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Classic/Antique Car Repair/How to remove old gas from tank?

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Expert: - 5/30/2008


Question
Hello,
I have a car stored that I start every month or two.  The problem is, the last time I added gas to the tank was about 3 years ago when I took it to the local gas station..

Now, I'm worried that the gas may be bad, based on what I've heard that gas doesn't stay good for long.  I haven't noticed any problems in the sound of the carburetor yet though.

If I was to remove all the gas in my tank (1970 Dodge) - what would be the best approach? To buy a siphoning kit from the auto store?  How could I be sure I got all the old gas out?


Thanks very much!

Answer
If it was me I would make a trip to the auto store and get some Stabil. It is an additive for gas to prevent it from getting stale. Then pour in 5 gallons or so of fresh fuel and bounce the car to mix it all up. Then run the engine a bit to get the fuel up into the lines, pump and carburetor.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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