Does gasoline last forever? No. Gasoline, kept in a sealed container, has a shelf life of approximately 30 to 90 days—depending upon conditions*—before deterioration begins. If you add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer, that shelf life increases to approximately one year—depending upon conditions*. The process of oxidation that takes place in the gasoline causes the fuel to lose its octane rating. The octane rating is what gives the gasoline the measure of its ability to burn progressively and regularly in the combustion chamber. Is spoiled gasoline good for your outboard? Absolutely not. In fuel with low octane, the fuel/air mixture doesn’t burn regularly and reignites in the combustion chamber after the spark plug has already tried to ignite it. It’s called detonation, and it’s akin to throwing rocks at the piston. It creates damage to the piston and other internal parts. Does adding fresh gasoline to spoiled gasoline improve the gasoline? No. The best thing to do with untreated (unstabilized) gasoline that has been stored for more than 90 days might be to drain it from the tank and fuel system, then refill the tank with fresh fuel before trying to start the motor. Does adding fuel stabilizer to spoiled gasoline improve the gasoline? No. Fuel stabilizer can extend the storage life of gasoline, but only if the gasoline is fresh to begin with. "There are two things boaters can do to avoid engine damage due to detonation," said Wilkinson. "Always us a fuel stabilizer, particularly when storing fuel in the off season. " If you find you have forgotten to do so, then drain the tank and fill it with fresh fuel." * Conditions include temperature, humidity and type of storage container. Yamaha’s Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner Plus Yamaha’s Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner Plus provides protection for the fuel system from varnishing while maintaining octane levels during storage, through an efficient alcohol-free formula. The Stabilizer product, an exclusive Yamaha formula, protects steel and aluminum components in the fuel system. Because it is a non-alcohol-based stabilizer, the product also helps prevent fuel oxidation and the absorption of water by the ethanol. The newest version of the formula is more concentrated and has a thicker look than the previous Stabilizer. When used regularly, Yamaha’s Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner Plus is a powerful product and can make a big difference in the power and performance of an outboard. Yamaha recommends continuous use of 1 ounce of Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner Plus per every three gallons of fresh fuel for optimum performance. For storage purposes, Yamaha recommends 1 ounce of Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner Plus per ever 1 gallon. |