Gasoline storage?

[Socalman]

I have a few cans of fuel stored, always enough to fill the tank if needed. I store them in a shed away from the home.

I use Stabil as the preservative for the fuel. Just wondering if folks here know of another, possibly better way to preserve the fuel.

BTW, I use 5 gallons every 3 months in the car and then refill that can with fresh fuel. At that rate, my oldest gas is only about 12 months old.

[helomech]

I just store it in the shed. Never put anything in them and they last a very long time. Had fuel over 2 years old that ran just fine with no stabil. Heck my old chainsaw had fuel in it for the last 4 years and I cranked it up last week no issues. I think it takes a lot longer than most people think for fuel to go bad.

[bacpacker]

I only store 100% fuel and treat it with Stabil. My stepdad had a tank of ethanol go bad over the winter. So YMMV, but 100% and treated with either Stabil or PriG will give you the best chances. I typically rotate my unused fuel every fall, but I use enough thru the year that is a small amount.

[LUNCHBOX]

I don't add anything but l rotate my fuel every 6 months (Jan/July) l keep it in the garage for now but will move it to the new shed once completed.

[ElevenBravo]

OP, sounds like your doing it the way I would.

[Grumpy Old Man]

Pri-G is the best, but Stabil and Sea Foam are also very good. Stock up now because very shortly the prices are going to skyrocket.

[bacpacker]

The price of fuel was a big topic on the MSN Friday night. If they are saying it, you know it's a done deal. I filled the vehicles an topped of my 100% storage fuel this weekend. All i like now is one 5 gallon can of diesel.

[Sniper-T]

I use Seafoam, and have kept gas for 2+ years. I don't know about a shortage, but the oil companies are certainly giving us a good gouge up here right now.
Prices up 11c/l in the last week-ish.
(That is almost .50c per gallon.)
bastards!

[Socalman]

Thanks for the replies!

I have never heard of Pri-G. I will check and see if it is a product available here in the PRC. (People's Republik of Calyfornia). I have heard of Sea Foam but do not recall seeing it anywhere.

[capcarl]

Go to your local airport and buy some 100LL. It's about $5.75 a gallon but never goes bad.

[izzyscout21]

Im about to go fill everything up again. Got a feeling we're about to get sodomized at the pump.

[rentprop1]

great minds must think alike I'm currently rotating 6 month old gas right now

[helomech]

I go through so much gas and diesel that it doesn't get a chance to get very old any more. I filled all my cans up last week, and they are all empty this week. I need to get a big tank at the house to use to fill up my tractor.

[TroubleShooter]

Might be where I buy gas , but my gas storage woes are showing up in two strokes.....A week in an unsealed container , Regular plastic gas jug ...You will pull your guts out starting a chainsaw or weed eater, make a fresh batch and it starts fine...I am now only mixing what I can use in a couple days.....

I had posted elsewhere about having problems with stored gas and two strokes, using a stored batch for two stroke mixing the gas goes bad faster, within one or two days.

[Fidel MD]

I only store premium fuel for the small motors...no ethanol.

Of course, our big vehicles are diesel..

[helomech]

Might be where I buy gas , but my gas storage woes are showing up in two strokes.....A week in an unsealed container , Regular plastic gas jug ...You will pull your guts out starting a chainsaw or weed eater, make a fresh batch and it starts fine...I am now only mixing what I can use in a couple days.....

I had posted elsewhere about having problems with stored gas and two strokes, using a stored batch for two stroke mixing the gas goes bad faster, within one or two days.

Never had that issue. Only two stroke I have is my chainsaw, so a half gallon will last a long while. I just had to refill my 2 stroke gas can and that gas that was in it was at least 6 months old and it worked just fine.

[bacpacker]

I have a weed what ker, blower, and chain saw I am r7 nong on a mix. I drained 2 gallons out of my step dad boat tank last fall. It's still running well. It was 100% gas till I put the 50:1 oil in it.

