You are right, but I would like to add that bacterial action and even
the problems of evaporation are not the only problems. Sta-Bil also acts to
slow up the chemical actions of free radicals that help make big chains from
small ones and are a large factor. But you are right about the new fuel
blends and that should be taken into account as well. I will even add that
buying the fuel from a name brand station that does a lot of business is a
good idea as it is likely to be fresher to start with.

--
Joseph E. Meehan

26 + 6 = 1 It's Irish Math


"Larry Caldwell" wrote in message
k.net...
(mark Ransley) writes:

Some new blends get 6 mo even with stabil

The gums that form in fuel are from bacterial action. Sta-Bil is an
antibacterial agent that inhibits the growth of that bacteria. If fuel
is an alcohol or MTBE blend, it draws moisture out of the atmosphere and
will grow bacteria even if stabilized. That is why the new blends won't
store as long. Many areas only sell oxygenated fuel part of the year, so
you can extend fuel storage by buying non-oxygenated fuel.

Generally the larger the tank the less contact with the atmosphere, so
fuel will last longer in a large, full tank than it will last in a small,
partially full tank. Any storage can should be tightly sealed for
maximum storage life. Most cars have sealed fuel systems, so the fuel
will store well in the gas tank. Older vehicles will draw moisture in a
vented gas tank. If the fuel in a tank is doubtful, you can pour a can
of carb cleaner into it to keep gum deposits to a minimum.

--
http://home.teleport.com/~larryc