What to do with old gas?
- Thread starter jdsac
- Start date
I just saw a CL free ad for some old gas. Guy wants a "promise and a handshake that it won't be used in a car or dispose of it improperly, or use it dangerously".
Link: https://batonrouge.craigslist.org/zip/5992646590.html
Link: https://batonrouge.craigslist.org/zip/5992646590.html
four.cycle
Well-known member
put a "free" ad on Craigslist and tell 'em they have to bring their own container. somebody will come and get it.
AndyCBR
Well-known member
Pour a little on the ground (concrete) and let it evaporate.
Technically not a release.
Also I have let it sit in a 5 gallon pail and evaporate.
Technically not a release.
Also I have let it sit in a 5 gallon pail and evaporate.
fastbike02
Well-known member
I use it to start fires in my burn pile
disston
Well-known member
How old? Can usually be used in something like a lawnmower. If really old mix with fresh gas.
BillK
Well-known member
Have you checked with your city / county ? We have a monthly "household hazardous waste" day at our landfill where you can bring stuff like old paint, chemicals etc. Gasoline is on the list of things they take free of charge.
Might be worth a call to get rid of it properly.
Another possibility depending on your location is a marina. They have to deal with stale fuel from boats. They would probably charge you though as they are most likely having to pay to get rid of it.
Might be worth a call to get rid of it properly.
Another possibility depending on your location is a marina. They have to deal with stale fuel from boats. They would probably charge you though as they are most likely having to pay to get rid of it.
Juiced06GTO
Well-known member
We dispose of it using SafetyKleen at work. THey will come pick it up, again for a charge.
Leaflessshadetree
Well-known member
Depending on how old mix a little in when you fill your car/truck.
BTW: Out in the sticks we don't like it when people "take it out to the field and dump it" .
This goes for furniture, appliances, tires and pets as well.
BTW: Out in the sticks we don't like it when people "take it out to the field and dump it" .
This goes for furniture, appliances, tires and pets as well.
58Yeoman
Well-known member
I've bought gas cans at yard/estate sales with oil/gas mixes in them, and will either put it in my 05 Ranger, or mix it with used motor oil and use it for brush fires. I've never had a problem mixing a gallon or so with 15 gallons of gas in my truck.
This. Fill your vehicles tank, then dump a gallon or two in it the next day (when there's room in the tank).
that's funny, you must work in a mower shop......
A larger engine can handle bad fuel better then a smaller engine as you have more cylinders to spread the load. I would not recommend running the bad fuel in either though as it will adleast clog a filter.
bwringer
Well-known member
Assuming it's clean, I've slowly burned off many a gallon of elderly gas in my mower by mixing with fresh gas. The proportion depends on how old and stinky it is.
If the carb clogs, no big deal -- I hate mowing anyway, and a mower carburetor is easy to remove and clean up. But I've never had this happen -- the worst I've had is that the exhaust gets really smelly for a while, and once the old gas was so far gone it would barely burn. I couldn't get the mower to start until I mixed in a little more fresh gas.
I would not put really old gas (worse than somewhat stale) into a vehicle. Just not worth the potential safety issues and headaches if it clogs and stalls.
If it's contaminated or truly too stinky to use, then do some Googling to find your local HHW (Hazardous Household Waste) procedures.
If the carb clogs, no big deal -- I hate mowing anyway, and a mower carburetor is easy to remove and clean up. But I've never had this happen -- the worst I've had is that the exhaust gets really smelly for a while, and once the old gas was so far gone it would barely burn. I couldn't get the mower to start until I mixed in a little more fresh gas.
I would not put really old gas (worse than somewhat stale) into a vehicle. Just not worth the potential safety issues and headaches if it clogs and stalls.
If it's contaminated or truly too stinky to use, then do some Googling to find your local HHW (Hazardous Household Waste) procedures.
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Movover
Well-known member
I run it through a Mr. Funnel and put it into my 2007 Van with some good gas, usually a few gallons at a time never had any issues
rlitman
Well-known member
I would suggest the opposite. Old gas that can cause carburetor issues will be just fine when diluted in a vehicle. This goes for 2-cycle mix gas-oil mix as well.
Just put a gallon or two in your car when you fill up.
What you should be concerned with is that there is no phase separation of ethanol enriched gas. If you see what looks like oil floating over water, then the water phase on the bottom should not go through an engine. But the rest is fine (though of reduced octane).
If you really want to be sure it is safe, run the old gas through a water separating funnel like a Mr. Funnel.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
CONCUR !
