How to dispose of old fuel?

jlanng · 23 August 2013, 22:39

I've just bought a RIB which has sat for a while (at least 6 months). I'd rather put some fresh fuel in there before I first go out.

Question is, what do I do with the 15 litres or so of old petrol?

willk · 23 August 2013, 22:42

Mix it into your car, or lawnmower, or outboard at 50:50 - it will be fine.

Fact is, if it's really only six months old, it will be fine anyway - but you sound worried...

jlanng · 23 August 2013, 22:52

Well, I don't know for sure how old it is - it could be 18 months old. The tank vent was left open when I viewed it so probably full of water.

First time out on a new RIB, want to stack all the odds in my favour. New plugs will also be going in. Didn't have much luck with my last RIB motor - I'm probably overcompensating!

willk · 23 August 2013, 23:03

Well, if it's "damned if I know sh1t" I'd either:

1. Burn it off in an open vessel - kinda sporty

2. Siphon the upper levels and check the last few liters in a clear plastic bottle for water contamination. Burn off by mixing into a diesel vehicle tank at around 2 liters per fill.

CJL · 23 August 2013, 23:14

Alternatively you could contact the local authority and ask them to pick it up from your house. They may charge you for the collection but it would be the "proper" way to dispose of it and they are legally obliged to take it from you.

Alternatively you could ask them if your local civic amenity site (the dump) can take it from you if you turn up.

Chris

GordyP · 23 August 2013, 23:23

Makes great BBQ lighter fluid.

willk · 23 August 2013, 23:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by GordyP

Makes great BBQ lighter fluid.

Not so much

Burning in an open vessel (think steel pot) limits the evaporation surface and reduces the risk of an explosion as oxygen supply is also limited. The burn is relatively controlled. Too many have been torched when igniting petrol on an "open" fire

whisper · 23 August 2013, 23:44

Get it out of there, stick it in an old jerry can for starting bonfires or something, your engine should be running perfectly before you go out, when any one of the local cruising lot get a new boat we always arrange to go out in company just in case

Get things right first then enjoy your boating

Any secondhand rib will need to be checked over before you take it out to sea and while you are there for a small cost you can add a water separating fuel filter too if you don't already have one

SPR · 24 August 2013, 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Not so much

..... Too many have been torched when igniting petrol on an "open" fire

+1 for this

Squid Boat · 24 August 2013, 02:48

I have a guy on my block that's a roofer, I give him me old fuel to wash tar of his roofing tools. I bet any farmer would take it.

Cheers, Squid

treerat · 24 August 2013, 09:13

Take a second tank. Start on the new fuel, switch over to the old fuel, burn it off then back to teh new to clean through before coming home.

Worst case is you change back to the new fuel as engine runs like a sack of cack.

Poly · 24 August 2013, 09:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

1. Burn it off in an open vessel - kinda sporty

My observations (with only 1L of the stuff that had been used for cleaning a bike chain:

- its surprisingly hard to light
- when it does light - holy sh*t its ferocious and burns for quite a long time.

Searider · 24 August 2013, 09:56

The petrol will be fine - it's the water that may be in there that might not be so bright.

The suggestion of starting on a fresh tank, switching to the old tank and the. Back to the new tank to flush through will be ok if there's no water.

If there is water, once it gets into your carbs it won't come out without draining down.

Haven't you got any 17 year olds in your street who would be grateful for some free petrol for their car?

tonto · 24 August 2013, 10:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Searider

Haven't you got any 17 year olds in your street who would be grateful for some free petrol for their car?

Or in some areas for molotov cocktails

willk · 24 August 2013, 10:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

My observations (with only 1L of the stuff that had been used for cleaning a bike chain:

- its surprisingly hard to light
- when it does light - holy sh*t its ferocious and burns for quite a long time.

A sign that you were a VERY good boy indeed. I wasn't.

I use an old gas cylinder with the top cut off (don't ask me about that) and a bit of paper as a wick so no fiddling near the fuel.

As air can't get at the petrol too well, it burns with a yellow smoky flame and takes quite a while to burn off.

Obviously it's VERY DANGEROUS and I wouldn't recommend that anyone REALLY do this at home...

Generally now I just dump any old mix into the Land Rover - it helps her pass the emissions test!

Searider · 24 August 2013, 10:54

My old Range Rover loved old petrol!

jlanng · 24 August 2013, 11:41

The farmer suggestion was a good one! First one I stopped at willingly took it off hands.

Thanks for all the suggestions, sporting or otherwise

Brendan Townsend · 28 August 2013, 20:47

For future reference, I can say that our local tip was OK to take it.

As general waste handlers they would have to be equipped and licensed to process hazardous waste, so would doubtless include all flammable substances, spirits and fuels - perhaps the only exception being explosives

All the best,,
Brendan