Time to store my Cat 30. I am getting conflicting views. My mechanic says there is no need to fill the tank with gas as long as I put in stabilizer in the tank for whatever little gas remains. Others say fill the tank with fresh gas, put in stabilizer and this will prevent condensation. Opinions or experiences ?
winter gas tank
- Thread starter javelin
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That condensation "discussion" has been going on for as long as they have had tanks in boats. As I personally see it, there is a certain surface area in the tank. If condensation gets in from changing weather, air temperatures, and all that stuff, then it's gonna sit on the fuel surface that's there, regardless of how full your tank is. The amount of condensation won't change.
I find it an urban myth.
But that's just me, let the games begin...
I find it an urban myth.
But that's just me, let the games begin...
gas tank
That's exactly what I thought too !!
That condensation "discussion" has been going on for as long as they have had tanks in boats. As I personally see it, there is a certain surface area in the tank. If condensation gets in from changing weather, air temperatures, and all that stuff, then it's gonna sit on the fuel surface that's there, regardless of how full your tank is. The amount of condensation won't change.
I find it an urban myth.
But that's just me, let the games begin...
That's exactly what I thought too !!
A fuel/water seperator would be a very good idea, one that I will do before cold weather sets in again. It only took a teaspoon of condensation to plug up my engine last winter when temps went down and stayed around 10deg. Was relatively easy to remove, once I found it.:bang:
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I have a plastic tank for my outboard so stabilizer is it for me, but I also have a motorcycle with a steel tank. When I bought it it had sat through many temperature changes & any portion of the tank that was not under the surface of the fuel, rusted. So my opinion is fill the tank and ad stabilizer (Seafoam works well as a stabilizer and carb/injector cleaner)
The condensation occurs on the insides of the tank, then goes into the fuel. If the tank is full, there are no sides for it to get on. That's why the owner's of small planes that sit outside always refuel. Here's an explanation: http://www.helium.com/items/747074-how-to-reduce-condensation-in-fuel-tanks
Stu I love your comments. If you asked 10 people you would get 10 different answers. When I kept a boat up north I would put am additive in the fuel for winter,and never had a problem. I've never met anyone who has had a problem from winter storage and water. I think the bigger problem is the age of the fuel. I would have a separator on the fuel line no matter diesel or gas. Then this would not be an issue. I've met sailors who would brag about the fact that they have only burned a very small amount of fuel in a season and that they haven't filled their tank in a few years. Guess what,the joke is on them. There is nothing better for the engine and fuel system than to run it and burn fuel. Just my 2 cents
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