Life of Fuel

[Paul Aspinall]

Hi
I bought a Heli some years ago. After a few weeks I crashed the Heli, and
I've only just had it repaired, and found the time to have another go!!

I wanted to know if the fuel I bought a few years ago will still be OK??

It has been stored in a dark & dry location (ie. on a shelf in my garage).
Will it be ok??
How long does fuel last, before it 'goes off'??

Thanks


Paul

[Dave]

I had a can of fuel stored for 2 years, and just a couple of weeks ago I
fired up my heli with this fuel and it seems just fine - the fuel has lost
its pigmentation and is perfectly clear now.
I would use the fuel in something other than the Heli , such as an RC car if
you have one, or just use it for hover practice, which you probably need
now.


"Paul Aspinall" <paul@nospamaspy.co.uk> wrote in message
news:Ac9ra.6194$gA6.4218@news-binary.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Hi
> I bought a Heli some years ago. After a few weeks I crashed the Heli, and
> I've only just had it repaired, and found the time to have another go!!
>
> I wanted to know if the fuel I bought a few years ago will still be OK??
>
> It has been stored in a dark & dry location (ie. on a shelf in my garage).
> Will it be ok??
> How long does fuel last, before it 'goes off'??
>
> Thanks
>
>
> Paul
>
>

[The Vail Family]

If you keep fuel tightly caped it will last 10+ years. If the cap is not
tight, it will last about 2 nights (here in Mississippi).

Bill Vail


"Paul Aspinall" <paul@nospamaspy.co.uk> wrote in message
news:Ac9ra.6194$gA6.4218@news-binary.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Hi
> I bought a Heli some years ago. After a few weeks I crashed the Heli, and
> I've only just had it repaired, and found the time to have another go!!
>
> I wanted to know if the fuel I bought a few years ago will still be OK??
>
> It has been stored in a dark & dry location (ie. on a shelf in my garage).
> Will it be ok??
> How long does fuel last, before it 'goes off'??
>
> Thanks
>
>
> Paul
>
>

[Arne Reil]

Short version is: My brother got some 'free' fuel, stored about 4 years.
Couldn't get his engines to idle or run well... got some new fuel,
difference of night and day.... I use fuel from last year to start this year
and use it up, but probably not 2 years.... for the price, it isn't worth
the hassle, but I only buy a couple of gallons at a time, so I'm not talking
cases here.
..
Arne, USA (And proud of it.)
..
=========================
"The Vail Family" <wjvail@netdoor.com> wrote in message
news:BKOcndnuT5dvrDCjXTWcog@comcast.com...
> If you keep fuel tightly caped it will last 10+ years. If the cap is not
> tight, it will last about 2 nights (here in Mississippi).
>
> Bill Vail
>
>
> "Paul Aspinall" <paul@nospamaspy.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:Ac9ra.6194$gA6.4218@news-binary.blueyonder.co.uk...
> > Hi
> > I bought a Heli some years ago. After a few weeks I crashed the Heli,
and
> > I've only just had it repaired, and found the time to have another go!!
> >
> > I wanted to know if the fuel I bought a few years ago will still be OK??
> >
> > It has been stored in a dark & dry location (ie. on a shelf in my
garage).
> > Will it be ok??
> > How long does fuel last, before it 'goes off'??
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> >
> > Paul
> >
> >
>
>

[Ed Cregger]

I doubt if the age had anything to do with it, Arne. I am assuming that the
fuel was stored in the dark and with perfectly sealed containers without
radical temperature swings.

I've used fuel over seven years old without being able to tell a difference
between it and new fuel.

Which fuel you start out with also makes a difference.

