Bad Gas

[ents]

Can someone explain what happens to gas when it goes bad. I usually go thru a gal within a week. However, one can has sat around for about 3 weeks and it has apparently gone bad (saws now running poorly even in warm weather). I'm using mid range gas. Would using high test help extend the life of the gas?

I tried to search this topic but couldn't find anything. If this has been discussed before, just steer me in the right direction.


Thanks,


Fred

 

[troutfisher]

here's a link,
http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=43751&highlight=octane

 

[Ray Bennett]

I dont see how gas could go bad in 3 weeks unless you left it in the sun the whole time. Its more likely that you had dirt in it or messed up the fuel mixture. In any case dump it out of your saw and can and start over.

I will say that I had bad gas once, It made a buzzard puke, ruined the paint on my truck and the neighbor said it gave his goats the runs, Fortunately it did not hurt my saws:biggrinbounce2:

 

[ents]

I couldn't see how it could go bad in 3 weeks either but the performance of the saws seems to tell me it is (bucking 044 on another post). I originally thought it was the cold but it's now doing it in moderate temps (40s-50s).

The gas is stored in a plastic container but the vent cap is cracked (don't have to open it when I pour). It does sit out side where I stage my timber but does not get direct sun light. I guess that cracked vent cap could let in some rain but it's doubtful. I hate to dump in on the ground (that's a no-no anyway). What will about a gal of mixed 2 stroke gas do in my 26 yr. old chevy (diluted with about 14 gals.)?

I think I'm going to switch to high test (using mid range now). Hopefully that will extent the life of the mix (?????). Also will switch from a 2.5 gal to a 1 gal can. That will really mess me up since I bought a bunch of 6.4 oz. Hq oil that goes with 2.5 gal fuel.

Thanks,


Fred

 

[WRW]

Leaving the vent cracked could be your problem as it allows an exchange of vapors and the moisture in the air could mix with the fuel. It also allows the volatile elements of the fuel to escape faster.

 

[Ray Bennett]

You said all I need to hear. First just sitting outside first is a big problem, combine that with a cracked vent and you really have a mess of problems. My neighbor has blown up two 460's in the past year from leaving his gas cans in the woods. Not sure which of the following were happening to him but does it really matter. First with the vent problem gas can evaporate pretty quick in direct sun it will cause a super rich oil solution which believe it or not can cause an engine seizure but usually just causes lots of smoke and poor performance. Second, water can get in the can from the vent crack and condensation when out side. Water and two strokes do not mix. Finally all the dust and dirt blowing around a wood pile will find its way in that little hole, plug your filter or carb jets, lean ya out and again bang, you get a new saw. In any case Just dump it out of your saws and store it differently in the future. I would not recommend putting it in your car. I would not pour it on the ground but if you have camp fires, Put it in an old bar oil jug with even more oil and us it for starting fluid.

As for high test, that is what I run but I did not notice a difference when I ran mid grade.

 

[ents]

Thanks for the words of wisdom. I've got a good 1 gal. can that I'll be using from now on and it will live in the shed during off hours. I'll use the old stuff to start the burning pit when I burn off the lops. Soak those branches and toss a flare into it, -- from a good way off.


Later,


Fred

 

[jhellwig]

If that all doesn't work then change where you get gas(if it is still a fuel problem). Sometimes places will get bad gas or something that isn't right.

 

[GASoline71]

"If'n it don't smell like varnish... dump 'er in!" That's what my Gramps used to say anyways.

Gary