I have a 5-gallon can of gasoline which has been sitting around for a little less than three years. (A galvanized metal can.)
I hate to see it go to waste. (Plus I’m not sure how I would dispose of it if I can’t use it.)
Does gasoline degrade? Can I pour it into my car without fear of engine damage?
If not, any suggestions on disposal?
Can you or should you, 2 different things. I guess it really depends on what you are going to run it in. If you drive an old '78 Buick I would say go ahead and pour it in and then top off the tank with fresh gas and burn it up. If you drive a new BMW or something similar fuel injected and picky then I would really think twice about it.
Gasoline does degrade after time, it will start to ‘varnish’. You will probably be able to smell the different oder when you open it up. The stuff will still burn but it could wreak havoc on a finely tuned fuel injection system.
As far as disposal if you don’t feel like trying to burn it I would find a freind with an old pickup truck or old beater type car that is carburated and give it to them. The older vehicles don’t really care much, just top it off with some fresh fuel and burn it.
Thanks for the info! I do have a friend with an old pickup, so I’ll just give it to him next time he’s around.
Also, gasoline is mildy hygroscopic, which means it absorbs atmospheric water. The longer it sits around, the more water can get in it (unless the container is completely sealed, but proper gasoline containers are not).
You could minimize the risk by having yer friend with the pickup only put in a little with each new tank of gas.
When I bought a lawn mover, the instructions said that I should add a gasoline preservative to any gas I stored, because gas does degrade. If my lawn mower gets picky over gas stored for perhaps a season, I’d be hesitant about using three-year-old gas on a vehicle.
I have seen people start cars that have been sitting around a long time & the old gas appears to smoke quite a bit.
Kirkwood Fire Department - FAQ
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How can I find out what programs the Fire Department offers?
How do I get a copy of a fire incident report?
Does the fire department offer CPR and/or First-Aid classes to the public?
How do I get rid of old gasoline that I have in my garage?
Do you get cats out of trees or rescue pets?
What are the educational and physical requirements to be a firefighter?
Will the fire department inspect my home for fire safety?
Do I need a permit to have a campfire in my backyard?
Does the fire department service fire extinguishers?
Are tours of the firehouses available?
Does the fire department install smoke detectors?
How do I get a permit from the fire department to build my building?
Can I get my blood pressure taken at the firehouse?
What does the number stand for on each fire truck?
Is counseling available if my child is setting fires?
When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?
Why do so many fire trucks respond to simple incidents?
Why do fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?
Why do firefighters cut holes in the roof of a building on fire?
Why do firefighters break windows in a building that is on fire?
Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents?
Why do fire trucks respond to emergency medical calls?
How can I find out what programs the Fire Department offers?
You may visit our Programs and Services page on this website or call 314-822-5883.
How do I get a copy of a fire incident report?
Call the Fire Department at 314-822-5883. You can either pick up the report or we’ll mail you a copy. The cost for this service is $6.00.
Does the fire department offer CPR and/or First-Aid classes to the public?
Yes, the fire department holds classes for both individuals and groups in CPR and First-Aid training. These classes follow the American Heart Association guidelines. The department also assists Scout troops in obtaining merit badges related to fire safety and first aid. Classes are scheduled on an “as-needed” basis.
How do I get rid of old gasoline that I have in my garage?
The best way to get rid of gasoline is to use it in your lawn mower. The fire department cannot accept the gasoline as we do not have a method for disposal. A second option is to call a hazardous materials waste hauler to dispose of it for you.
http://www.ci.kirkwood.mo.us/
Woooops, I seemed to have pasted a list of topics from that page too, sorry about that. Perhaps a mod would like to edit that?