Ed Cregger



"Arne Reil" <thereilarne@cox.net> wrote in message
news:oibra.37372$xB4.1018937@news2.east.cox.net...
> Short version is: My brother got some 'free' fuel, stored about 4 years.
> Couldn't get his engines to idle or run well... got some new fuel,
> difference of night and day.... I use fuel from last year to start this
year
> and use it up, but probably not 2 years.... for the price, it isn't worth
> the hassle, but I only buy a couple of gallons at a time, so I'm not
talking
> cases here.
> .
> Arne, USA (And proud of it.)
> .
> =========================
> "The Vail Family" <wjvail@netdoor.com> wrote in message
> news:BKOcndnuT5dvrDCjXTWcog@comcast.com...
> > If you keep fuel tightly caped it will last 10+ years. If the cap is
not
> > tight, it will last about 2 nights (here in Mississippi).
> >
> > Bill Vail
> >
> >
> > "Paul Aspinall" <paul@nospamaspy.co.uk> wrote in message
> > news:Ac9ra.6194$gA6.4218@news-binary.blueyonder.co.uk...
> > > Hi
> > > I bought a Heli some years ago. After a few weeks I crashed the Heli,
> and
> > > I've only just had it repaired, and found the time to have another
go!!
> > >
> > > I wanted to know if the fuel I bought a few years ago will still be
OK??
> > >
> > > It has been stored in a dark & dry location (ie. on a shelf in my
> garage).
> > > Will it be ok??
> > > How long does fuel last, before it 'goes off'??
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> > >
> > > Paul
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>

[Bill Fulmer]

It's been several years, but I recall an AMA report of someone opening an
old container of fuel (10+ years) in a metal can... It exploded, and the
modeler was severly burned... I believe it was determined the nitromethane
became unstable over time..

Doubt your fuel is this old, and in the UK, prolly is FAI (no nitro) fuel
ennyhoo... Try it...


"Paul Aspinall" <paul@nospamaspy.co.uk> wrote in message
> > I bought a Heli some years ago. After a few weeks I crashed the Heli,
and
> > I've only just had it repaired, and found the time to have another go!!
> >
> > I wanted to know if the fuel I bought a few years ago will still be OK??
> >
> > It has been stored in a dark & dry location (ie. on a shelf in my
garage).
> > Will it be ok??
> > How long does fuel last, before it 'goes off'??
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> >
> > Paul
> >
> >
>
>

[Oliver]

There is an good article on model fuel at http://www.powermasterfuels.com
(on the left hand side under a heading of 'Facts' are links to the article
pages)

The last page http://www.powermasterfuels.com/facts5.htm is about shelf
life.

Quote:
"Contrary to many things you might have read or heard, just about the only
thing that adversely affects model fuel is the absorption of moisture from
the air. Keep the air away from it, and your fuel will likely be potent
longer than you are! Methanol - the major ingredient in model fuel - is
hygroscopic. This means it's virtually 100% soluble in water, and absorbs
moisture from the air like a vacuum cleaner sucking up dirt. "

[Ed Cregger]

I still doubt the veracity of that story, Bill. It goes against all of my
experience with model airplane glow fuel. I have a suspicion that not all
the facts are known.

I am not questioning anyone's honesty.

Ed Cregger


"Bill Fulmer" <grafix01@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:rgfra.2352$X21.97@fe09.atl2.webusenet.com...
> It's been several years, but I recall an AMA report of someone opening an
> old container of fuel (10+ years) in a metal can... It exploded, and the
> modeler was severly burned... I believe it was determined the
nitromethane
> became unstable over time..
>
> Doubt your fuel is this old, and in the UK, prolly is FAI (no nitro) fuel
> ennyhoo... Try it...
>
>
> "Paul Aspinall" <paul@nospamaspy.co.uk> wrote in message
> > > I bought a Heli some years ago. After a few weeks I crashed the Heli,
> and
> > > I've only just had it repaired, and found the time to have another
go!!
> > >
> > > I wanted to know if the fuel I bought a few years ago will still be
OK??
> > >
> > > It has been stored in a dark & dry location (ie. on a shelf in my
> garage).
> > > Will it be ok??
> > > How long does fuel last, before it 'goes off'??
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> > >
> > > Paul
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>

[Paul McIntosh]

I recall the story, too. There was something about an additive in the fuel
crystallizing around the cap and igniting when the cap was unscrewed. It is
POSSIBLE, but not very common.

"Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:YThra.44266$ey1.4141317@newsread1.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net...
> I still doubt the veracity of that story, Bill. It goes against all of my
> experience with model airplane glow fuel. I have a suspicion that not all
> the facts are known.
>
> I am not questioning anyone's honesty.
>
> Ed Cregger
>
>
> "Bill Fulmer" <grafix01@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
> news:rgfra.2352$X21.97@fe09.atl2.webusenet.com...
> > It's been several years, but I recall an AMA report of someone opening
an
> > old container of fuel (10+ years) in a metal can... It exploded, and
the
> > modeler was severly burned... I believe it was determined the
> nitromethane
> > became unstable over time..
> >
> > Doubt your fuel is this old, and in the UK, prolly is FAI (no nitro)
fuel
> > ennyhoo... Try it...
> >
> >
> > "Paul Aspinall" <paul@nospamaspy.co.uk> wrote in message
> > > > I bought a Heli some years ago. After a few weeks I crashed the
Heli,
> > and
> > > > I've only just had it repaired, and found the time to have another
> go!!
> > > >
> > > > I wanted to know if the fuel I bought a few years ago will still be
> OK??
> > > >
> > > > It has been stored in a dark & dry location (ie. on a shelf in my
> > garage).
> > > > Will it be ok??
> > > > How long does fuel last, before it 'goes off'??
> > > >
> > > > Thanks
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Paul
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[Ed Cregger]

That is certainly a leading candidate for an explanation, Paul.

Ed Cregger


"Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote in message
news:b8r8eh$2nc$1@sparta.btinternet.com...
> I recall the story, too. There was something about an additive in the
fuel
> crystallizing around the cap and igniting when the cap was unscrewed. It
is
> POSSIBLE, but not very common.
>
> "Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:YThra.44266$ey1.4141317@newsread1.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net...
> > I still doubt the veracity of that story, Bill. It goes against all of
my
> > experience with model airplane glow fuel. I have a suspicion that not
all
> > the facts are known.
> >
> > I am not questioning anyone's honesty.
> >
> > Ed Cregger
> >
> >
> > "Bill Fulmer" <grafix01@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
> > news:rgfra.2352$X21.97@fe09.atl2.webusenet.com...
> > > It's been several years, but I recall an AMA report of someone
opening
> an
> > > old container of fuel (10+ years) in a metal can... It exploded, and
> the
> > > modeler was severly burned... I believe it was determined the
> > nitromethane
> > > became unstable over time..
> > >
> > > Doubt your fuel is this old, and in the UK, prolly is FAI (no nitro)
> fuel
> > > ennyhoo... Try it...
> > >
> > >
> > > "Paul Aspinall" <paul@nospamaspy.co.uk> wrote in message
> > > > > I bought a Heli some years ago. After a few weeks I crashed the
> Heli,
> > > and
> > > > > I've only just had it repaired, and found the time to have another
> > go!!
> > > > >
> > > > > I wanted to know if the fuel I bought a few years ago will still
be
> > OK??
> > > > >
> > > > > It has been stored in a dark & dry location (ie. on a shelf in my
> > > garage).
> > > > > Will it be ok??
> > > > > How long does fuel last, before it 'goes off'??
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Paul
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>

[Jari Säkkinen]

"Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote...
> I recall the story, too. There was something about an additive in the
fuel
> crystallizing around the cap and igniting when the cap was unscrewed. It
is
> POSSIBLE, but not very common.
>

Another option is that the metal surfaces in the can and the cap got rusty
or were rough, so when the can was opened, it created sparks that ignited
the fuel. A good reason to avoid metal cans...

-JTS

[Ed Cregger]

I prefer metal cans. The fuel stores longer without degradation and I don't
have to worry about something sharp accidentally puncturing the container
and leaking fuel everywhere.