Make sure there are no solids in it and don't mix in more than about 10%.
LX-Markham
Well-known member
Same here.
Depending on the age, I would dump it in the tank. If it's really old, I would take it to the hazardous waste depot.
APEowner
Well-known member
Just take it to someone who has a waste oil furnace.
pattenp
Well-known member
Really? Gas in a waste oil furnace.
MarlynOC
Well-known member
Craigslist, put up about 25 gal and they had to supply containers got about 10 people respond first one took it all in the trunk of his little Honda
Randy in Maine
Well-known member
Doug Arthurs
Well-known member
Just dump it in your neighbor's car.
maxpower_hd
Well-known member
It always a release if it is intentional so make sure you spill it by accident, and make sure it doesn't leave a sheen on water or enter any soil or drains.
I would just call your town or city and ask if they have a haz waste drop off. It's usually free and often they are regularly scheduled. Really pretty easy stuff.
Small amounts I have used to start fires in my burn barrel but it doesn't sound like you're in an area that would allow such a thing.
TractorJeff
Well-known member
LOL!
Good Read!
25 years ago I poured 5 gallons in an older carbureted car. Gunned it pulling out of work, guy followed me a half a block, then passed me as I SLOWLY accelerated to 35mph. Next day at work he ribbed me about running "Varnish" in my car!
My current neighbor hauls home old cars and usually asks me if I want the gas for my OLD farm tractor. I usually answer yes if it doesn't smell too bad. At 5.8 to 1 compression, it will run on kerosene so a little old gas won't hurt it!
Good Read!
25 years ago I poured 5 gallons in an older carbureted car. Gunned it pulling out of work, guy followed me a half a block, then passed me as I SLOWLY accelerated to 35mph. Next day at work he ribbed me about running "Varnish" in my car!
My current neighbor hauls home old cars and usually asks me if I want the gas for my OLD farm tractor. I usually answer yes if it doesn't smell too bad. At 5.8 to 1 compression, it will run on kerosene so a little old gas won't hurt it!
RegeSullivan
Well-known member
I dump 2 -3 gallons at a time into my truck and car. I just wait for the gas gauge to come off the "F", full mark after a fill up and dump it in. Never had a problem even with 2 cycle gas. The two cycle is never more than about a gallon left over from snow blower season.
Weird Tolkienish Figure
Well-known member
It's an effective weed killer.
Supergumby5000
Well-known member
Got anything with an old Honda motor? maybe an old lawn mower or generator or ATC?
I had a 1989 honda 70 ATV that consumed most of our 'old' fuel. I swear that thing would run on hopes and dreams if it had to.
I had a 1989 honda 70 ATV that consumed most of our 'old' fuel. I swear that thing would run on hopes and dreams if it had to.
rburke65
Well-known member
Add a little to the full tank of the car.
cashishift
Well-known member
I would just pour a little in my car every week.
APEowner
Well-known member
That is really bad advice.
I know a dozen people who run waste oil furnaces and all of them mix gas along with kerosene, paint thinner and diesel fuel in their waste oil tanks. I wouldn't run straight gas in one but they're designed to run on a mystery mix and the sludge that gets turned in as waste oil often needs to be cut with something to pump anyway.
Randy in Maine
Well-known member
I know one guy that doesn't anymore.
Waste gas is a hazardous waste for a reason.
I can't remember if that fire killed that guy or not, but it took out the shop and the attached house. I had never seen a melted carvalier before.
Waste gas is a hazardous waste for a reason.
I can't remember if that fire killed that guy or not, but it took out the shop and the attached house. I had never seen a melted carvalier before.
I prefer the ex wifes car....
DWinTX
Well-known member
I don't know how old your gas is, but I had a classic car that was waiting (outside) on me to restore for about three years. I drained the tank, about 10 gallons also, and dumped it all in my 2000 Expedition with 150K on it. It probably had 7-8 gallons of fresh gas in it at the time.
Burned it all up and didn't skip a beat.
Burned it all up and didn't skip a beat.
PeterT
Well-known member
Take it to your local police station, they can always use gas for their squad cars
MikeF2316
Well-known member
Like others, I've burned 3 year old gas, mixed a gallon per full tankful without problems in my car.
Dirtydan69
Well-known member
You should be able to run it no problem. Just mix with good gas. 3 to 1. 3 parts old to one part new. You'll be fine.
jkherd
Well-known member
I do the same.
southalabama
Well-known member
Fire ant beds or yellow jacket in ground nests.