old gas, new engine - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Porkchop · 06-05-2003, 11:05 PM

I have my in cab gas tank with old gas in it. It has not been run for one and a half years, and it will be close to two before it runs again. Is this gas junk? Or can I syphen it out and use it. Should I leave it in the tank to keep it from rusting. I don't know how much is in it now. Should I expect to find a lot of rust in the tank?
thanks for all the help
brad

dinnut · 06-05-2003, 11:15 PM

take it out and throw it away.

cableguy0 · 06-05-2003, 11:16 PM

if i were you i would siphon it out and get rid of it no sense in gumming a new motor with crappy gas. when gas sits for long periods it loses its octane and becomes useless. you can probably burn it in your lawn mower but thats about it

Longhorn Man · 06-06-2003, 04:18 AM

It'll run in a low compression engine...like 8 to 1 at the most.
it won't run good, and the smoke will make you think you goofed on the ring instalation...but it will run.

ZOOMY · 06-06-2003, 06:06 AM

If it still smells like gas, it's OK. If it smells like varnish, not only siphon or pump it out, but rinse the tank too, & the lines.

Long Knight · 06-06-2003, 11:53 AM

Really the only thing to do with the old gas is to pour it in the front yard in the shape of a bow tie and light it on fire.

67chevemall · 06-06-2003, 12:40 PM

Give it to your lawn mower
It is hungry!!LOL

Mike C · 06-06-2003, 04:33 PM

DO NOT run any engine on gasoline that has turned. If it doesn't smell fresh don't run it. I thought it was a myth, but 3 times in person I have seen engines where the valves stuck after shutting them off when they were run on bad fuel. It sticks to the valve stems and they just can't close! One was a Toyota, one a SBC in a boat, and the other was an Onan generator in an RV. Word to the wise...

If you ever think the truck may sit more than 2 months (or anything with gas in it for that matter) add fuel stabililzer. Worth every penny. I run it in every tank that goes through my mower, weedwacker, chainsaw, chipper, pressure washer, generator, you name it. And they always fire right up next time you need it.

PanelDeland · 06-06-2003, 09:35 PM

Dump the gas clean the tank very well and coat the inside with one of the coatings designed for tanks.Not only will you be able to run fresh premium in your new engine but you will rid yourself of the worry about rust in the tank getting into your fuel lines and carb.

Gordo · 06-06-2003, 09:49 PM

I agree with what ZOOMY says, I spent 10 plus years working in a wrecking yard. I've started many cars and trucks that have sat for years. Sometimes the gas keeps for a long time and sometimes it doesn't. Let your nose be the guide. If it smells fresh, add some new stuff and burn it. If it smells like varnish, dump it and flush it.

**guyryan100** · 07-06-2003, 09:23 PM

If you run your fuel pump with that stuff in there, you will be trying to get gum out of your fuel lines, pump, carb, etc. It's not worth the $15 bucks worth of gas. I learned this the hard way. Just pump it out and flush with fresh gas.

Regarding the expelled gas, the best way to get rid of it is to evaporate it. Don't burn it, don't pour it in the lake, just make sure it doesn't get rained in and let it evaporate a little at a time (I put mine in jars under a shelter and it evaporated over about 2 weeks).

This was recommended to me by an environmental consultant and confirmed by the fire department.

krue · 07-06-2003, 09:53 PM

I got rid of 15 gallons or so by burning a few brush piles with it. Although I definitely am not recommending that to anyone!:p

jhwkns · 07-07-2003, 01:55 AM

If you live anywhere near a harbour or marina you should be able to find a boat repair outfit that'll take it off of your hands for you. They deal with old fuel regularly, and usually sell it to a recycler/reconditioner.
BTW evaporating it sounds like a real fire hazard

JayDubBlazer · 07-07-2003, 02:55 AM

My truck will have set for about 10 months time I will be able to get back to it. If it smells fine I can just add some more gas and it will be fine. If not drain it and fill it up with some new gas. By draining it you mean only to syphon it out correct. I really do not want to drop the gas tank, I also really do not want to clean the fuel lines. Should just mixing more of the good gas with the old make it ok. Also what is fuel stabilizer, can I have some one put this in my truck to minimize the gas problems. It hasn't been started in about 6-7 months.

thanks

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 07-07-2003, 05:58 AM

There's this stuff they sell at the auto parts chains called "StaBil"-- made by Eagle, I think. Two oz per 5 gals is the mix. Keeps gas good in jerry cans for a year. Since my '68 stepside has been sitting almost a year, I siphoned out what I could get. I think I used the StaBil stuff in the tank, but after drawing it out I mixed it down with a 20 percent 91 octane supreme [1 gal 91:. 4 gal 87] and added a shot of octane booster and 2 oz of StaBil to each jerry can just for kicks.
When gas was $2 a gallon I started doing this. After adding a 5 gallon jerry can of this stuff it's good to chase it with 15 gallons of fresh gas. You have to shake the jerry cans so it mixes good, or sometimes you can hit a flat spot.