Ed Cregger


"Jari Säkkinen" <sakkinen@ee.oulu.fi.thisaway> wrote in message
news:8%nsa.34150$ws6.687227@news2.nokia.com...
> "Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote...
> > I recall the story, too. There was something about an additive in the
> fuel
> > crystallizing around the cap and igniting when the cap was unscrewed.
It
> is
> > POSSIBLE, but not very common.
> >
>
> Another option is that the metal surfaces in the can and the cap got rusty
> or were rough, so when the can was opened, it created sparks that ignited
> the fuel. A good reason to avoid metal cans...
>
> -JTS
>
>
>
>

[Paul McIntosh]

But, I have had the outside rust almost through on a seam. It started
seeping in my flight box (in my trunk!).

"Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:apvsa.50540$ey1.4652340@newsread1.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net...
> I prefer metal cans. The fuel stores longer without degradation and I
don't
> have to worry about something sharp accidentally puncturing the container
> and leaking fuel everywhere.
>
> Ed Cregger
>
>
> "Jari Säkkinen" <sakkinen@ee.oulu.fi.thisaway> wrote in message
> news:8%nsa.34150$ws6.687227@news2.nokia.com...
> > "Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote...
> > > I recall the story, too. There was something about an additive in the
> > fuel
> > > crystallizing around the cap and igniting when the cap was unscrewed.
> It
> > is
> > > POSSIBLE, but not very common.
> > >
> >
> > Another option is that the metal surfaces in the can and the cap got
rusty
> > or were rough, so when the can was opened, it created sparks that
ignited
> > the fuel. A good reason to avoid metal cans...
> >
> > -JTS
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[Ed Cregger]

I have never had that problem with a metal can, but I have had a stored
gallon of fuel in a plastic jug get punctured and ruin the carpet inside of
the closet. I guess it just depends on where you are standing.

Ed Cregger


"Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote in message
news:b8uf1u$3p3$1@titan.btinternet.com...
> But, I have had the outside rust almost through on a seam. It started
> seeping in my flight box (in my trunk!).
>
> "Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:apvsa.50540$ey1.4652340@newsread1.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net...
> > I prefer metal cans. The fuel stores longer without degradation and I
> don't
> > have to worry about something sharp accidentally puncturing the
container
> > and leaking fuel everywhere.
> >
> > Ed Cregger
> >
> >
> > "Jari Säkkinen" <sakkinen@ee.oulu.fi.thisaway> wrote in message
> > news:8%nsa.34150$ws6.687227@news2.nokia.com...
> > > "Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote...
> > > > I recall the story, too. There was something about an additive in
the
> > > fuel
> > > > crystallizing around the cap and igniting when the cap was
unscrewed.
> > It
> > > is
> > > > POSSIBLE, but not very common.
> > > >
> > >
> > > Another option is that the metal surfaces in the can and the cap got
> rusty
> > > or were rough, so when the can was opened, it created sparks that
> ignited
> > > the fuel. A good reason to avoid metal cans...
> > >
> > > -JTS
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>

[acomm]

here in the uk it is allmost exclusivly sold to us in plastic containers .

trevor

"Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Yyzsa.52103$4P1.4841372@newsread2.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net...
> I have never had that problem with a metal can, but I have had a stored
> gallon of fuel in a plastic jug get punctured and ruin the carpet inside
of
> the closet. I guess it just depends on where you are standing.
>
> Ed Cregger
>
>
> "Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote in message
> news:b8uf1u$3p3$1@titan.btinternet.com...
> > But, I have had the outside rust almost through on a seam. It started
> > seeping in my flight box (in my trunk!).
> >
> > "Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:apvsa.50540$ey1.4652340@newsread1.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net...
> > > I prefer metal cans. The fuel stores longer without degradation and I
> > don't
> > > have to worry about something sharp accidentally puncturing the
> container
> > > and leaking fuel everywhere.
> > >
> > > Ed Cregger
> > >
> > >
> > > "Jari Säkkinen" <sakkinen@ee.oulu.fi.thisaway> wrote in message
> > > news:8%nsa.34150$ws6.687227@news2.nokia.com...
> > > > "Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote...
> > > > > I recall the story, too. There was something about an additive in
> the
> > > > fuel
> > > > > crystallizing around the cap and igniting when the cap was
> unscrewed.
> > > It
> > > > is
> > > > > POSSIBLE, but not very common.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > Another option is that the metal surfaces in the can and the cap got
> > rusty
> > > > or were rough, so when the can was opened, it created sparks that
> > ignited
> > > > the fuel. A good reason to avoid metal cans...
> > > >
> > > > -JTS
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[Ed Cregger]

I haven't bought fuel in metal gallon cans in quite a few years either. I
read a while back that fuel was going to be sold in metal cans once again
because of some laws, somewhere or the other in the US. I haven't heard
anything more about it in a while.

