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Health & Fitness

Emergency Preparedess Tips

Emergency Gasoline Storage

Generators should be one of the main supplies you should have and I'll have more on that later, but storage of gasoline to run it, could be a concern. I've included some of the basics below.

For general storage there are three precautions that will delay the deterioration of gasoline:

    -Fill containers about 95% full.

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    -Cap containers tightly.

    -Store containers out of direct sunlight in a location where the temperature stays below 80F most of the time. Use a gasoline stabilizer like Sta-Bil or Pri-G, available at most auto supply stores.

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The first two actions reduce the evaporation of gasoline during storage and reduce the exposure of gasoline to air and water vapor. The 5% air space allows room for the liquid gasoline to expand if its temperature rises. Storage temperature affects storage life.

I prefer to add a fuel stabilizer additive like Sta-Bil (be sure to read the directions on the container) to the gasoline regardless of how long I plan on storing it. Follow the label directions. The best mixing is achieved when the stabilizer is added to the container before it is filled with gasoline. The stabilizer will work only if it is added to fresh gasoline; it can’t fix gasoline that has started to deteriorate. Federally mandated reformulation of gasoline to increase the oxygen content produces a mix that will survive storage as well or better than conventional gasoline. Adding oil to gasoline doesn’t change its stability. Gasoline-oil mixtures for two-stroke-cycle engines will survive storage as well as gasoline itself.

The volatility of gasoline is tailored for the range of temperatures expected in the locality where it is sold. Engines fueled with "summer gasoline" may be more difficult to start in cold weather. Gasoline that is tailored for colder climes has additional benzene added and other chemicals to increase its ability to vaporize and burn more cleanly in internal combustion engines.

Store gasoline only in containers intended for the purpose. A 55-gallon metal drum is the only container approved by the Uniform Fire Code for the storage of more than five gallons of gasoline. Be careful to not store a container of gasoline near an ignition source such as an appliance pilot light. This is important, do not store gasoline in a garage near gas fueled heaters or water heaters. Vehicles that may sit for a period of time like boats or motor-homes need special consideration to prevent driveability problems (hesitation, lack of power) which may be encountered after storage. The probable cause is gum deposits in the carburetor, on the injectors, or on the fuel filter/screen. Treating the gasoline in the vehicle’s tank with a deposit-control additive may remove the problem deposits. Follow the label instructions. If driveability doesn’t improve by the time the treated fuel has been used, check the fuel filter and screen (if any) in the fuel tank for plugging.

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