[Socalman]

I have no idea how old my gas in the tank of my chainsaw and its small can (1 gallon) is. It always starts right up (an Echo) but I don't run it long, rarely using a tank for some tree trimming.

[Fidel MD]

I always have stabilizer (Pri-G) in the cans when I fill them up....the fuel I use in small engines is ALWAYS stabilized.

[idahobob]

I use non ethanol, premium gas, with PRI-G. Repeat treatment once a year.

Used stored gas that was two years old and had no problems. (2011 Ford Expedition and 1979 Jeep Grand Cherokee)


Bob
III

[Sniper-T]

I do up my mixed gas 5 gallons at a time. lasts me two years (or more) and I have never had a problem running any of my small motors. 2 outboards (4hp), chainsaw, weed wacker, tiller, ice auger, water pumps, etc.

[Kodiak]

I rotate my gas at least once a year, sometimes twice and have never had any issues. I dont add additives.

[Socalman]

Now that the price of gasoline has fallen nationwide and even here in California (average price $3.12 right now) I recently filled my cars with the older fuel, some of which was purchased at over $4 a gallon with fuel I purchased at at $2.93. From what most of you on here are posting, I may start taking a bit longer before rotating, perhaps waiting about 4 months before I use the the first five gallons. That would mean it will be a little over 18 months in storage for the oldest fuel.

[realist]

Socalman remember starting January 1st we on the left coast get to start paying for carbon credits...........so gas will be taxed at least 10 cents a gallon more however most are saying between 15 and 20 cents. Don't ya just love it here.....

[Sniper-T]

Gas is dropping here now too. Lotsa places at .98c/litre.

Sadly, that is still about 3.75/US Gallon.

[helomech]

Wow, we are well below 2.50 a gallon here.

[bacpacker]

Best I've seen in last week is 2.52. 100% is down to 3.00 good time to rotate so ks if you need, or add to storage.

[Socalman]

Now that the price of gasoline has fallen nationwide and even here in California (average price $3.12 right now) I recently filled my cars with the older fuel, some of which was purchased at over $4 a gallon with fuel I purchased at at $2.93. From what most of you on here are posting, I may start taking a bit longer before rotating, perhaps waiting about 4 months before I use the the first five gallons. That would mean it will be a little over 18 months in storage for the oldest fuel.

There is more than one reason we are called the left coast. Yes, I know about the coming taxes. I have written to state senators and assembly reps. Of course NOT ONE has responded with anything other than a form letter saying "..thank you for contacting me and be assured I will do my best to represent your views." BS

[Vodin]

$1.83 here in Colorado at some locations. My suggestion to you Socalman is simple. Fill your vehicle up at home and refill your tanks at the station. Constant rotation is the best method.

[Sniper-T]

Down to about .80/litre here... time to start filling jugs. I have a 50 gallon diesel tank, that is 'empty'. If I give it a quick rinse with gas would I have issues?

[helomech]

I little bit of diesel in the gas should not be an issue.

Gas here is 1.99 a gallon. I think diesel is about 2.89 if I remember from last night. Need to fill up my 5 ton's 75 gallon tank while it is cheap.

[ladyhk13]

Gas around here is running in the high $1.80's don't think it will last too much longer though.

[bacpacker]

Best I've seen here lately is $2.02.

[ElevenBravo]

A hair below $2 a gallon here, good thread, I want to store gas too... I parked the WarWagon since it needs more repairs than I can afford, its going up for sale soon.. Driving the gas Jeep now, so fuel is $1 a gallon *LESS* than diesel. WTH.

EB

[Sniper-T]

Gas is down to .73 c/l... with coupon.
$2.77/US gal.

[ladyhk13]

Gas is down to .73 c/l... with coupon.
$2.77/US gal.

Ouch....so ya thinking about moving to Tn yet? ;)

[Sniper-T]

With Gas as cheap as this up here?? nah... not yet!

[Socalman]

The lowest it got around here was $2.31. However on Jan. 1 the grate (sic) state of Kalifornya added a new tax at the distributer level so our prices have started to increase again.

