How old is old gas?

[Diamondpilot]

Are you buying 100% gas or ethanol mixed gas? I've had trouble with ethanol gas in as little as 6 weeks. Could it be a climate related thing (middle TN-lots of summer humidity) ? Maybe my carb was already a bit dirty and the ethanol was all it took to push it over the edge...

In Indiana its illegal to sell any gas that is not 10% ethanol crap except for at airports, marinas, and co-ops for off road use. I hate it. Also, all our diesel must contain 2% bio. Thats not that bad because it has lubricity, something the older diesels need with this Ultra Low Sulfur.

You are lucky if you can get real gas still. Thats all I would buy. I now run noting but 100LL Aviation fuel in my 2 stroke stuff. Cost $5 per gallon or a little more but I only use 5 gallons a year or less so its much cheaper than a $80 carb or $25 rebuild kit.

Chris

 

[KennyG]

I've heard rumors that 100% gasoline still exists, but it's been years since I've seen any.

 

[tmshort]

I now run noting but 100LL Aviation fuel in my 2 stroke stuff. Cost $5 per gallon or a little more but I only use 5 gallons a year or less so its much cheaper than a $80 carb or $25 rebuild kit.

Chris

I'm interested in this ... am a pilot as well, so I can get my hands on the 100LL.

Do you just do the 50:1 mix (or whatever is called for) and run it in the 2 stroke engines? I have several - blower, string trimmer, etc etc and would love to do this, as the 100LL is so clean.

Do you have any issues or problems with running 100LL?

T.

 

[Deano]

Old Gas... really old gas has a smell to it you will not forget... the best I can describe it is very strong and similar to varnish...

Exactly what I would say it smells like. By the time it smells like this, you might have serious gum issues.

Deano

 

[Bigkrank]

Been using nothing but 100LL for all 2 & 4 stroke small engines and antique tractors for many years. Not a problem.

Bought a used Honda generator that had been run with old regular gas and left sit, took $170 plus my time to get it up to snuff.

 

[dodge man]

I can still get 100% gas in Illinois, although you have to hunt for it. I do shut the fuel off and run it dry, and use the choke to keep it running until completely out of fuel. My generator is electric start, but I don't think it matters, I've pull started with just a couple of pulls after running it out of gas. I will probably go 6 months, then put in fresh fuel and run the old stuff through one of my vehicles.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I'm interested in this ... am a pilot as well, so I can get my hands on the 100LL.

Do you just do the 50:1 mix (or whatever is called for) and run it in the 2 stroke engines? I have several - blower, string trimmer, etc etc and would love to do this, as the 100LL is so clean.

Do you have any issues or problems with running 100LL?

T.

Yep, mix the oil and no issues. Changed 1 spark plug in my saw in 5 years or so. My 2 stroke equipment is a saw, weed eater, leaf blower, and a snow blower. Generator and riding mower are 4 stroke and just get 87 from the gas station.

Chris

 

[ultrarunner]

Exactly what I would say it smells like. By the time it smells like this, you might have serious gum issues.

Deano

Just about always means pulling the tank and using using alcohol to clear out the lines and carb cleaner... guess alcohol blended fuel from the pump would do the same.

 

[Egon]

Old gas may be pretty old, from long before our time. Gasoline will be quite new in comparison based on time scales!

 

[The Haymaker]

It should be good for a year with Stabil. Start your generator once a month and to stop it shut off the gas. That way the carburetor will be empty preventing oxidation.

This. If you don't, that carb will not like the Al Gore Martini.