Why store with a full tank of fuel?

[Speedy!]

I've seen several of you post that when you store your car, you top off the tank with fuel. The fuel tank is plastic, so I wouldn't think topping it up is needed unless you guys worry about condensation some how? I'd wonder if the fuel is still any good after storage for 5 or 6 months?

I normally drive mine at least once a month, but we've had terrible weather lately and I'm wondering how long I can wait before getting it out for a drive.

 

[jroyk]

I've seen several of you post that when you store your car, you top off the tank with fuel. The fuel tank is plastic, so I wouldn't think topping it up is needed unless you guys worry about condensation some how? I'd wonder if the fuel is still any good after storage for 5 or 6 months?

I normally drive mine at least once a month, but we've had terrible weather lately and I'm wondering how long I can wait before getting it out for a drive.

I’ve always topped it off because of condensation, but that might not even be a concern these days with ethanol in the gas. I also add Stabil to the last fill up and the gas seems just fine in the spring. BTW and FWIW, Project Farm did a seemingly valid test of fuel stabilizers and Stabil was a clear winner.

 

[Speedy!]

I did put some Stabil in the tank last 93 fill up - but I typically only keep 1/2 tank in the car as I never know when I'll wanna go from 93 to E85 or back again.

 

[jroyk]

 

[drag racer]

personally, 6 month old modern gas causes me zero concerns, and is actually quite "new" in my world

 

[jgilj]

I went for a little ride today 37 but beautiful blue skies.

 

[2ndAmend]

I have been messing with engines since the mid 60's, never had a problem, even here up north. I mostly don't worry about it. I do drain the carbs in my lawn mower and wood splitter. And I don't race the cars until the old fuel is burned up. Hope everything will start next spring!

 

[2ndAmend]

But if I had to think about it, I would leave the tank near empty and let the ethanol soak up the condensation, then run the tank empty in the spring, then start fresh.

 

[jroyk]

I have been messing with engines since the mid 60's, never had a problem, even here up north. I mostly don't worry about it. I do drain the carbs in my lawn mower and wood splitter. And I don't race the cars until the old fuel is burned up. Hope everything will start next spring!

Since switching to E0 and Stabil, I don’t even bother draining float bowls in my outdoor power equipment anymore. Everything starts right up in the spring.

 

[BULL]

I've always heard that it's about air volume which in turn equals amount of condensation.


If the available volume of air is minimized, so is the condensation.


Reality? Who knows...

 

[Jack_Toepfer]

and the parts most impacted by condensation in your tank are at the top, most exposed to it.

 

[1971demon]

I've seen several of you post that when you store your car, you top off the tank with fuel. The fuel tank is plastic, so I wouldn't think topping it up is needed unless you guys worry about condensation some how? I'd wonder if the fuel is still any good after storage for 5 or 6 months?

I normally drive mine at least once a month, but we've had terrible weather lately and I'm wondering how long I can wait before getting it out for a drive.

5/6 months...it will run I wouldn't beat on it.