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Should I drop the fuel?
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 8:01 am
by ChrisA
Morning guys
So as you know my cars been sitting around for some time now. I’ve been turning it over and running it but never giving it any beans.
The tank is nearly empty so I do need to put some more fuel in it just to get her to the MOT station. My question is, is it worth dropping what fuel is in the tank and give is a flush out or just crack on as usual?
She had a full service at Unit20 within 400 miles of taking her off the road. I assume a fuel filter would have been changed at the time.
Cheers,
Chris
Re: Should I drop the fuel?
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 8:09 am
by Shoppinit
Personally I wouldn't. Just put a decent amount in when you fill up. The tank is airtight and unless you've left it vented then the fuel should be OK for months.
Re: Should I drop the fuel?
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 8:23 am
by srichards
VPower lasts ok for ages.
Are the fuel tanks metal or plastic? I'd only bother with a flush if the fuel filter was crudded up with bits.
Re: Should I drop the fuel?
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 11:07 am
by ChrisA
Shoppinit wrote: ↑Mon Jul 15, 2024 8:09 am
Personally I wouldn't. Just put a decent amount in when you fill up. The tank is airtight and unless you've left it vented then the fuel should be OK for months.
Thanks. It’s been two years but she’s always fired up and ticked over well enough. I was just concerned it might damage the injectors if it was a bit cruddy.
Re: Should I drop the fuel?
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 11:46 am
by Shoppinit
No, the filter will catch any particles, and there's no real reason why there would be any more than 2 years ago. The biggest problem with old fuel is that the ethanol content converts to water after time and stratifies. With 98 fuel I think the ethanol content is only 5% so the risk is lower than with lesser 10% or 15% fuels. I suppose the fuel could oxidise somewhat in theory but I can't really see it. Diluting with fresh stuff will help.
Re: Should I drop the fuel?
Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2024 2:28 pm
by ChrisA
Shoppinit wrote: ↑Mon Jul 15, 2024 11:46 am
No, the filter will catch any particles, and there's no real reason why there would be any more than 2 years ago. The biggest problem with old fuel is that the ethanol content converts to water after time and stratifies. With 98 fuel I think the ethanol content is only 5% so the risk is lower than with lesser 10% or 15% fuels. I suppose the fuel could oxidise somewhat in theory but I can't really see it. Diluting with fresh stuff will help.
Thanks.
