Empty tank of gas or full tank of gas?

[Hallow Man]

Dear posters. If you are leaving the country and will leave your car behind undriven for a long time, do you keep an empty tank of gas or full tank of gas, I know it's one or the other but I forgot.

 

[Seth]

Dear posters. If you are leaving the country and will leave your car behind undriven for a long time, do you keep an empty tank of gas or full tank of gas, I know it's one or the other but I forgot.

I was always told full. Empty allows for condensation (water) to form in the tank.

 

[Michael Pardee]

I was always told full. Empty allows for condensation (water) to form in the tank.

Be sure to add a gasoline stabilizer (available where fuel additives are sold) and disconnect the battery. Modern cars have electronics that draw a few tens of milliamps and will drain the battery in a month or so.

Mike

 

[John Horner]

Dear posters. If you are leaving the country and will leave your car behind undriven for a long time, do you keep an empty tank of gas or full tank of gas, I know it's one or the other but I forgot.

How long? What are the storage conditions?

A full tank results in less moisture condensation, but gasoline has a definate shelf life and will turn to a horrible smelling, goo making varnish jelly over time.

With stabilizer (like Sta-bil) you are probably ok for 1-2 years if stored indoors in a dry environment with a full tank of gas.

If you are only talking about a month or two, then fill 'er up and park 'er.

John

 

[G-Man]

Full!

Also, always use Sta-Bil in it. I do it to motorcycles even in the winter.

G-Man