Long term storage of gasoline

[007Runner]

I store 50 gallons of gas treated with stabil fuel stabilizer in 5 gallon containers in a outside shed. I keep it for a home back up generator, and replace the supply every year.

My question is does premium store better then regular or does it make no difference? The generator only needs regular fuel. I always purchase premium because i figure I am getting some degradation even with the stabilizer and just want to make sure I still have a min 87 octane.
I may be wrong but I am not sure. Does anybody know more about this?

 

[Toyboomer]

fuel storage

You might try this website. It has further referrals on it re: fuel storage.

http://theepicenter.com/tow021799.html

There might be a contact concerning your specific question. Aslo, I noticed other hits on Google re: fuel storage. Would be interested to hear what you find out.

 

[jeober]

Save your money on the premium gas - octane rating does not degrade. What does degrade is its vapor pressure as the light ends evaporate out over time in a non-pressurized vessel. This would lead to hard starts at colder temperatures.


Storing fuel for a year is not desirable but you're probably doing the best thing in your situation with the generator. You could burn the old stock in a vehicle where you could replace the fuel filter periodically. Sometimes old fuel can develop gummy residues that your filter will catch. Also as you gently pour out the old fuel, empty the last bit into a glass bowl. You just might catch some crud on the bottom.

 

[kimboy]

Just as an FYI, My briggs and stratton gas stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for 2 years.

 

[007Runner]

Just as an FYI, My briggs and stratton gas stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for 2 years.

If I double the amount of stabil per instructions I can get 2 years as well. I don't do this because it will further decrease the BTU content by adding the extra stabilizer and I am not willing to let it sit for 2 years. I much rather replace it one time a year to keep it as fresh as possible with minimal inconvenience. 20 degrees below 0 during a major power failure is not the time I want to find out my fuel is not fresh. Even with fuel stabilizer you get some degradation.

 

[007Runner]

This is all I could find on storage of gasoline.

http://www.chevron.com/PRODUCTS/prodserv/fuels/bulletin/longterm_gasoline/storage.shtml