Gas cans - Done for now

[workinwifdakids]

I went to WalMart yesterday and picked up two more 5-gallon plastic fuel containers, and now have 3 total. I'm done for now; space won't allow for more, and I need to focus my prep money elsewhere. Along with a minimum of 1/2 tank onboard, that will get me to my mid-range bug-out location set at 300mi from present location.

I thought I'd take this opportunity to remind everyone to make sure you have some auto fuel on hand.

[Combat Controller]

And stabili fuel. Plus if you have ethanol in your gas (you probably do) it won't last as long as it used to. Rotate twice as often.

[Termite]

And stabili fuel. Plus if you have ethanol in your gas (you probably do) it won't last as long as it used to. Rotate twice as often.

What he said.

Repeat after me: "Sta-Bil is my friend. I will use my friend EVERY time I buy gasoline for storage or use in boatmotors, lawnmowers, etc."
One oz. per 2.5 gals of gasoline keeps it good for one year.

You can also use Seafoam, but it cost more, and you only really need it if you are already starting to have fuel and carbarator stoppage issues.

Remember: Prevention is usually cheaper and easier than curing.

[JAG2955]

Is there any way to remove ethanol from gasoline?

Second question: How much gas is "too much" to store in an attached garage?

[Combat Controller]

Is there any way to remove ethanol from gasoline?

Second question: How much gas is "too much" to store in an attached garage?

I guess it depends on the size of the fireball you desire....

[Precision]

Is there any way to remove ethanol from gasoline?

when it settles out, theoretically it could be siphoned. But that would not get it all.

Second question: How much gas is "too much" to store in an attached garage?

ANY in my opinion.

I keep mine in a roofed screen building that has 3' high plywood side walls. That way no one can see it, but also any errant vapors go away immediately. Not to mention, if it goes bang, nothing important is lost.

Maybe I am a little over cautious with this, but even in my detached garage/workshop, I always keep 2 sets of 24" jalioucy windows 40% open to vent fuel vapors from the various engines stored in there.

[Termite]

Is there any way to remove ethanol from gasoline?

Yes. Ethanol is extremely hygroscopic. You can "wash" the alcohol out of gasoline by adding clean water to it, agitating thoroughly, then allowing the mixture to sit. The water will "grab" the alcohol, and settle out to the bottom. There is a formula for time vs inchs of fuel in the container, but it excapes me at the moment.

Bear in mind that removing the ethanol from today's gasoline blends may result in lower octane values, so pre-ignition may occur.

[JAG2955]

Is there any way to remove ethanol from gasoline?

Yes. Ethanol is extremely hygroscopic. You can "wash" the alcohol out of gasoline by adding clean water to it, agitating thoroughly, then allowing the mixture to sit. The water will "grab" the alcohol, and settle out to the bottom. There is a formula for time vs inchs of fuel in the container, but it excapes me at the moment.

Bear in mind that removing the ethanol from today's gasoline blends may result in lower octane values, so pre-ignition may occur.

Wow, that's actually quite interesting. It's almost worth it to do it just to stick it in the government's eye.

[cu74]

Bear in mind that removing the ethanol from today's gasoline blends may result in lower octane values, so pre-ignition may occur.

If the gasoline blend is an ethanol blend, you can change "may" to "will" because the ethanol is a substantial octane booster.

In days of yore, lead was added to gasoline to boost octane. (Not much of a big deal back when there were fewer cars than families, but a serious problem nowadays when most families have more than one car.) Gubmint says no more lead, so oil company chemists offer up MTB, which not only increases octane, but is also an "oxygenate". Turns out MTB isn't good for us either, so ethanol replaces MTB, (both for the "oxygenate" and the octane).

The problem? You get octane boost (ethanol by itself has an octane rating of about 113) but you get less miles per gallon of fuel burned. Despite the higher octane rating, ethanol yields about 30% less energy per gallon than gasoline. Gubmint doesn't care, 'cuz they tax by the gallon and get more tax dollars when you use more gallons.

The chemistry of motor fuels is complex and I am unfamiliar with today's blends. I don't know how much of an "octane hit" you would take by removing the ethanol with a hygroscopic wash. It is possible that one could "wash" Premium grade and get Regular grade, (about 87-88 Octane). Note that you would also get less than a gallon of Regular when the ethanol is removed from a gallon of Premium.

[Kommander]

I have two fuel cans that I need to fill up. The problem is that I live in an apartment. I do have an outside porch area, but I would really rather not let my neibors know I have some fuel stored there. Would covering the cans with a tarp be ok?