Petrol ~ How Old Is Too Old?

Stigura · 28-07-2020 4:37pm #1

I'm always being warned against leaving petrol in a 2 stroke bit of gear. But, what's " Too long "? When does the petrol in the red container become a liability?

I know it won't be an exact science. But, what's the rule of thumb here, please?

Thanks

CJhaughey · 28-07-2020 5:41pm

2 months is pushing it with pump petrol.
After 2-3mths it won't even fire the engine IME.
If you want to leave petrol in a 2 stroke or 4 stroke engine, use Aspen or another brand of alkylate petrol.
It will last a season without any ill effects.

Stigura · 28-07-2020 5:44pm

Excellent! Thank you

CJhaughey · 28-07-2020 5:47pm

Stigura wrote: »

Excellent! Thank you

If you plan on storing petrol use a metal jerry can they can be obtained from 5 to 20 litres and are much less porous than plastic.

Stigura · 28-07-2020 5:54pm

Know what? I think ye just made my day!

Only last week I was in the creamery and I passed this little, metal jerry can. And I actually thought; " Oh god, how cool is That?! But, no: Ye have no use for one. "

It's coming home, next time I get in there!

magicbastarder · 28-07-2020 8:30pm

I have petrol in a plastic Jerry can for two years and it still works ok. Chainsaw starts up without much issue.

magicbastarder · 28-07-2020 8:31pm

Ah - you asked how long you can leave it in the engine, rather than in storage.

Pkiernan · 28-07-2020 8:38pm

I've had petrol in a 1988 Harley Davidson for years.

I added Stabil fuel stabiliser.
Runs no bother

Stigura · 28-07-2020 8:39pm

Shut up! I want this cute little green jerry can!

And, yeah, interestingly; I have a half jar of 'older' petrol sat on my bench? I'm keeping it to throw on something. But, yeah, there is something going on in there. 'Bits' are forming. Like, if that was ye blood? Heart attack highway!

What started all this is that I left my brush cutter for a year, or three. When we opened the tank and tried to pour it? Wow! It was revolting! Plopped out like jelly!

Cost me seventy quid to have it stripped and made working again. That's why I asked. There's a bit of fresh fuel in the tank as I type. I'll focus on using that up, soon, now.

GreeBo · 29-07-2020 10:14am

Somewhat related, but lately I'm finding that my lawnmower is empty every time I come to it, I guess it's evaporating but I have never seen it go so quickly (seems half a tank in under a week for example)
The cap seems fine (has the usual vents but no cracks etc)

Any ideas? (other than my current approach which is to only fill what I think I will need)

magicbastarder · 29-07-2020 11:17am

Yeah, you should always run a two stroke dry if you don't intend to use it for more than a few weeks as it gums up the carbs.

CJhaughey · 29-07-2020 1:53pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

Yeah, you should always run any engine dry if you don't intend to use it for more than a few weeks as it gums up the carbs.
the ethanol will absorb water and cause corrosion and carb damage that is often irreparable, necessitating a new carb

FTFY;)

Water John · 29-07-2020 1:56pm

An additive called Fuel Fit will keep the petrol from going stale. It's good to add it for small petrol engines anyway.

Stigura · 01-08-2020 6:02pm

I'm happy now!

This next!

Thanks, lads.

magicbastarder · 01-08-2020 10:32pm

CJhaughey wrote: »

FTFY;)

objection your honour!
not any engine, because not all engines have carbs.

fryup · 02-08-2020 12:00pm

GreeBo wrote: »

Somewhat related, but lately I'm finding that my lawnmower is empty every time I come to it, I guess it's evaporating but I have never seen it go so quickly (seems half a tank in under a week for example)
The cap seems fine (has the usual vents but no cracks etc)

corroded fuel line i reckon

J_A_F_A · 03-08-2020 5:30pm

You'll need this next: https://www.halfords.ie/camping-and-leisure/cooking-equipment/halfords-jerrycan-spout-375444.html

Stigura wrote: »

I'm happy now!

<SNIP>

J_A_F_A · 03-08-2020 5:53pm

If it's not an immediately noticeable leak it may be a loose grommet.

GreeBo wrote: »

Somewhat related, but lately I'm finding that my lawnmower is empty every time I come to it, I guess it's evaporating but I have never seen it go so quickly (seems half a tank in under a week for example)
The cap seems fine (has the usual vents but no cracks etc)

Any ideas? (other than my current approach which is to only fill what I think I will need)

Stigura · 03-08-2020 6:51pm

Ooh, yeah! That nozzle's a blinder! Thanks! (I hadn't even thought that far ahead

)

Be getting one of those. Just checking to ensure they'll fit my little can

J_A_F_A · 04-08-2020 5:26am

It's a standard fitting. There's also a flexible version available. https://www.clarkesofcavan.ie/shop/agriculture/fuel-handling/storage/flexible-jerry-can-spout/

Stigura wrote: »

Ooh, yeah! That nozzle's a blinder! Thanks! (I hadn't even thought that far ahead )

Be getting one of those. Just checking to ensure they'll fit my little can

CJhaughey · 06-08-2020 10:26am

magicbastarder wrote: »

objection your honour!
not any engine, because not all engines have carbs.

Quite true.
However, FI systems still use metal components and the reaction between ethanol and water allows a bacteria called acetobacter to form, which produces acetic acid which is basically very strong vinegar.:mad:
Not good but fuel stabiliser helps a lot.
https://www.equipmentworld.com/e-10-alive-the-corrosive-damage-ethanol-gasoline-does-to-your-fuel-pump/

Stigura · 29-08-2020 5:05pm

Was in the creamery, yesterday. Followed a sign for hinges, which I was after. Sods had moved the hinges! But, look what they'd put there instead!

Saved my a fiver in shipping too

Petrol ~ How Old Is Too Old?

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