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Storing Gasoline
Posted on 7/20/25 at 7:38 am
Posted on 7/20/25 at 7:38 am
If I store 5, 5 gallon gas cans full of non ethanol gasoline, how long will it be good before the need to add a fuel stabilizer and potentially an octane booster?
ETA: After reading responses I'll add (thanks for the useful comments, much appreciated). I'm storing them in a store room that stays locked up, dark and not even a window. I'll be using the gasoline in a brand new generator when the need presents itself i.e next hurricane.
While on the subject, do you suggest I go ahead and unbox the new generator and do the oil break in thing and change it before storing it?
ETA: After reading responses I'll add (thanks for the useful comments, much appreciated). I'm storing them in a store room that stays locked up, dark and not even a window. I'll be using the gasoline in a brand new generator when the need presents itself i.e next hurricane.
While on the subject, do you suggest I go ahead and unbox the new generator and do the oil break in thing and change it before storing it?
This post was edited on 7/20/25 at 11:39 am
10
Posted on 7/20/25 at 8:14 am to Shanegolang
Really depends on what you’re running it in too. Some engines are much more finicky than others.
I can usually store them for 6 months without any issues. After that, they will start to turn, but will remain usable in most engines for a bit longer. Only things like generators, pressure washers, or weedeaters will struggle.
I usually just dump any old fuel into my truck after that. It dilutes it enough to not be an issue.
I can usually store them for 6 months without any issues. After that, they will start to turn, but will remain usable in most engines for a bit longer. Only things like generators, pressure washers, or weedeaters will struggle.
I usually just dump any old fuel into my truck after that. It dilutes it enough to not be an issue.
Posted on 7/20/25 at 10:10 am to Shanegolang
I add stabil whenever I fill the can up since it usually takes me 6 months to burn through 5 gallons. Ive had treated fuel sit in my boat tank for 1.5 years and had no issues with running it.
Posted on 7/20/25 at 10:20 am to Shanegolang
Depends on where and how its stored. In a sealed container and a cool place, several months. In a freely venting container outdoors in louisiana where the sun hits it every evening and condensation gets it every night/morning, not long at all.
Pro tip - if running it in a carburetor engine, 1oz of cheap TCW3 2 stroke oil per 5 gallons of gas makes a great low cost fuel stabilizer and has the added benefit of lubricating fuel pumps and preventing stuck carb floats in long term storage.
Pro tip - if running it in a carburetor engine, 1oz of cheap TCW3 2 stroke oil per 5 gallons of gas makes a great low cost fuel stabilizer and has the added benefit of lubricating fuel pumps and preventing stuck carb floats in long term storage.
Posted on 7/20/25 at 10:38 am to Shanegolang
quote:
how long will it be good before the need to add a fuel stabilizer and potentially an octane booster
Need to add it immediately, dose the fuel cans then fill them up. I use Stabil 360 in all fuel that I store or mix. Higher octane fuels generally store better too and an airtight container is crucial so forget using cheap plastic fuel jugs that don't have removable spouts where you can put a solid cap on the threaded portion.
Posted on 7/20/25 at 10:51 am to Shanegolang
Non—ethanol gasoline lasts a pretty good while. As long as it doesn’t smell bad, I would use it. Ethanol needs to be used pretty quickly because it absorbs a lot of water.
I add a dose of stabil before filling every gas can regardless of how long I intend to keep it..
I add a dose of stabil before filling every gas can regardless of how long I intend to keep it..
Posted on 7/20/25 at 11:30 am to Spankum
Another vote for Stabil.
I mix it with the 5 gallons every time.
I mix it with the 5 gallons every time.
Posted on 7/20/25 at 1:14 pm to Loup
quote:
I add stabil whenever I fill the can up
Posted on 7/20/25 at 4:18 pm to Shanegolang
Probably better to leave them empty and fill up prior to the weather event.
Posted on 7/20/25 at 4:38 pm to Shanegolang
If you are going to store it I'd add the stabilizer asap.
Now many places of the country they have a winter blend and a summer blend gasoline. Winter blend evaporates faster at the same temp., than the summer blend. This to prevent air pollution. Also in colder climates or winter, summer blend is slower to evaporate causing hard starting. i.e Winter blend evaporated faster. Using winter blend in summer can cause vapor lock.
Now many places of the country they have a winter blend and a summer blend gasoline. Winter blend evaporates faster at the same temp., than the summer blend. This to prevent air pollution. Also in colder climates or winter, summer blend is slower to evaporate causing hard starting. i.e Winter blend evaporated faster. Using winter blend in summer can cause vapor lock.
Posted on 7/20/25 at 7:01 pm to leeman101
YES, break your generator in and get the initial oil change behind you. No point getting hit with another Laura and having to do the oil change in the midst of that. Prepare
Posted on 7/20/25 at 8:23 pm to Shanegolang
Or after a period of time, just use it in your cars and refill as needed.
Posted on 7/20/25 at 10:35 pm to damnstrongfan
quote:
after a period of time, just use it in your cars and refill as needed.
That's what I do. Just fill up cars periodically.
Actually doing this more frequently, due to a "rewards" program from a grocery store, that gives me a certain amount off per gallon.
So, I'll empty all the gas containers in the other cars and drive one car on empty, along with the empty gas cans, to the pump for bigger savings
Posted on 7/21/25 at 12:48 pm to Shanegolang
Good thread.
DIY Tip: If you have gas that you are unsure if it has ethanol, here's a simple way to test.
Use a glass jar with a lid (mason jar or similar). Fill it about 1/5 with water, mark the water line with a marker, then fill the remainder with the suspect gas. Put on the lid, and shake vigorously (in that order!) for a few minutes. Let it settle for a minute or so. If the water level is higher than the mark, it contains ethanol.
The water binds with the ethanol.
If you measure the water and gas prior to mixing, you can calculate the percentage of ethanol.
DIY Tip: If you have gas that you are unsure if it has ethanol, here's a simple way to test.
Use a glass jar with a lid (mason jar or similar). Fill it about 1/5 with water, mark the water line with a marker, then fill the remainder with the suspect gas. Put on the lid, and shake vigorously (in that order!) for a few minutes. Let it settle for a minute or so. If the water level is higher than the mark, it contains ethanol.
The water binds with the ethanol.
If you measure the water and gas prior to mixing, you can calculate the percentage of ethanol.
Posted on 7/22/25 at 9:26 am to Shanegolang
I add Stabil and sometimes seafoam. I also put a piece of the blue painter's tape or duct tape on the container and write the date I filled it up. If I don't use it during hurricane season, I'll add it to my truck.
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