Pete asked,
[snip]
>engine. The starter trick (with plugs out) turns the engine, but there are
>no explosions occurring in the chambers to impact the
>pistons/rods/bearings. If it's been outside it would sure be worth it to
>check for rust in the fuel tank... anyone know the "shelf life" of
>gasoline?
>
>Pete Chadwell
>1973 TR6
>
I can't speak as an `expert' on this, but after a year or two, gasoline
that's been sitting in the car's tank, especially if 1/2 full or less,
is probably a) floating on a layer of water, from condensation, and
b) depleted of its lighter-weight, more explosive fraction, due to
evaporation, as this fraction is very volatile.
I suggest draining at least a gallon of whatever's in the tank, and
putting it into your lawn mower (if you dare), and adding a couple
gallons of fresh to the tank. I would add a pint of isopropyl alcohol
before the new gas, too, to try to remove water. Assuming you have a
successful start, after running the car and using a few gallons of the
above tankful, I'd change the fuel filter, as the alcohol tends to
loosen and clean any old `varnish' residue left from the old gas.
Just my 2 cents' worth, seemed to work last time I tried it.
Tom Tweed
SW Ohio
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