Gasoline Shelf Life
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 970
Likes: 19
From: Philippines
Gasoline Shelf Life
I encountered a situation the other day and thought I'd share it with you guys. A buddy left his bike with me while he was working on an oil rig. He had to ride quite a long distance to reach my shop and burned a full tank of gas. He filled up before reaching my shop so the gas in his bike was fresh. Let me also add that all the gas in my area is 10 percent ethanol.
Since he was only going to be away 5 weeks we did not perform any of the procedures associated with long term storage other than putting his battery on a tender.
Long story short, the gas had turned bad and smelled like paint thinner after this short time frame. We drained the tank and refilled with fresh gas but also ended up pulling the carb where we found the jets and float needle clogged.
I've always been able to store gas for at least 2 months without adding a fuel stabilizer but I now will no longer take the chance. I've decided to add a stabilizer to bikes that are going to stand for up to 2 weeks and drain the system for bikes standing longer.
Since he was only going to be away 5 weeks we did not perform any of the procedures associated with long term storage other than putting his battery on a tender.
Long story short, the gas had turned bad and smelled like paint thinner after this short time frame. We drained the tank and refilled with fresh gas but also ended up pulling the carb where we found the jets and float needle clogged.
I've always been able to store gas for at least 2 months without adding a fuel stabilizer but I now will no longer take the chance. I've decided to add a stabilizer to bikes that are going to stand for up to 2 weeks and drain the system for bikes standing longer.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 7
From: Clermont, GA, CSA
I hear all these horror stories about gas not lasting long. In my Heritage and other vehicles I drive often it doesn't make any difference.
But what about my lawn mower or the $69 weed eater I bought 10 years ago?
Never had one problem withe them starting or running. At the end of the season, gas sits in the tanks and gas cans used to refill them.
The ONLY thing I do to the gas is what I've been doing since around 1998 when I bought my first Harley, a '93 Sporster.
I put 1 oz of Marvel Mystery Oil in every gallon of gas I use in my HD and lawn tools!
Works for me!!
Mal
But what about my lawn mower or the $69 weed eater I bought 10 years ago?
Never had one problem withe them starting or running. At the end of the season, gas sits in the tanks and gas cans used to refill them.
The ONLY thing I do to the gas is what I've been doing since around 1998 when I bought my first Harley, a '93 Sporster.
I put 1 oz of Marvel Mystery Oil in every gallon of gas I use in my HD and lawn tools!
Works for me!!
Mal
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