Date:         Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:37:56 -0500
Reply-To:     Mark A Kippert <vanagon@KIPPERT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark A Kippert <vanagon@KIPPERT.COM>
Subject:      Re: What should I do about a tank of old gas
In-Reply-To:  <c4e7c5f90902151551g5d4821d6hded6802d8c428286@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

I think I'll just drain the tank and see what comes out. I have no
idea how much is in the tank. If it's full it would have protected the
interior but then I'll need several jugs to fill. As for the gas
lines, I'm not too concerned about that as this is a parts van.
However I will check there condition as I don't need need gas spewing
should it start. I just want to get it running to check the condition
of everything before tearing it down.

The idea of using the old gas a little at a time in another car with
fresh gas sounds like a good way to get rid of it. Maybe even use it
with the mower etc.

Mark K
1986 GL/2WD/4SPD
1987 GL/2WD/AUTO (parts van)

On Feb 15, 2009, at 6:51 PM, neil N wrote:
>
> If it were me, in terms of fuel quality, my first concern would be any
> sediment or water that's in the tank or lines. But, if the fuel filter
> is ok, it should protect the FI's etc. from sediment. If filter ok,
> I'd try running it. If it ran, I'd consider changing the fuel filter
> but for sure change the fuel hoses.
>
> Are the fuel hoses etc. in engine bay ok?
>
> If I had doubts about the fuel and wanted to drain it, I'd clamp off
> the hoses at fuel pump/filter, hook up a generic new fuel filter to
> fuel tank outlet hose, unclamp this hose, and drain it from the tank
> through filter into a clean gas "can". Then I'd run that fuel a little
> at a time in another vehicle. Replace the fuel filter on the Vanagon,
> install new fuel lines at pump/filter, (and engine bay if needed) put
> in new gas.
>
> But that's just me :)
>
> YMMV,
>
> Neil.
>
> On Sun, Feb 15, 2009 at 3:18 PM, Mark A Kippert
> <vanagon@kippert.com> wrote:
>> I just picked up the parts van that I mentioned on the list a couple
>> months ago. <http://www.kippert.com/parts_vanagon/> It's been two to
>> three years since it last ran, but ran fine (except for the lifter
>> problem I spoke of) at that time.
>>
>> I haven't tried to start it yet because the van has the original gas
>> in it.  The PO told me he used a gas stabilizer prior to parking
>> it. I
>> keep thinking I should empty the tank and flush new gas through the
>> fuel system but I'm not sure how.
>>
>> Is there a procedure for this? Or is it really necessary with
>> stabilizer? At the very least I think I should syphon the tank and
>> put
>> fresh gas in Beyond that I'm thinking disconnect a line at the engine
>> and run it out.
>>
>> BTW, it's a 1987 GL 2WD, auto.
>>
>> Mark K
>> 1986 GL/2WD/4SPD
>>
>