Question.... My wife had surgery a while back and I haven't been able to get on the water in about 4 months. My boat (2000 Skeeterzx185 w/ 150 Yammy) has been sitting for 4 months with 1/2 tank of gas without stabilizer in it. I'm going out when it stops raining. Should I siphon the gas or let it run as is? I've heard nightmares about gas turning to varnish and ruining the motor.

thanks,
steve

Steve,

I have been told that gas after about 30 days is no longer any good. I really don't know how true this is. Anyway, I would siphon the gas since you have a new boat. I would not risk it.

BTW, my wife has had three surgeries in the last 6 years. My boat sat for 3 years. Getting mine back at a price of over $1600. That includes new carpet.

Hope your wife is doing better. Good luck on your boat.

Jim..

The buildup of varnish is caused by the gasoline that is left in the carburetor and fuel lines and evaporates away. If I remember correctly, gasoline begins losing octane approximately 90 days after production. The only thing you need to worry about in your case is the loss of octane in the fuel, but I run my boat with fuel that old all the time. You say it's half a tank of gas, so if your peace of mind is worth an extra $15 at the tank, then siphon it out. It's really up to you, and it's certainly not going to hurt anything to get rid of the old gas. Except those weeds in your driveway that you're going to pour the gas on

I have a 1985 Bass Boat with a 1985 Johnson GT 150 and I have not been fishing sense May 2002 and my gas tank was have full. I went out this last weekend(11/24/2002) before the cold frount hit and I had no problem at all.

Remember my gas and oil are mixed.

Hope this helps and I would go with what my gut says.

JUST ADD A LITTLE FUEL CONDITIONER AND YOU SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM. I HAVE USED GAS A LOT OLDER THAN THAT.

ERNEST