a sealed container I do not have trouble with 5 year old petrol but always start the outboard on new filling from the container if left for a couple of months.
B
Andrew_Palmer
Member
Hi there, it is a Dutch Spartmet which I bought on the equivalent of eBay. Ran ok until I filled it with my old outboard petrol which was the correct mix but then just would not start. The gearbox is a bit "clunky" but otherwise seems ok.
Refueler
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Thats a bit negative Refueler....and you don`t say why....I`m not suggesting regular use...just something to get you out of a jam...."sometimes desperate measures are called for"...
[/ QUOTE ]
Piston crowns come to mind with addition of Meths ...
I agree some measures are called for. But I would prefer to sort the engine than throw meths at it. Sorry I'm negative about it - but fuels my game.
Thats a bit negative Refueler....and you don`t say why....I`m not suggesting regular use...just something to get you out of a jam...."sometimes desperate measures are called for"...
[/ QUOTE ]
Piston crowns come to mind with addition of Meths ...
I agree some measures are called for. But I would prefer to sort the engine than throw meths at it. Sorry I'm negative about it - but fuels my game.
Refueler
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Sounds like the volitile compounds have evaporated off because of the tank vent. So the petrol has rating of 2 star or less and has become more like tractor TVO or paraffin.
Add some cetane enhancer ( from Halfords etc ) and away you will go, or as some one has suggested easier and cheaper to slowly add couple of litres at a time to car tank after refuelling.
In a sealed container I do not have trouble with 5 year old petrol but always start the outboard on new filling from the container if left for a couple of months.
B
[/ QUOTE ]
Cetane Enhancer ??????? Are you serious ???? I have about 7 tons of it in storage here - so would you like some ? Don't give much for any petrol engine if you used it though.
Octane for gasoline
Cetane for Diesel
Sounds like the volitile compounds have evaporated off because of the tank vent. So the petrol has rating of 2 star or less and has become more like tractor TVO or paraffin.
Add some cetane enhancer ( from Halfords etc ) and away you will go, or as some one has suggested easier and cheaper to slowly add couple of litres at a time to car tank after refuelling.
In a sealed container I do not have trouble with 5 year old petrol but always start the outboard on new filling from the container if left for a couple of months.
B
[/ QUOTE ]
Cetane Enhancer ??????? Are you serious ???? I have about 7 tons of it in storage here - so would you like some ? Don't give much for any petrol engine if you used it though.
Octane for gasoline
Cetane for Diesel