06-05-2003, 11:05 PM	#1
Porkchop Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Dowagiac, MI US Posts: 579	old gas, new engine I have my in cab gas tank with old gas in it. It has not been run for one and a half years, and it will be close to two before it runs again. Is this gas junk? Or can I syphen it out and use it. Should I leave it in the tank to keep it from rusting. I don't know how much is in it now. Should I expect to find a lot of rust in the tank? thanks for all the help brad

06-05-2003, 11:15 PM	#2
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	take it out and throw it away. __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

06-05-2003, 11:16 PM	#3
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	if i were you i would siphon it out and get rid of it no sense in gumming a new motor with crappy gas. when gas sits for long periods it loses its octane and becomes useless. you can probably burn it in your lawn mower but thats about it __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

06-06-2003, 06:06 AM	#5
ZOOMY Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: WIS Posts: 1,752	old gas If it still smells like gas, it's OK. If it smells like varnish, not only siphon or pump it out, but rinse the tank too, & the lines.

06-06-2003, 11:53 AM	#6
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	Really the only thing to do with the old gas is to pour it in the front yard in the shape of a bow tie and light it on fire. __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

06-06-2003, 04:18 AM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	It'll run in a low compression engine...like 8 to 1 at the most. it won't run good, and the smoke will make you think you goofed on the ring instalation...but it will run.

06-06-2003, 12:40 PM	#7
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Give it to your lawn mower It is hungry!!LOL

06-06-2003, 04:33 PM	#8
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	DO NOT run any engine on gasoline that has turned. If it doesn't smell fresh don't run it. I thought it was a myth, but 3 times in person I have seen engines where the valves stuck after shutting them off when they were run on bad fuel. It sticks to the valve stems and they just can't close! One was a Toyota, one a SBC in a boat, and the other was an Onan generator in an RV. Word to the wise... If you ever think the truck may sit more than 2 months (or anything with gas in it for that matter) add fuel stabililzer. Worth every penny. I run it in every tank that goes through my mower, weedwacker, chainsaw, chipper, pressure washer, generator, you name it. And they always fire right up next time you need it. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

06-06-2003, 09:35 PM	#9
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Dump the gas clean the tank very well and coat the inside with one of the coatings designed for tanks.Not only will you be able to run fresh premium in your new engine but you will rid yourself of the worry about rust in the tank getting into your fuel lines and carb. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

06-06-2003, 09:49 PM	#10
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	I agree with what ZOOMY says, I spent 10 plus years working in a wrecking yard. I've started many cars and trucks that have sat for years. Sometimes the gas keeps for a long time and sometimes it doesn't. Let your nose be the guide. If it smells fresh, add some new stuff and burn it. If it smells like varnish, dump it and flush it. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

07-06-2003, 09:23 PM	#11
guyryan100 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 483	get rid of it If you run your fuel pump with that stuff in there, you will be trying to get gum out of your fuel lines, pump, carb, etc. It's not worth the $15 bucks worth of gas. I learned this the hard way. Just pump it out and flush with fresh gas. Regarding the expelled gas, the best way to get rid of it is to evaporate it. Don't burn it, don't pour it in the lake, just make sure it doesn't get rained in and let it evaporate a little at a time (I put mine in jars under a shelter and it evaporated over about 2 weeks). This was recommended to me by an environmental consultant and confirmed by the fire department.

07-06-2003, 09:53 PM	#12
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	I got rid of 15 gallons or so by burning a few brush piles with it. Although I definitely am not recommending that to anyone!:p __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

07-07-2003, 01:55 AM	#13
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	If you live anywhere near a harbour or marina you should be able to find a boat repair outfit that'll take it off of your hands for you. They deal with old fuel regularly, and usually sell it to a recycler/reconditioner. BTW evaporating it sounds like a real fire hazard __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

07-07-2003, 02:55 AM	#14
JayDubBlazer go cyclones Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 1,883	My truck will have set for about 10 months time I will be able to get back to it. If it smells fine I can just add some more gas and it will be fine. If not drain it and fill it up with some new gas. By draining it you mean only to syphon it out correct. I really do not want to drop the gas tank, I also really do not want to clean the fuel lines. Should just mixing more of the good gas with the old make it ok. Also what is fuel stabilizer, can I have some one put this in my truck to minimize the gas problems. It hasn't been started in about 6-7 months. thanks __________________ Wes PROJECT OLE GREEN 1972 Blazer 4X4 350/700R4 2017 Silverado LT

07-07-2003, 05:58 AM	#15
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,504	Sta.Bil There's this stuff they sell at the auto parts chains called "StaBil"-- made by Eagle, I think. Two oz per 5 gals is the mix. Keeps gas good in jerry cans for a year. Since my '68 stepside has been sitting almost a year, I siphoned out what I could get. I think I used the StaBil stuff in the tank, but after drawing it out I mixed it down with a 20 percent 91 octane supreme [1 gal 91:. 4 gal 87] and added a shot of octane booster and 2 oz of StaBil to each jerry can just for kicks. When gas was $2 a gallon I started doing this. After adding a 5 gallon jerry can of this stuff it's good to chase it with 15 gallons of fresh gas. You have to shake the jerry cans so it mixes good, or sometimes you can hit a flat spot. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.



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