Preserving Stored Fuel: How Long Does It Last?
When it comes to fuel storage, the question of how long fuel lasts is crucial to ensuring your equipment operates properly. Whether you're storing gasoline in a car or diesel in a boat, understanding the lifespan of your fuel and how to maintain it is vital. This article delves into the factors affecting fuel shelf life and provides practical advice on preserving stored fuel.
Factors Affecting Fuel Shelf Life
The shelf life of stored fuel can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of fuel, storage conditions, and the presence of additives or stabilizers. For instance, gasoline typically has a shelf life of three to six months, while diesel can last up to a year, but under certain conditions.
The size of the fuel tank, the weight of the fuel in pounds, and the fuel consumption rate can also influence the fuel's longevity. To get an accurate idea, it is essential to consider these factors when planning fuel storage.
Impact of Fuel Formulas and Ingredients
Fuel formulas change over time, and this can impact the shelf life of your stored fuel. Regular gasoline, for example, can degrade within three to six months. However, gasoline containing ethanol may lose its combustibility in just one to three months due to oxidation and water vapor absorption. Ethanol attracts water, which can lead to water vapor in the fuel, causing premature degradation.
When gasoline gets old, its chemical properties change, and it may become out of specification for the fuel injection system, leading to fouled injectors or pistons burned through due to improper combustion.
Adding Stabilizers and Additives
One way to extend the shelf life of stored fuel is by adding stabilizers and additives. These can combat fuel breakdown and potentially double the storage life of gasoline. By using a stabilizer, you can protect your fuel from degradation, ensuring it remains in good condition when you need it.
For diesel fuel, the shelf life is generally longer, lasting up to six months to a year with the addition of a stabilizer and bactericide. However, to prevent contamination, it is important to fill containers to the top to avoid water condensation and to add a bactericide, commonly known as algae inhibitor. Failure to do so can lead to bacterial growth, which is corrosive and can clog fuel filters.
Real-Life Experiences and Precautions
From working in my father's garage and witnessing engines destroyed by improperly stored fuel to sailing in a boat where an outboard engine was damaged by old gasoline, I have seen firsthand the consequences of neglecting fuel storage. In another instance, chain saws were wrecked by old gasoline, particularly if it contained ethanol, as ethanol is notorious for destroying two-stroke engines even when it is new.
Moreover, I experienced issues with white gas stoves stopping working during a backcountry skiing trip due to the use of old white gas. Fortunately, we had a stove repair kit to handle the situation. In a diesel engine scenario, improper storage led to significant damage, including a replaced fuel injection pump and fuel injectors.
Professional Maintenance and Cost Considerations
During winter storage, it is crucial to ensure that fuel tanks are free of contaminants. If you suspect the presence of algae in the tanks, professional cleaning and maintenance are essential. This process can be expensive, but it is much cheaper than replacing critical components like the fuel injection pump.
By understanding the factors that influence fuel storage and taking appropriate measures to preserve the fuel, you can extend its lifespan and avoid costly repairs down the line.