Stale Gas
 

Okay, I've had about half a tank of gas in the 240 since the beginning of April - and now when I take the car out it chugs, spits and sputters as soon as it warms up (I am guessing because the computer enriches the a/f mixture once its warm and its old gas in the tank).

First question: how long does it take gas to go stale? and is it possible the gas in the 240 is stale?

Second question: what do I do now? should I go get some 94 and put it in, or should I buy a bottle of octane booster? should I buy more than one bottle?

I would appreciate your help. Thx!

bump!

That's strange. I leave the same tank of gas in my Vw all winter, and it starts and runs just fine. When was the last time you got new plugs, air filter, etc.?

I haven't yet... I just got the car over the winter... but here's the weird thing - cause I thought of fouled plugs before. When I got the car it ran perfectly ... and I would start it up and run it around the block once or twice until the better weather came... and I haven't had any problems until recently. That's what made me think of the fuel over the plugs. I just don't want to go out and do plugs and wires right away when all it needed was some better gas.

thx for your help.

Just take it out on the highway and run it until it is almost empty. Then go fill it with supreme. If it still does it, change the plugs and rotor. If you have a k&n, wash it. If you don't, get one.

Well I wish I saw that last post before I went out. I went to crappy tire and got some octane booster, fuel injector cleaner and also this engine cleanser (you put it in with your oil and its supposed to break up any deposits and free up sticky valves and springs). Needless to say it didn't work. None the less I am still glad I got that stuff.

I will go finish off the tank tonight (car doesn't have plates) and then I'll get some 94 for it.

When you said plugs and rotor... were you referring to the distributor rotor? And if I change up the rotor I will have to do the cap at the same time... is that correct?

I will also go out and pick up a K&N OEM Replacement. I just want to get the car running so that I can drive it somewhat comfortable over to my warehouse... that way I can do some more extensive work.

Thx again for all of your help.



EDIT: My horrible spelling.

Gas line Anti-freeze or Naptha ( that should help absorb some moisture out of the gasoline.. )

thats a great idea... i hadn't thought of it... for as long as it sat i could totally see there being some moisture in there. thx for the tip.

bingo.

if that doesnt work new plugs and wires. and yes they were referring to dist rotor no doubt

u can actually take it apart and take a close look at the copper contacts and see what shape they are in on the rotor...but if u replace the rotor, always replaced the distributor cap as well.

okay cool ... if he naptha doesn't work then I will go ahead and do plugs, wires, distributor cap & rotor along with a replacement filter... any other ideas of suggestions...

thx for all of the help!