Saving Gas in gas can... How long before it looses it's pop?

Question

So you are done with the jetski or boat for now. And you have fuel in the boat or in fuel jugs. How long is the fuel good for?

Is the fuel mix here in California going to last until spring?

Second question is re fuel stabilizer. Yes or No?

Answer 1

just add in some "sta bil" available at auto parts stores. The gas will then last for a couple of years. I always store my motorcycles lawn mowers, boats etc with a full tank of fuel, add the correct amount of Sta bil and have never had a single problem. The full tank keeps rust and moisture from forming inside the tank too. Plus, I always run the motor for 15 minutes after adding the sta bil to get into the carb.injector and never have a gummed up system the following spring. Even my $25,000.00 Harley gets the same treatment.

Answer 2

We own a marina that stores over 300 boats, and as long as you stabilize the fuel, you'll be fine if it's just sitting for the winter. I truly believe in brand power, therefore I'd use Sta-bil. Use exactly what the bottle directions say for you to use and you'll be all set. I store over 20 jet skis, on top of all of the 2-stroke, carbureted outboards that require the same attention as a jet ski, and I have yet to see any issues in regards to fuel issues. If this makes you feel any better, I have boats that are in "perpetual storage," meaning that the owners may not be returning for a few years, or maybe they don't want to use their boat for a year or two, and when I pull them out and service them and start them for the first time, they literally fire right up and do not have any problems. Stabilize the fuel for the amount in the tank and don't worry about it.

Answer 3

put your gas in your car... don't let it sit and wonder later... always use fresh fuel in your boat engine... cars are more forgiving than boat engines...

Answer 4

Gasoline now contains "Alcohol" which has an "Affinity" for water, and is "Hydroscopic" (Attracts water). Fuel stabilizer will only help a little, the fuel will start to "sour", after about only 30 days, it's best to remove the fuel, and use it in the lawn mower, the PWC has to be "Fogged" before it is put away, it should be started with "Fresh Fuel mix" or if it's a four stroke, fresh fuel only, gasoline has NEVER been such a "LOW_QUALITY" before, shop's are LOADED with boats with fuel problems now, the cost of a few gallons of fuel destroying your motor are NOT worth it !

Answer 5

The major thing to watch for is sunlight.  Do not let your gas jug see the light of day!  Sunlight destroys gas extremely fast.  As long as gas is saved in a sealed jug, out of sunlight and kept at room temp, it should last a couple of months.  Stabilizers will help some, but I would not use that gas for a jetski.  The gas you are saving should be used for a lawnmower or even your vehicle as soon as possible.

Answer 6

I've found that fuel loses performance after six months storage in a boat, jerry can or whatever.  It will still work, but not as good as it should.   I've used fuel stabilizers with good results in cars, boats, lawn tractors, etc. over cold Canadian winters.

Answer 7

I use "Stabil" every year when I store my jetski. It is stored for at least 9 months and there is no problem. In fact we stored it for 2 years with Stabil and it started right up last season. Just follow the mixing directions and you will be fine. Top off you fuel tanks and mix in the Stabil, run the equipment long enough to get the Stabil up to the carbs and then shut down the gas. Run the machine out of gas and then put it away. Good to go for next season.

Answer 8

I agree with Mark G about using Sta-bil but gas will only hold up to about one month before it starts to loose its octane level,if left untreated you are looking at carb R&R possible next season due to old fuel and deposits.

Go to  wal mart and buy Sta-Bil for around 9 bucks for a big bottle,or a smaller one depending upon how much fuel you are trying to save the large bottle will treat 80 gallons.You can use this product in any gas vehicle for storage.

Don't get it on the paint or fiberglass because it will stain!!