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Originally Posted by Tcoat
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Thanks for thinking of me, buddy. And here I wondered what I was going to do with my afternoon.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eighty 6
Would you agree that when you fill your tank with fuel there would be some residue in that fuel that logically would accumulate over the years?
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Generally speaking, no. Logic has nothing to do with it, only time. Gasoline does have an expiration date, and generally should be used within a month of purchase. Using Sta-bil or other gas "perservatives" can keep quality for 6 months. All this is saying, however, is how long the gas can be considered at its "original strength," similar to pharmaceuticals.
The common problem with old fuel is "varnishing," usually due to oxidiation of the fuel (read: improperly sealed container). I would be suspect of any gas that has been stored for over a year, though. Fuel stored this length of time can end up with the "gums" or residue you are so afraid of.
However, note that I am talking about storage here. In a car, unless you are storing it for a period of
years, the gasoline is usually refreshed and used in the system on a fairly regular basis. Basically, there isnt any time for the "residues" you are so afraid of to form. In addition to this, the recommended treatment of these problems is to mix the old gas with fresh gas, which, go figure, dissolves the "residues" and makes the gas usable again (although its recommended to use the blend immediately).
As far as residues coming from the station, unless it is some Maw and Paw joint that sees barely any business, they are getting fresh shipments of fuel daily, weekly, and occasionally monthly based on traffic. The likelyhood of getting "residue" in your gas from a well-served station is just about zero. Additionally, there are filters in the trucks that deliver, the pumps that dispense, and the fuel filter in your own car that would prevent this "gunk" from entering your engine. Granted, if your gas is really old, the octane rating will be junk, and your car will run like sh*t, but as soon as you add new gas, that problem will solve itself very quickly.
So, to summarize, like many stories you hear "from your Uncle," this one is hearsay and complete hogwash. There is no long-term residue built up in your tank unless you are storing the car with an improperly sealed tank for years at a time.
As for the crickets...haven't heard mine in months, since it got cooler again. 'nuff said.