Fuel in Vehicles in Storage

GTLEGEND · 29-01-2023, 03:42 PM

What are people's thoughts/advise on fuel levels in vehicles being stored for long periods? This is referring to both older (steel tank) and new plastic tank vehicles.

From what I have heard there are pro's and cons to both scenarios of leaving fuel in tank or leaving it almost empty when storing vehicles for longer periods.

Leaving tank full of fuel stops condensation/water from building up in the tanks and corroding fuel senders and pumps but running the risk of fuel going stale/turning jelly or even becoming like black carbon when it goes off.

Leaving tank almost empty reduces the risk of fuel going off, but then the risk of condensation/water building up inside the tank can cause other issues like corroding fuel pumps/senders etc.

Seems to be a bit of a loose loose situation.

Thoughts..

Itsme · 29-01-2023, 04:13 PM

When I stored my last project vehicle, I just added a fuel stabiliser to stop the fuel going off.
Since it was stored in the garage there was little temperature variation to cause condensation, usually I leave about quarter of tank of fuel in it.
Never had any issues as I'm aware of.

PS: If it was really long term I would remove tank and empty it.

Citroënbender · 29-01-2023, 04:56 PM

Full, with fuel stabiliser run through the system, or dry empty.

b0son · 29-01-2023, 05:18 PM

How long is long? Auto-oxidation of fuel in the absence of light. heat, or a catalyst, is slow. The fuel is still good after 6 months.

GTLEGEND · 29-01-2023, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b0son

How long is long? Auto-oxidation of fuel in the absence of light. heat, or a catalyst, is slow. The fuel is still good after 6 months.

Approx 2-3 years..

**Bluehoon** · 29-01-2023, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

Approx 2-3 years..

If storing full of fuel then add penrite fuel stabilizer prior to filling & storing.

If storing empty then simply add methylated spirits before filling or starting. Remember the methylated spirits will absorb water from the atmosphere or the tank so either way (storing full or empty) you're up for the potential rust complication. If older (carburetor) vehicle blend two stroke mix into the fuel system and start it to act as lubricant & sealant for all steel parts, rubbers etc.

It also won't hurt to take out the plugs and put a little spray two stroke mix down the chambers, then put the plugs back in.

Will help keep everything lubricated and prevent seizing (long term).

**Rallye Sport** · 29-01-2023, 06:39 PM

I'd fill it up for storage. After that period of time though I'd be looking at replacing all of the other fluids in the car so you may aswell add fuel to the list.

Itsme · 29-01-2023, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

Approx 2-3 years..

Is the engine going to be fired up once and while or is it just sitting this duration?

GTLEGEND · 29-01-2023, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Itsme

Is the engine going to be fired up once and while or is it just sitting this duration?

No parked up in storage facility whilst owner is overseas..

Citroënbender · 29-01-2023, 08:30 PM

In that case, fill the tank, add the stabiliser, run it so the additives are right through the system, shut down and you’re done. If the time away ticks past three years, suggest drop the fuel and repeat.

Ten years old fuel still burns, it’s just a bit gutless.

XR Martin · 29-01-2023, 09:12 PM

PIA getting rid of 70L of fuel...

Store it empty.

Tassie f100 · 29-01-2023, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

What are people's thoughts/advise on fuel levels in vehicles being stored for long periods? This is referring to both older (steel tank) and new plastic tank vehicles.

From what I have heard there are pro's and cons to both scenarios of leaving fuel in tank or leaving it almost empty when storing vehicles for longer periods.

Leaving tank full of fuel stops condensation/water from building up in the tanks and corroding fuel senders and pumps but running the risk of fuel going stale/turning jelly or even becoming like black carbon when it goes off.

Leaving tank almost empty reduces the risk of fuel going off, but then the risk of condensation/water building up inside the tank can cause other issues like corroding fuel pumps/senders etc.

Seems to be a bit of a loose loose situation.

Thoughts..

Suppose it is fuel injected.An old thing years ago with carby engines was to run at fast idle and tip engine oil down the carb until the engine stalled.leave a bit of fuel in tank then tip a bottle of metho into the tank.leave for a day then fill tank,pull out spark plus.wind engine over a few turns,then refit plugs and start engine

Itsme · 29-01-2023, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

No parked up in storage facility whilst owner is overseas..

You will also have to consider options for the engine, battery & tyres if sitting for that length of time.
Switching off a working car and leaving it idle for years on end will cause other problems.

zilo · 30-01-2023, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTLEGEND

What are people's thoughts/advise on fuel levels in vehicles being stored for long periods? This is referring to both older (steel tank) and new plastic tank vehicles.

From what I have heard there are pro's and cons to both scenarios of leaving fuel in tank or leaving it almost empty when storing vehicles for longer periods.

Leaving tank full of fuel stops condensation/water from building up in the tanks and corroding fuel senders and pumps but running the risk of fuel going stale/turning jelly or even becoming like black carbon when it goes off.

Leaving tank almost empty reduces the risk of fuel going off, but then the risk of condensation/water building up inside the tank can cause other issues like corroding fuel pumps/senders etc.

Thoughts..

In a modern car the fuel system is a sealed closed loop.
I wouldn't worry about condensation.

ebv8 · 30-01-2023, 12:21 PM

i stored my BA GT for 5 years bu ti started it each month and i put 10l of fuel in every 6 months or so, i heard that if you ad 5l of fuel to 5l of old fuel it will negate the effects of stale fuel, anyway after i got it registered i ran the old fuel and it was fine.
i also bought a car (HX holden) that was left for 20 years, the fuel smelt like varnish and the tank was rusty as... needed a complete fuel system recondition
i do leave fuel in my bike that i hardly use and i have learnt don't use 98 ron, its got too many additives and they gum up the carbs when it evaporates.. 91 ron only for leaving in bikes or small engines