How to tell when fuel is bad?

[Evildomain]

Ok, I've been meaning to ask you guys how can I tell when my fuel has gone


bad or I have a bad batch? I've read some posts where someone doesn't drive


their truck a little while and then all of sudden the fuel is no good. Is it color or smell?

 

[6victor6]

Ok, I've been meaning to ask you guys how can I tell when my fuel has gone bad or I have a bad batch?

If you drop a lit match in it and it doesn't explode, it's no good...

 

[Evildomain]

Good idea. I'm going to try that right now.


Lighting the match, getting it near the open gas can, nothing seems to be happe......................

 

[fastlane]

Usually by smell.

 

[Sprint 77]

Another good reason why I run AVGAS 100LL . I have never had a issue with the fuel and I go for months between running at times. I do more fabbing and building for my ( and you all ) R/C's than I do running.

 

[Evildomain]

Where do you buy the AVGAS Sprint? What the price difference?

 

[fastlane]

small local airports EvilD

 

[RampageHopUps]

If ti doesn't kill your neighbors grass, it was bad. I don't take a chance, I just dump it in the golf cart.

 

[6victor6]

If ti doesn't kill your neighbors grass, it was bad. I don't take a chance, I just dump it in the golf cart.

Nice.. I'll check that out...


While we're on the subject.. If bad gas were used, can it cause any damage? Is there any concern other than a lack of performance?

 

[Martin]

Like other said, very old gas have a caracteristic smell.


Usually less than 3 month your oil mixed fuel are still ok, I even don't worry myself to use 5 - 6 month old not mixed gas, if I have a doubt, I put some octane booster in it.


Old gas can cause the engine to ping (detonation) = too much heat = can cause bad performance, or engine damage...........


At the end, for that smaller quantity of fuel you use in your RC, if you have a doubt about your fuel, put it in your lawn mower, snowblower, golf cart, etc...... and go to buy another 4$ of fresh fuel for your delicate RC engine, I don't think it will harm the budgit a lot..........