Do not get me totally wrong, this is a wonderful area in which to live. However the state government is horrible! Well, I guess if you want to tax people at very high rates, ban guns, give special benefits to illegal (oops, undocumented democrats) aliens that legal residents do not get, then you would love the government in Sacramento.

[helomech]

Best I have seen here is 169 a gallon, but you had to pay cash.

[bacpacker]

It finally dropped under $2, I payed $1.97 today.

[Sniper-T]

how many people are affected in their jobs because of this?

My company is expecting a 3.8 million dollar loss in sales this quarter, due to gas prices...

[Vodin]

$1.76 in Colorado. The CA gas tax sucks and it sounds like the fed gov is considering it for everyone. :(

[bacpacker]

Tennessee is as well.

[Socalman]

I heard from both a friend in Miami and on the Weater Channel that many people in the Miami area are not leaving due to gasoline shortages. Though probably one of the more dangerous items for storage, it is something that can be critical. I always have enough to fill a nearly empty tank on each of our cars. On my SUV that equates to a little over 400 miles in range on my wifes car that is about 380 miles, though that is at typical speeds, not on clogged roads.

Here is a hypothetical question:

For some reason it is necesary for us to bug out. Roads are not damaged by earthquake or weather. I have 1/2 tank of fuel in the SUV now. Would you top it off before starting the journey? Each time you get to the point you have used about 6 gallons of fuel, do you empty another jerry can into it or wait until you can use most at one time?

[Fidel MD]

I heard from both a friend in Miami and on the Weater Channel that many people in the Miami area are not leaving due to gasoline shortages. Though probably one of the more dangerous items for storage, it is something that can be critical. I always have enough to fill a nearly empty tank on each of our cars. On my SUV that equates to a little over 400 miles in range on my wifes car that is about 380 miles, though that is at typical speeds, not on clogged roads.

Here is a hypothetical question:

For some reason it is necesary for us to bug out. Roads are not damaged by earthquake or weather. I have 1/2 tank of fuel in the SUV now. Would you top it off before starting the journey? Each time you get to the point you have used about 6 gallons of fuel, do you empty another jerry can into it or wait until you can use most at one time?


You, and it, are safer with the gas in the vehicle tank. But keep the empties, you may be able to refill them

[bacpacker]

If I'm concerned about availability at all. I would top off everything at most every chance.

[Domeguy]

I agree, the fuel in the tank is worth 2 in the bush so to speak. Fill up when you can. They are asking everyone to only get what you need, but that is like Communism and socialism, it looks good on paper but won't work in the real world. You scrimp by only to have the next guy take it all. Save the empties, fill up when you can, and maybe you will have extra to help your fellow man when you can.

[Stg1swret]

On the question of whether to keep topping off as you use the gas or wait, there are two things you have to consider. If you stop to refuel every time you use 5 or so gallons of gas, you are now advertising to all around you that you have spare gas !!!! Next is the issue of having an empty container. Gas fumes in that container are more dangerous then having a full container of gas !!! I'd wait until i was down to about half a tank, and refuel either in a secluded spot, or do it at night. The less visible you are the better. As you get further away from the area you were leaving, gas may become available too, so figure that into your plan.
Your mileage may vary, just my 2 cents.

[bacpacker]

Went back and read mypost. Didn't really get my point thru very well. When traveling I try to refill around 1/2 tank, taking cost into consideration, and what I will be going through the next 50 miles or more. Picking your spots ahead of time to places you know, or at least can figure would be secluded and out of direct sight is a great idea. save the cans until you really need them to fill the vehicle. Just keep the tank topped off as practical

[Brownwater Riverrat 13]

Weeellllllllllll, here's what the ol' Rat did the other day. I usually keep "a large" reserve on hand here. But being the procrastinator this summer I have managed to let my reserve run almost dry, mow, mow, mow. So I topped off the 4 wheelers, the MC's and mowers. I loaded up the dually with all remaining empty gas cans and hit my local station, American and local brothers owned. I filled the truck and around another 70gl. Came back later and topped off the K5.......4gl. Then the Urban assault vehicle (Suburban) then I got the usual comment from the spouse, "you always wait till the prices go up" ............uh, well.......anyway so I paid a few more cents per gallon but I'm GTG. All my cans have "sta-bil" in them so they will keep. Then there's the Diesel, yup gotta have that. I have a three machines that run that, one that will most certainly die from an EMP, but the other two, tractor and dozier will be just fine. Like the two trucks, EMP, no worries. UAV (suburban) most likely toast. But there's 40gls of gas in that one.

