Re: What is the shelf life of leaded gasoline?

Sue,

Gasoline is a blend of components. The component composition also varies dependent upon the season. Gasoline stored developes "sludge" from oxidation. The components boiling points also plays a part in the gum build up. Components with lower boiling points, such as butane, tend to evaporate. The overall loss in light products causes the gum concentration to increase. The overall quality of the fuel will change drastically. So much the loss, the ability to utilize the fuel in internal combustion engines wouldn't be advisable. You also made reference to the gasoline as being "leaded". Lead was used as an octane enhancer for automobiles but has since been eliminated. The gasoline would also contain a pretty high amount of sulfur. Fuels and automobiles have developed over the years:

• Sulfur content has dropped more than 10 fold in the past 30 years.
• Internal combustion engines have developed greatly over these past 3 decades.
• Platinum catalyst converters to improve emissions.
• Computer aided emission sensors to optimize air/fuel ratios.

The hypothetical stored gasoline would not only be environmentally hazardous, but also useless in engines. Gasoline isn't meant to be stored for long periods of time. I have left gasoline in the lawn mower over the winter (not a good practice). The gums built up in the fuel system. When it was time to cut the grass, the lawn mower wouldn't start until I cleaned the system and replaced the gasoline. Maybe I'll go to the local hardware and purchase fuel stabilizer which slows the oxidation process.

Have a happy and safe holiday.