Fuel shelf life

wha-tah-hey Fri Dec 06, 2013 8:57 pm

I'm getting back into model airplanes after a long spell away and fiddling w/several 1/2As, Cox reed and OK Cub.
I have nearly a quart of Byron Premium 1/2A fuel which has been stored in the original bottle, indoors in a dark closet, for maybe 8-10 years.
I've increased the castor content to 25%, but I'm wondering:
Does fuel degrade over that period?
Or should I just try it and see if anything'll run?

Thanks.

Terry

**Cribbs74** Fri Dec 06, 2013 9:09 pm

Try it. Can't hurt anything. Normally 20-22% oil is more than adequate. I have had fuel last quite a while and have even run fuel that was 40+ yrs old.

Ron

wha-tah-hey Fri Dec 06, 2013 10:25 pm

The extra oil is more in consideration of the Cubs I hope to run.
Seems highly recommended for them.

If you've run 40+ yr old, mine oughta be good. Wink

Tnx Ron.

Terry

pkrankow Fri Dec 06, 2013 10:48 pm

Light degrades nitromethane. It releases some water in this process. Water degrades methanol. Oxygen degrades castor.

So, original, sealed bottle kept in the dark in a "climate controlled" environment...Does it look like it should? If it looks fine after being in those conditions it probably is fine.

If the color is significantly different (black/brown) or there is excess particulate then I would consider tossing it. I disposed of 2 quarts of BLACK fuel that was stored in metal containers. It had an off odor about it too.

Phil

wha-tah-hey Sat Dec 07, 2013 6:17 pm

Well, looks good, smells good, no sediment/trash - I'll give it a try when the weather warms up.
WAAAAAAAAY too cold outside rifht now for this ol' feller! Cold

Terry

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