Car Care Council

Winter Storage Leads To Stale Gas In RV/Boat

Most of us who have tugged repeatedly on the starter cord of a power mower or outboard motor are familiar with the stale gas syndrome. Gasoline does not store well over long periods of time. After several months of storage, when it lies dormant in fuel lines or in the carburetor, gas may deteriorate due to oxidation, causing performance problems and obstructions in fine orifices. It also can damage rubber and other polymers in the fuel system.

The extra can of gas you may have kept around for an emergency also is a potential source of fuel system trouble, expecially if it has not had stabilizer added, which helps prevent deterioration of stored gas. While most small engine manufacturers recommend the use of this kind of product, they also warn against storing fuel for more than 30 days.

If you drive a pick-up truck, van or motor home with dual gas tanks, remember occasionally to switch from one tank to the other to avoid ending up with one tankfull of gas that's gone stale.

Car Care Council emphasizes that clean, uncontaminated gas is essential for fuel-injected engines, whose tiny orifices are vulnerable to impurities. Buy quality fuel and change fuel filters regularly, suggests the Council.