Do I have bad gas?

[Clover]

So... I hate to be this guy, but do I have bad gas? I ran into some health problems after getting my build running and going for my first shakedown run and the car has sat. It's depressing to admit, but I think it is getting to around 4 years. I know gasoline goes bad but I don't know how long it would take in a new fuel tank or if that even matters. I have not tried starting it as I don't want to pull bad fuel into my new motor or possibly impact the Ford control module for the Coyote while it tries to learn and tune itself, if that is even something I need to worry about. I had been thinking I should drop the tank and flush it all out including the lines at this point, but I figured I may as well check before I went to the trouble.

How long before fuel in a new clean tank goes bad? Should I flush everything or am I just creating problems for myself? If I do flush the tank, anyone know what I do with the old fuel? My auto parts store takes oil but not fuel as far as I am aware. Thanks everyone.

[jts359]

They say todays gas is only good for 6 to 8 months, If you had a carburator I would say go for it but since its electronically controlled I would remove the old gas . Ed

[gbranham]

I wouldn't cycle 4 year old fuel through my fuel system. I'd clean it out thoroughly and start with fresh fuel.

[Skuzzy]

Blended fuel sitting static will separate after about 2 months. Once that happens it accelerates moisture absorption. Early on you can agitate the fuel to stir it back up and be fine, but the longer it sits, the more moisture it will absorb, until it turns to a jelly like substance.

Better safe that sorry. Remove the tank and flush it. Would not hurt to flush the fuel lines as well.

[Clover]

Thanks everyone. Luckily I did not fill it up and probably have about 3 or 4 gallons in it. I had thought this was the answer but figured it was worth checking before I went to the trouble.

I have not done this before, when you say jelly... is this even something I can "flush" out of the tank. Should I consider ordering a new tank? I'm guessing I should also pull the pump and try to clean it out. I had been thinking I could disconnect the fuel pump, inlet, charcoal filter and drop the tank down on my floor jack. I figured I could then pump/dump out the fuel and kind of spray some water through it before trying to hang it to dry out as best I can. I was also going to try an use the vacuum pump to pull any full out of the lines after disconnecting from the engine. Any advice or mistakes I'm making?

Also, did nobody mention what to do with the old fuel because it is simply not something we admit to online? I'm not looking to dump it but I don't know if you guys burn it off safely somehow or take it in somewhere special. My best idea at the moment involves picking up a dozen doughnuts, loading a lose semi full full tank into the back of my wife's wagon and hoping a local garage with the resources for it will take pity on me in exchange for doughnuts if I hit up the mechanics while they are slow. It does not seem like a foolproof plan. I'm open to the possibility that better ideas exist.

[jts359]

Here in Ocean county N.J. they have a program to take Hazardous waste a few times a year, Maybe your local Govt. offers something similar to take your old gas. Ed

[Skuzzy]

There are a number of gas tank cleaners available which will break down the sludge. With only three or four gallons of fuel to deal with there should not be too much of the gunk in the tank.

I would bench test the fuel pump to insure it is cleaned out. Run the cleaner through the fuel lines to clean them out.

I have nothing to offer as it pertains to handling the old fuel.

[danmas]

You can dispose of the gas several ways in Douglas county. You can call waste management for a one time pick up per year, you can go here: https://www.douglas.co.us/health-department/household-waste-management/ or here https://search.earth911.com/?what=Gasoline+and+Unwanted+Fuels&where=Denver,+CO for several options. I don’t know anything about the gen 3 but I have been building a roadster for a bit and would be happy to drop over if you need a hand. I’m pretty far north of you but my middle daughter is moving to Colorado Springs so I will be driving right by you fairly frequently.

Dan

[Clover]

That's great news, thanks for the info. Thanks for offering to help as well. Unfortunately, my work called to ask me to work next weekend so I am not even sure I am going to get to it like I hoped next weekend. Even if you are not able to come by this time, it would be great to meet up some point and talk about our builds and get to know some more builders. I'll send you a PM with my contact info soon. Please feel free to reach out if you ever need a hand or you have any questions.