Any advice on storing unused fuel during winter period ?

[Cliff Henke]

The fuel is in 1 gallon metal cans at this time. I never store any fuel especially alcohol based fuel directly on concrete floors. I keep them in a shop with a temperture range 55-70 during the winter. The deal is I have no experience storing in metal cans. (Other than Coleman fuel 25 years ago or WD40) Just 1-5 gallon plastic Jugs.

Now when racing karts with methanol the concrete rule still applies, even if at the track on race day ( warmer weather or hot ) but it was kept on ice in coolers to run much stronger but still legal. Not everyone knows this or does not believe it ?

So I'm asking ( in my eyes ) the guys who would know the answer. Any input would be appreciated, Cliff

[Brett Buck]

The fuel is in 1 gallon metal cans at this time. I never store any fuel especially alcohol based fuel directly on concrete floors. I keep them in a shop with a temperture range 55-70 during the winter. The deal is I have no experience storing in metal cans. (Other than Coleman fuel 25 years ago or WD40) Just 1-5 gallon plastic Jugs.

Now when racing karts with methanol the concrete rule still applies, even if at the track on race day ( warmer weather or hot ) but it was kept on ice in coolers to run much stronger but still legal. Not everyone knows this or does not believe it ?

So I'm asking ( in my eyes ) the guys who would know the answer. Any input would be appreciated, Cliff

      I just leave them in the tightly closed can and forget about it. I have had fuel stored at variable temperatures for 10+ years. and I leave fuel in the back of my van pretty much all the time, hot, cold, it doesn't matter.

     I don't care for plastic jugs, because heat-cycling can crack it and make it leaks,  but as far as I can tell that works OK as long as you keep it in a dark place.

    Brett

[Paul Taylor]

Maybe it's just in my mind but I would not let it set on a concrete floor. Something about moisture?

I think the best place to store fuel is in your fuel tank in your plane, but only for 6-8 minutes at a time. 

[Tim Wescott]

Maybe it's just in my mind but I would not let it set on a concrete floor. Something about moisture?

If the jug is sealed then the moisture isn't going to get in or out.  I could see how having the methanol go into the tank cold may be of help, but if nothing's going into the jug and nothing's coming out of the jug, and the temperature is never getting high enough to degrade stuff, then it just doesn't matter.

So -- cap 'em tightly, and don't worry.

[Garf]

Watch out for condensation on the bottoms of cans. I have had a few rust thru from that.

[sleepy gomez]

The old "don't store it on a concrete floor" likely started with not doing this with car batteries.  Some years ago car batteries used an asphalt case.  If left on a concrete floor for a while these could drain the battery.  Now with the plastic cases this is no longer the situation.  If fact storing a battery on a concrete floor is beneficial because it keeps the battery cool.  Isn't it amazing how stories grow and spread to other entities. 

[Will Davis]

I keep my fuel in a cabinet in my workshop, off of the floor, in the dark and keep the fuel cans clean , lids tight and have them in the best temp control you can, I always try to use up all opened fuel cans for weekend flying and keep new fuel for contest and serious practice.

More important is to buy good  quality fuel with correct oil and nitro content for your setup, alot of variable mixtures for our use

[Trostle]

Power Master had a brochure some time ago about the question of storing fuel.  That said that fuel would store indefinitely, but they recommended not storing it in plastic bottles that can be in direct sunlight.  So, keep it in a sealed container that will not deteriorate (as in plastic jugs that can crack or cans in an environment that will rust.)

Another alternative is to move to Southern Arizona.  We fly year around on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  Sometimes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

[Will Hinton]

Keith, what do you do the rest of the week days?

[Larry Fruits]

 I store mine in the cartons it comes in. I keep it in the basement where the temperature is fairly costant year round. I only open as needed and try to use up any partial jugs at flying seasons end. I also date each case and use the oldest first. Have not had any problems with fuel being several years old doing it this way.

 Larry  

[Brett Buck]

I store mine in the cartons it comes in. I keep it in the basement where the temperature is fairly costant year round. I only open as needed and try to use up any partial jugs at flying seasons end. I also date each case and use the oldest first. Have not had any problems with fuel being several years old doing it this way.

     I did that for a while but it doesn't seem to be too important. I usually fly at the NATs with fuel that is stored in a half-filled can from at least the previous year, and sometimes a lot older. I can't tell any difference.

      Light definitely had an effect but otherwise, as long as it is in a sealed can, it will last just about forever.

     Brett

[Bootlegger]

  Will and Keith, the only time to fly is on days that end in "Y"...   LOL