Fuel Fun

[cape man]

Gas goes bad with moisture here in Florida and other humid places. The tanks are vented, so during the day they are releasing fumes but at night they are sucking in humid air. Ethanol binds with the water, making a sticky mess, but even non-ethanol gas will eventually get too much moisture in it to run an engine well.

A good (maintained! ) water-fuel separator is almost a must. Find a store that sells non-ethanol gas and only use it. Periodically dump the separator into a container and check for water. It will be easy to see in the bottom of the sample. If you don't have a separator drain a sample from your fuel line as outlined here by several of us, and look for water in the bottom of the sample. The pick up for your tank is in the bottom so if you have water it will show in a small sample.

I once ran out of gas on the interstate coming back from a work trip to the Keys. Found a plastic bottle on the shoulder of the road, unhooked the fuel line going to the boat engine, and using the bulb was able to pump a gallon of gas to go to the tow vehicle.