gasoline-storage ?

[Tom S.]

I AM WONDERING AS TO HOW MUCH GASOLINE SHOULD BE KEPT IN THE CAR WHEN IT IS ONLY DRIVEN 1 OR 2 TIMES A MONTH AND THEN MOSTLY SHORT DISTANCE. Is it best to put in a few gallons at a time or should you keep it full or mostly full at all times. Does the gas in the tank loose octaine after it sits?should you maybe add dry gas to the tank for condensation purposes?

Thanks in Advance

Tom

[Christopher R.]

Re: gasoline-storage ?

Keep the tank filled. That way, there is less air in the tank to make condensation when the outside temperature changes. Condensate (water) can do lots of damage to the interior of the tank, the lines, and the carb. Gas, untreated, is good for at least 1 year, probably more. Depends on a lot of factors. Colder temperatures, and reduced exposure to air (like when the tank is filled) extend the useful life of gas. How many times have you read about people starting cars after they've sat for umpteen number of years? Somebody did some research on this and reported that one of the major oil company's Web site reported that untreated gas was good for at least 1 year. If you're still concerned, use some gas stabilizer. Don't spill the stabilizer on the paint, as it can damage paint. In the boating industry, this is an area of concern. They use the stabilizer, and sometimes store boats for over 1 year without changing the gas before startup.

[Jim K.]

Re: gasoline-storage ?

I store mine for 5 months and always put in a stabilizer to be sure it starts. Also remember that gas is fomulated differently for summer and winter. If you have winter fuel and run it in summer it will not run as good. Jim

[Guest]

Re: gasoline-storage ?

At indoor car shows in Houston, the fire marshall requires less than 1/4 of a tank of gas. Shows in your area may be different. So if you are planning on going to indoor shows, you need to plan ahead so you don't have too much gas in the tank. This is a voice of experience. I had to siphon 7 gallons out of the 69 for a show two months ago.