Adrian Posted May 28, 2018 Report Share Posted May 28, 2018 Hello chaps, when is old fuel old? Mines been in the tank over a year, should I drain and put in fresh before trying a start? Would a 50% refresh with premium help or octane boost? could I transfer the old to the modern? thanks Adrian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Jones Posted May 28, 2018 Report Share Posted May 28, 2018 A 50% refresh will probably be adequate provided it still smells more or less like petrol. Wouldn't recommend putting the old fuel in your modern - but your Honda or B & S lawnmower will drink almost anything. My old sidevalve Honda even ran on E85 (though was a sod to start from cold), but draws the line at heating oil....... Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NonMember Posted May 29, 2018 Report Share Posted May 29, 2018 On one occasion, my GT6 got left in mum's garage for three years. Once I'd persuaded it to start again, and warmed it up, it actually ran OK on the old petrol. Half a tank of fresh stuff mixed in and it was perfectly fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted May 29, 2018 Report Share Posted May 29, 2018 My GT6 sat In my garage for 20 years and started every year for around the first 15. In recent times it's in the garage October to April and runs a bit lumpy first time to the petrol station. A top up "Super Unleaded" sorts it out. As to putting old fuel in the modern, a galleon or two in a 15 galleon tank makes no difference, (unless it's a diesel! ) Where else are you going to dispose of it? Most dumps take old oil, but not fuel. Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Posted May 29, 2018 Author Report Share Posted May 29, 2018 Thanks all, too true re disposal. My tip only takes oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted May 29, 2018 Report Share Posted May 29, 2018 I have never had any old fuel issues , even if left unloved for a winter period, It can and does go stale but never has that stopped the vitesse6 or 2000 ever from starting since I got hooked in 2002 Leave it untouched for a few years and its a very different story , but on a reasonably regularly used with occasional lay ups Dont worry about it Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris A Posted May 29, 2018 Report Share Posted May 29, 2018 I'm another voter for the don't worry too much party. I leave mine over winter, with the ocasional starts to get rid of the damp and just to hear the engine. I try not to leave it with too much petrol in and just add fresh in spring. If you do want to recycle the old stuff put it in the mower, if gou have a petrol one of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD Posted May 29, 2018 Report Share Posted May 29, 2018 There are additives that are supposed to preserve the ocataniness of the fuel, mainly sold for lawnmowers and the like. My engine has a CR of 10.5, and winter before last, it pinked until I topped it up with fresh. This last winter, I ran the tank low, added a suitable dose of Briggs & Stratton's Fuel Fit, and ran the engine to flush the mixture right through. Started first time this spring and no pinking. It's not pricey: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Briggs-Stratton-Additive-Stabiliser-992381/dp/B003374F9E Other additives are available, no doubt! John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrapman Posted May 29, 2018 Report Share Posted May 29, 2018 I can't believe that you are thinking of dumping a tank of fuel, that is sixty quid plus!! mix it back in a gallon a ata time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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