[Sniper-T]

By keeping the suburban full you have the ultimate in rotated stored gas, if EMP, it is now storage that you can siphon out.

[Fidel MD]

Heh. Back in the 73 gas crisis a family friend decided to keep a large supply of gas on hand at home. Los Angeles law prohibits storing more than 10 (I think) gallons at home...and should a fire break out, having more than 10 could result in insurance not covering....

So, he bought a clapped out VW bus, gutted the interior, had a large (500 gallon) tank fabricated for the interior, had the vehicle parked at home and then filled it. As long as he maintained the registration on the bus, it was legal.

[Brownwater Riverrat 13]

Heh. Back in the 73 gas crisis a family friend decided to keep a large supply of gas on hand at home. Los Angeles law prohibits storing more than 10 (I think) gallons at home...and should a fire break out, having more than 10 could result in insurance not covering....

So, he bought a clapped out VW bus, gutted the interior, had a large (500 gallon) tank fabricated for the interior, had the vehicle parked at home and then filled it. As long as he maintained the registration on the bus, it was legal.

I'm laughing right now......didn't know LA had rednecks. At's how to out smart them buggers. Improvise, adapt and overcome, screw'em!:p

[Kamber]

Amazing set up. Are you looking to expand further?

[Sniper-T]

Welcome aboard Kamber.!

[Brownwater Riverrat 13]

Amazing set up. Are you looking to expand further?

Hey a new member! Welcome aboard! Don't mind me I'm the local curmudgeon.....or maybe one of the nut cases.
OK I have to ask about your question and what/which post were exactly are you referring to?

There are many and lots to learn from on here we need some fresh meat, er uh, new members to the site. Glad you're here! Pick your poison.

[eagle326]

Hey a new member! Welcome aboard! Don't mind me I'm the local curmudgeon.....or maybe one of the nut cases.
OK I have to ask about your question and what/which post were exactly are you referring to?

There are many and lots to learn from on here we need some fresh meat, er uh, new members to the site. Glad you're here! Pick your poison.

Kamber
B.W.R.R. isn't a nut case . It's just that the universe hasn't caught up to him yet. Obey his wisdom and pray his doesn't channel his Boatswain attitude .;) Who am I kidding ; B.W.R.R. is Boatswain 24/7. Now as for me I'm you kind caring favorite uncle and the only true sane member of this Ant family ; Well other than Grumpy Old Man.

Welcome and may your stay here be fruitful .

[bacpacker]

Welcome to the forum Kamber. There is some good folks on here. Most are half crazed, including the two above posters. But to me this site is as close to family as any I have been on.

[Socalman]

Just rotated 5 gallons that I had treated with Stabil 26 months ago into my Ford Expedition. No problems, the engine continues to run strongly.

[Kesephist]

Just rotated 5 gallons that I had treated with Stabil 26 months ago into my Ford Expedition. No problems, the engine continues to run strongly.

How much Stabil was added to the 5 gallons? and will varying the amounts of the Stabil extend or shorten the lifetime of the gasoline?

I'm presently the perfect neutral on this, inasmuch as I own no vehicle. A matter that will be rectified within 1Q2018, you may be sure, Heaven willing, the creek don't rise, and S holds off HTF.

The observant and surly

Kesephist

A/k/a KI7CIL

[Socalman]

Off the top of my head I could not tell you, however I can tell you that I just follow the directions on the label. I think it is written for 1 gallon but simple math allowed me to get the ratio for 5 gallons.