Hi all,

My car is being stored at my parents place while I'm overseas for about 9 months. Before I left I changed the oil and hooked the car up to a trickle charger. I didn't have time to top up the fuel tank with petrol and put fuel stabiliser in it, so asked my parents to do it.

Unfortunately they didn't and the fuel is now about 4 months old. I think there is about half a tank of fuel, so I'm wondering if it would be OK to have them fill the tank up completely and then put fuel stabiliser in? Would it be OK to then drive the car on that fuel when I get back in January? Or should I just leave it for now and empty the tank and fuel lines when I get back home?

What happens to petrol when it gets old, and how long does it take to get old?

 

My car started after sitting for nearly 2 years with 1/8 tank of gas. Top it off with premium gas and you'll definitely be fine.

 

So I should do this when I get home, rather than have it done now with fuel stabiliser added?

 

i wouldn't worry about the fuel and just have mom or dad start her up 2-3 times a month.

 

It is not too late and I think you should add it. And it would be a good idea to start you car and let it run for a bit to circulate the fuel stabilizer.

 

Thanks for that. I'll get them to top up the tank with fuel and add stabiliser and run the car for a few minutes.

Aside from circulating the stabiliser, is it better to have the car sitting the whole time or have them start the car occassionally? I would have thought it'd be better just to let the car sit instead of letting it idling for a few minutes each month, taking into account engine wear.

 

I say add some in, & top her off with high test.

I did a rebuild, took 'bout 4 months for financial reasons
and I ended up dropping the tank due to fuel pump failure.

Old gas gets sticky when it air dries, Whether your's is old
enough to do so ..is anyones guess

You would want to start your car every other month
for obvious reasons.. for correct operation! & I for one
wouldn't want stale oil recirculating in & around my crank
& rod bearings/journals.

But, Im just picky and somewhat paranoid.

Stuff just goes wrong when it sits, ask me how I know, haha!

 

Thanks for all the info guys, I now know what I need to do!