petrol storage

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Series71

Series71

Space man
Posts
17,374
Location
Dorset
I'm storing petrol to use in my generator should the need arise to use it in this ****e weather.

I've been searching the internet for a definitive answer but cant find one.I've read that petrol can be stored from anything between 6 months to 7 years !

The petrol will be stored in reasonably new metal jerry cans with the rubber seals in good condition.They will also be stored in a sheltered shed that does get bloody cold but doesnt get very warm even in the summer.

Any idea how long I could store it in this conditions ?

:D:D:D
 
Petrol does go off - however you can buy additives (Fuel stabilisers) to make it better. Best to buy fresh if you can and always drain the genny if not in use, but remember to spray wd40 or squirt some vaporising oil spray into the petrol tank as it will tend to corrode if left empty. Petrol goes "sticky" and Gums and varnishes build up and precipitate in the carb and fuel lines. If you do use these additives make sure that the tank is full. Any airspace left will allow condensation.


It is used to help retain the fuels ability to combust, which diminishes over time. It is also said to avoid the gumming up effect of petrol left in carbs etc. Quicksilver do one as do JRP Distribution and, i believe, Halfrauds. Motorex or Mountfield are two well known makes.
 
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As said petrol goes off, wouldn't use petrol over a year old, but didn't know about the additives above could be USEFUeL lol
 
does petrol actually go off or is it an old wives tale?

ive been told i must drain lawnmowers ,..strimmers etc or the carbs will gum up over winter... or wont start or whatever.... but i never do... and have never had any problems starting a mower thats been left overwinter with petrol in it... never had any problem using a couple of gallons of last autums petrol in the spring either

has anyone got actual first hand experience of petrol going off... or causing problems in an engine not started for 6 months or so?
 
Straight petrol will be OK for about 6 months , you may get longer but you can't predict it. Petrol mixed with 2 stroke oil after about 4 months, will do all sorts of funny things. Gums up carbs so you should drain 2 stroke carbs over winter. You can tell when 2 stroke mix has gone off because it gets a funny sweetish smell to it. Vaguely like diesel.
Fuel stabilisers work well but I wouldn't use them past a year.
If you are going to store it, leave cans full to stop condensation.
 
its the air that ****s the petrol.Fuel wont go off in mahoosive containers at refineries, but ill in jerry cans.Brim em to prevent this and obviously dont open them till ya wanna use the fuel
 
Last edited:
goonarmy said:
its the air that ****s the petrol.Fuel wont go off in mahoosive containers at refineries, but ill in jerry cans.Brim em to prevent this and obviously dont open them till ya wanna use the fuel
Click to expand...
See Post #2
ricc said:
does petrol actually go off or is it an old wives tale?
has anyone got actual first hand experience of petrol going off... or causing problems in an engine not started for 6 months or so?
Click to expand...
See Post #2
diver said:
Petrol mixed with 2 stroke oil after about 4 months, will do all sorts of funny things. Gums up carbs so you should drain 2 stroke carbs over winter. If you are going to store it, leave cans full to stop condensation.
Click to expand...
See Post #2
 
ricc said:
does petrol actually go off or is it an old wives tale?

ive been told i must drain lawnmowers ,..strimmers etc or the carbs will gum up over winter... or wont start or whatever.... but i never do... and have never had any problems starting a mower thats been left overwinter with petrol in it... never had any problem using a couple of gallons of last autums petrol in the spring either

has anyone got actual first hand experience of petrol going off... or causing problems in an engine not started for 6 months or so?
Click to expand...

yep,my lawnmower would not start last spring.i put fresh petrol in it and it started immediately.
 
The old leaded petrol used to store ok but unleaded seems to be useless when old:)
 
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