Bad Gas

[Tony D-26X_SusieQ]

Got on the water for the first time this year on Saturday. Thought I would power for a couple of hours to top off the batteries from the winter sleep. About 30 minutes out it happened. That sudden loss of power and then the motor stops. I restarted and about 5 minutes later it did it again. I checked my fuel tank thinking the air valve might be closed and found my problem. The bottle of stabilizer I bought last November was still sitting next to the tank. I forgot to add it. Luckily I had filled the second tank just that morning. I changed tanks and continued to fight the clogged carbs for 4 more hours before I could hear and feel the Honda regain full power. My question is, since I now have about 4 gallons of bad fuel what can I do with it? Any suggestions?

In spite of the problems it sure felt good to get back on the water.

[mike]

My question is, since I now have about 4 gallons of bad fuel what can I do with it? Any suggestions?

Hmmmm... I remember when I was a kid, my dad used to get rid of ant piles in the yard of our suburban home by dousing them with gasoline and setting them ablaze. Seriously! Of course, I'm not suggesting that you do that, but I just thought I'd mention it, since it's kinda funny.

--Mike

[Sloop John B]

I also use it on ant piles, but it's usually just a little bit having gone stale in a long sitting lawnmower.

We have some really thrifty guys in my neighborhood. I have watched them siphon the bottom portion of the tank (where the water and crap settles in a long standing tank) for disposal. The rest is put into Briggs and Straten yard engines.

These guys are real good at rebuilding little carburetors, also.[/b]

[Merrick White]

If you have a gravel drive with weeds growing - pour it there, otherwise, many cities have a tox-away-day a couple times a month for safe, enviroment friendly disposal.

[Mark Prouty]

My question is, since I now have about 4 gallons of bad fuel what can I do with it? Any suggestions?

I use mine to start bon fires. Try to sneek it on when the kids aint a lookin' Although, I have been a bad example on occasion. She'll sure take off an eyebrow or two. If ma catches me - woa, watch out! I've managed to get rid of about 4 gallons this year. The bon fires are good for disposing of ol' furniture. Boy you wouldn't believe how that stuff goes up... nothin' left but warers.

Well I got me a bunch of gallons of ol' oily 2 stroke gas to go yet this year. It don't run too good in the Covair. Hey, that thing is really unsafe at any speed. I'm a votin' for Ralf Nadar. He really knows his cars. Wait, I digress.

Got me an old coutch and a chair yet to go. Ma's still after me to get rid of that rusted refridge and ol' Chevette off the front lawn. I hopin' the gas will turn them into warers too. Sure gets black when I throw the tares on.

I been thinkin. The next bon fire is gonna include all the afore mentioned stuff and some additional stuff I been meaning to get rid of like ol' broken transom parts. Ya know what I bet will burn real good is the original MacGregor cockpit cushions. hull from what I hear those thing ain't good for nothin except soakin' up sweat. I'm gonna put them all in one big pile and pour enough gas on to see if I can make that big wooshin' sound. I love that sound. Just to be on the save side I'll spill some gas onto a nice long trail before I light it. Ever see how that stuff follows a trail till it hits the jackpot than that big loud whoosh!! It'll be somin' to behold.

I was just wondering from you more experienced guys is there any other MacGregor parts I might want to throw on that pile 'fore I light it

I've been eyeballing that carpeting.

[mgg4]

Check with your local Coast Guard Auxillary or Power Squadron. They sometimes do fire-fighting demonstrations, and can use the stale gas as fuel for their demonstration. The Power Squadron I belong to uses a mixture of 50% Diesel and 50% Gasoline for the demonstrations.

--Mark

[Tony D-26X_SusieQ]

Check with your local Coast Guard Auxillary or Power Squadron. They sometimes do fire-fighting demonstrations, and can use the stale gas as fuel for their demonstration. The Power Squadron I belong to uses a mixture of 50% Diesel and 50% Gasoline for the demonstrations.

--Mark

Thanks Mark! I have a class with the CG Aux tomorrow night. I will check into it there. I don't suppose the county would be too happy about it if I took the stuff to the high school with me though so I think I will leave the stuff at home.

Hay! I just heard on the news that there is a chapter of the KKK forming a couple of counties over. I wonder if they could use it. Nah! They probably would light themselves up with it. Not too bright you know.

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

I wonder if just letting it evaporate is more environmentally friendly than burning it. Thats usually what I do. For small amounts, just pour it in a open bucket and in a few days, its gone. Leaves a little residue so after a couple years, I throw away the bucket. And btw, mosquitoes won't breed in it either....

[Mark Prouty]

From what I've heard, gas starts to deterioriate at about 6 weeks. It can be extended by using Sta-Bil gas stabilizer. I've also heard that moisture can be a problem in the gas and that using a Heet can cure this problem.

I'd still prefer to dispose of the gas rather than use the products above. It is one thing when the lawnmower won't start or keep running but being stuck other on the water with a non-working motor is another. I've had that happen and it isn't fun.

About not getting that flare-up, It might be time to consider a 4 stroke. I think the oil in the gas is inhibiting that big woosh flare-up.

[Billy]

You could always take it with you the next time you go out sailing. Tell some jet skiers you brought too much fuel and ask if they would like it. That should solve 2 problems.

[Mark Prouty]

You could always take it with you the next time you go out sailing. Tell some jet skiers you brought too much fuel and ask if they would like it. That should solve 2 problems.

Now that is an excellent idea!

[Tony D-26X_SusieQ]

Thanks to everybody. I think Billy had the best idea. There are a few of those big power boats around here that think a 4 foot wake is real macho too. Maybe they could use it for a bonfire on deck.

Seriously though. I presented the problem to the Coast Guard Auxilliary last night and was told that most of the marinas maintain a disposal tank where you can dump old gas. I hope they don't take it to the fuel dock to dispose of it. Then again it might get into the right tanks that way if you know what I mean. Anyway I am going to try that plan.