Fuel fill-up question

[AutobahnSHO]

I always use ethanol free gas in anything with a small engine. I'm sure now an expert will come in and say that's a myth, you don't need to run ethanol free in small engines, but I do.

Nah, that's solid advice from multiple sources.

Sponsored

 

[AzureBlueBill]

Someone mentioned that there is no air in a gas tank. Maybe more than one person has stated this. Air has to go in when you pump fuel out. Unless the tank collapses (which won't/can't happen).

 

[Tbone289]

A very good boat mechanic buddy of mine told me a few years ago to use ethanol free gas in my lawn mower and snow blower. We have 91 octane ethanol free locally but it is usually $1.50 or more a gallon.
I've always run my lawn mower and snow blower empty when put in storage.

I do the same for small outdoor equipment, 2-stroke and 4-stroke. But rather than running them empty, several years ago I started filling them up with ethanol free before putting them away for the winter, and emptying any storage containers so they'll be replenished with fresh fuel in the spring. About every 6-8 weeks while in storage, I start and run each piece of equipment to operating temperature. I have had zero carburetor issues since doing this, and I believe keeping fresh fuel in the carb, heating the oil, etc. is actually better long-term than running them dry, at least for equipment that is used frequently enough throughout the year to empty/replenish the fuel in the tank.

 

[AzureBlueBill]

Nah, that's solid advice from multiple sources.

They do not sell ethanol-free gas here in Connecticut, it's gasohol or nothing at the gas stations. So the answer is add Stabil or Lucas treatment. Key is to mix it with some gas before dumping it in, then make sure you run the engine to get it into the carburetor too. Never had a problem with storing a car or lawn equipment by doing this. Never seemed to matter how much gas was in them either.

 

[Jetlat7878$]

I’ve always filled up my vehicle’s fuel tanks when it gets to half. Is that a good idea or no, cause I’m wondering if the ‘older’ fuel goes bad, but no big deal if mixed with newer gas. Thanks. Remember, there are no dumb questions .

If the truck is sitting outside in the weather, condensation could occur with part full gas in the tank. If the truck is not being driven for long periods of time, months, I'd keep it full to prevent comdensation. Otherwise, with everyday driving I let the tank get to empty then fill it up on my Maverick Hybrid. It's not an issue for regular driving.

 

[Jetlat7878$]

I do the same for small outdoor equipment, 2-stroke and 4-stroke. But rather than running them empty, several years ago I started filling them up with ethanol free before putting them away for the winter, and emptying any storage containers so they'll be replenished with fresh fuel in the spring. About every 6-8 weeks while in storage, I start and run each piece of equipment to operating temperature. I have had zero carburetor issues since doing this, and I believe keeping fresh fuel in the carb, heating the oil, etc. is actually better long-term than running them dry, at least for equipment that is used frequently enough throughout the year to empty/replenish the fuel in the tank.

I’ve always filled up my vehicle’s fuel tanks when it gets to half. Is that a good idea or no, cause I’m wondering if the ‘older’ fuel goes bad, but no big deal if mixed with newer gas. Thanks. Remember, there are no dumb questions .

Also, if you think it's an issue, talk to your Ford dealer.

 

[ET bagel]

Just don't overfill it. Stop on the pump stops on the first click.

Not an issue in NJ.

 

[ET bagel]

I’ve always filled up my vehicle’s fuel tanks when it gets to half. Is that a good idea or no, cause I’m wondering if the ‘older’ fuel goes bad, but no big deal if mixed with newer gas. Thanks. Remember, there are no dumb questions .

It’s mostly a condensation thing. A half empty tank has lots of air and cold surfaces for moisture to condense.

 

[Sugarbush Bob]

My dad said the same thing. I repeated it to my kids and grandkids. They have never run out of gas! But the real reason is so that in the winter if you are stuck in a storm you can idle your car longer to stay warm .

 

[MakinDoForNow]

My dad said the same thing. I repeated it to my kids and grandkids. They have never run out of gas! But the real reason is so that in the winter if you are stuck in a storm you can idle your car longer to stay warm .

I have had to drive 62 miles on I-40 to find a station that was able to pump gas because the internet was down and pumps could not boot up no matter which brand. At one place there was a small fueling truck dispensing gas but he had about 20 cars in line.

 

[sdcoburn449]

I run my tank nearly empty before filling it to the first click, then adding about another gallon, giving me over 600 miles on a "full tank". I don’t get why anyone fills up halfway these days—maybe that made sense in the '50s, but now it just means more stops for gas. If you’ve got time for that, good for you.

 

[Meeka]

I run my tank nearly empty before filling it to the first click, then adding about another gallon, giving me over 600 miles on a "full tank". I don’t get why anyone fills up halfway these days—maybe that made sense in the '50s, but now it just means more stops for gas. If you’ve got time for that, good for you.

I’m retired, got lots of time.

 

[Bobkath]

Never had an issue with gas, and fill it when near empty, but Diesel in my F250 for sure. That why there is a water separator. Just saying.

 

[billbillw]

I've been driving for almost 40 years. In older cars with less accurate fuel gauges and higher fuel consumption, I filled up at 1/4 tank always because you weren't sure if you'd make it to a station if you didn't get fuel asap! Newer vehicles with range estimates and low fuel lights, I drive until the low warning comes on and then fill up. I've never had a fuel system issue or had to replace a fuel pump. These newer cars still have 3+ gallons left in the tank when the low light comes on. The tank is almost always designed so that the pump is in a low spot and remains covered with fuel when the low light comes on.

 

[BrianA]

My understanding is that it minimizes the probability of condensation forming on the walls of the tank due to the air space. This happens in cold weather. Obviously, water in the tank is not good. I never let mine get below half a tank.

Small aircraft always park with fuel tanks FULL for this reason. Airspace in the tank will let air in and out as the temperature cycles, this air has moisture that can condense inside the tank and cause a very bad day. No airspace means minimal condensation risk. Condensation is much more of a risk than 'old gas'. My experience with old gas is if the engine can start on it in the first place, it will run fine. Starting is the only problem.

Sponsored