I have about 6 gallons or so of ethanol free gasoline that is about 3 years old. Not sure how to get rid of it other than put a gallon at a time in a nearly full tank every fill up. Vehicle is a 2019 Volkswagen Arteon 2.0T with a capacity of around 16 gallons, so it should be diluted around 15:1. Doesn't seem like it could cause an issue, but figured I would ask. It has been stored in plastic containers, but don't recall if I ever used any stabilizer or not.
how to dispose of old gasoline?
- Thread starter VWRand
- Start date
I'd get rid of it your way, but 1/2 gallon at a time, added to a nearly full tank of gas, not added before gassing up. Yes it will take longer to get rid of, but you had it for three years so taking twice as long to get rid of it shouldn't be an issue.
Was the gas storage container sealed? Temp it was stored at?
Yes, this. Storage is key.
There was a guy here that had some in a sealed wavian can and he used it fine. In a breathable plastic can - not so sure.
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I am starting to drive the Dodge Charger I recently bought after it had sat for about 3 years. The PO filled the tank with 93 octane fuel to his recollection. Currently the car starts and runs very well for sitting that long however I too am interested as to what will happen toward the end of the tank. Perhaps with the tank full there was little room for moisture and the fuel, while old, has very little water in it now.
It is known that ethanol blend fuel with water contamination will separate and sink to the bottom of the tank. If that is the case I think the car would run like garbage when it is stationary provided the fuel pump picks up from the bottom of the tank. However when driving the fuel and water are mixed up again. A side benefit may be some intake valve and piston cleaning action going on with the added water?
It is known that ethanol blend fuel with water contamination will separate and sink to the bottom of the tank. If that is the case I think the car would run like garbage when it is stationary provided the fuel pump picks up from the bottom of the tank. However when driving the fuel and water are mixed up again. A side benefit may be some intake valve and piston cleaning action going on with the added water?
A full tank would get less condensation, so that is good.
Ethanol mixed with water is actually heavier than gasoline, and would sink to the bottom. If its running fine now its probably going to remain good.
Derek on Vice Grip garage burns old gasoline sometimes that is in the tank of one of his many old vehicles he brings back to life. I would mix it in as described and you should be fine. If the engine doesn't sound right then bring it to the recycler.
Your plan will work just fine, been doing the same for decades without a problem.
Fresh gas can probably handle more than 15:1 diluting. If you're going for a long drive, and the car is warm, you could do it all at once, provided the engine is warm and you use it all at once.
There are two issues I think you need to compensate for
1. the gas not being high enough octane or not being as flammable (you lost some high volatility molecules)
2) the old gas is much more likely to leave deposits or varnish behind if it sits there a long time.
Your plan would work, but if you have a long drive coming up, I'd dump it all in at the gas station after the car is warmed up, and top off with fresh. Top tier gas premium is probably worth it for higher octane and more detergents. Or maybe half on the way out and half on the way back...
Just don't leave the diluted gas in there for months. Get it burned up asap, like a week or two.
There are two issues I think you need to compensate for
1. the gas not being high enough octane or not being as flammable (you lost some high volatility molecules)
2) the old gas is much more likely to leave deposits or varnish behind if it sits there a long time.
Your plan would work, but if you have a long drive coming up, I'd dump it all in at the gas station after the car is warmed up, and top off with fresh. Top tier gas premium is probably worth it for higher octane and more detergents. Or maybe half on the way out and half on the way back...
Just don't leave the diluted gas in there for months. Get it burned up asap, like a week or two.
