Stability of Fuel

[gnutruk]

Was having a conversation with a friend and the question of fuel longevity came up.

 

It has always been my understanding that gasoline is good, on average, for about four months. After six months it definitely shouldn’t be used. I seem to recall reading that some of the additives break down, and can settle into crud inside lines and fuel injectors.

 

Diesel fuel, on the other hand, is much more stable, being ok for two years at least.

 

Do I have that figured about right? Its never been a problem except when I put my gas lawn mower away for the winter. On the final mow of the year I make sure to run the tank all the way to empty.

 

Aviation fuel I know nothing about. It’s mostly kerosene, isn’t it? Kerosene ought to be very long lasting.

 

gnutruk

[tryn2lrn]

Does fuel stabilizer increase it's shelf life?

[mcreyaufmiller]

The biggest problem with deisel is that it will asorb moisture the longer it sits.

[asilverblazer]

Wait 4 months drop a match in see what happens.

[hercman]

Fuel stabilizer will increase the "shelf life" of gasoline. If a tank is gonna sit idle for a while two months or more add the stabilizer. Also keep the tank full. It will keep down the condensation and you'll prevent corrosion in the tank.

[Shaners]

One of the big problems with diesel fuel is bacteria. Appearently diesel is a very good home for bacteria to grow and multiply. That is why alot of the bigger diesel boats have fuel "scrubbers" on them...

[dewfpo]

Sounds like you may have them backward. Gasoline seems fine when I store it for a year, even if mixed with oil for two strokes without any stabilizer added. Never, ever had a problem with gasoline one or even two years old.

 

The diesel will definitely grow bacteria after a while.

 

DEWFPO

[rikhek]

Yeah, I've never had a problem with gas stored over 2 years. Not an issue.

 

Rick