Does petrol go bad?

[volvorocks]

The last time I filled up with a full tank of petrol was back when the strikes were imminent back in March 2012. I have used just over half a tank in the 10 months since,and wonder if petrol has a shelf life? Does it get to a point where problems can occur if using petrol that is a certain age? If so what age petrol is it ok to use?

Regards

[Axionknight]

Not too sure if its an age thing but more how it has been exposed to atmosphere because over time the hydrocarbons evaporate.

[tt82]

I remember from my biking days, that when storing a bike over winter it was best to drain as much petrol from the tank before storing and then put in fresh in the spring. I do believe there are additives people used to burn old fuel.

Not sure how long it takes for it to go off but it doesn't burn as well after a few months.

[Mrjon]

Yes it certainly does, I can speak from experience from spending hours trying to kick start my rarely used trials bike when the petrol has broken down.
You can buy a fuel stabiliser additive to add to your tank to stop the petrol from breaking down if you aren't going to use the car much.

[volvorocks]

How long did the petrol take to break down Mrjon?

And a daft question maybe, but is the fuel stabiliser simply called 'fuel stabiliser'?

Regards

[volvorocks]

This stuff called Wynns Dry Fuel?

It just says it prevents corrosion and stops water, nothing about stabilising.

Regards

[Mrjon]

on the bike probably about 4 moths.

yes, fuel stabiliser , probably get it from Halfords, or a good motorbike shop, something like this...http://www.wynnoil.co.uk/products-wy...stabilizer.htm

[SonyVaio]

It takes years for petrol to go off and be unusable (unless contaminated). I've had bikes sit for years and fire them up - no problems.

[volvorocks]

I thought that Sony, and whilst I have never had any problems, the thought just cropped up in my mind, as the car sits for ages. I know its recommended that boats are filled to the brim during winter to lessen water or condensation in fuel problems, although its a lot easier to fill an s40 with 50 litres than a boat with 400!

On cars I use I always try and never let the fuel level go very low in winter, and reading up on these stabiliser products, it says fuel goes off in as little as 2 or 3 months.

Regards

[Backhill1]

Yes petrol deteriorates quickly but is perfectly useable. Some high performance engines and bikes will notice moisture etc imediatley. But a car I would imagine would have no issue with fuel up to a year old even then should start and run.
I often use fuel in the brushcutter from the year before and maybe takes a bit more to start but runs no problem.
Me thinks nothing to worry about.

Think time to sell if not using, I had this with my defender kept it for the winter and never used other than that and the damage I was doing leaving it lying was unreal!
Brake cylinders annually, pads and disks , prop and all sorts of bearings not getting lubed (all splash). Eventually gave up as I was ruining it. And I was never going to jump in an old rough 4x4 when u have a nice comfy Volvo with heated seats are u?

I have a water trap / diesel filter / agglomerator at home and flush the diesel if I need to but mostly old red for the tractor etc. it's frightning how much moisture that stuff can hold!