When you get right down to it, it really doesn't make much difference to me.
Each has its own advantages.

Ed Cregger



"acomm" <acomm@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
news:qwAsa.182$914.174@news-binary.blueyonder.co.uk...
> here in the uk it is allmost exclusivly sold to us in plastic containers .
>
> trevor
>
> "Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:Yyzsa.52103$4P1.4841372@newsread2.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net...
> > I have never had that problem with a metal can, but I have had a stored
> > gallon of fuel in a plastic jug get punctured and ruin the carpet inside
> of
> > the closet. I guess it just depends on where you are standing.
> >
> > Ed Cregger
> >
> >
> > "Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote in message
> > news:b8uf1u$3p3$1@titan.btinternet.com...
> > > But, I have had the outside rust almost through on a seam. It started
> > > seeping in my flight box (in my trunk!).
> > >
> > > "Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > news:apvsa.50540$ey1.4652340@newsread1.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net...
> > > > I prefer metal cans. The fuel stores longer without degradation and
I
> > > don't
> > > > have to worry about something sharp accidentally puncturing the
> > container
> > > > and leaking fuel everywhere.
> > > >
> > > > Ed Cregger
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "Jari Säkkinen" <sakkinen@ee.oulu.fi.thisaway> wrote in message
> > > > news:8%nsa.34150$ws6.687227@news2.nokia.com...
> > > > > "Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote...
> > > > > > I recall the story, too. There was something about an additive
in
> > the
> > > > > fuel
> > > > > > crystallizing around the cap and igniting when the cap was
> > unscrewed.
> > > > It
> > > > > is
> > > > > > POSSIBLE, but not very common.
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Another option is that the metal surfaces in the can and the cap
got
> > > rusty
> > > > > or were rough, so when the can was opened, it created sparks that
> > > ignited
> > > > > the fuel. A good reason to avoid metal cans...
> > > > >
> > > > > -JTS
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>

[David AMA40795 / KC5UH]

The last 2 gallons of Powermaster I got were in metal !

David

On Fri, 02 May 2003 21:30:43 GMT, "Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com>
wrote:

>I haven't bought fuel in metal gallon cans in quite a few years either. I
>read a while back that fuel was going to be sold in metal cans once again
>because of some laws, somewhere or the other in the US. I haven't heard
>anything more about it in a while.
>
>When you get right down to it, it really doesn't make much difference to me.
>Each has its own advantages.
>
>Ed Cregger
>
>
>
>"acomm" <acomm@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
>news:qwAsa.182$914.174@news-binary.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> here in the uk it is allmost exclusivly sold to us in plastic containers .
>>
>> trevor
>>
>> "Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:Yyzsa.52103$4P1.4841372@newsread2.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net...
>> > I have never had that problem with a metal can, but I have had a stored
>> > gallon of fuel in a plastic jug get punctured and ruin the carpet inside
>> of
>> > the closet. I guess it just depends on where you are standing.
>> >
>> > Ed Cregger
>> >
>> >
>> > "Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote in message
>> > news:b8uf1u$3p3$1@titan.btinternet.com...
>> > > But, I have had the outside rust almost through on a seam. It started
>> > > seeping in my flight box (in my trunk!).
>> > >
>> > > "Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> > > news:apvsa.50540$ey1.4652340@newsread1.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net...
>> > > > I prefer metal cans. The fuel stores longer without degradation and
>I
>> > > don't
>> > > > have to worry about something sharp accidentally puncturing the
>> > container
>> > > > and leaking fuel everywhere.
>> > > >
>> > > > Ed Cregger
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > "Jari Säkkinen" <sakkinen@ee.oulu.fi.thisaway> wrote in message
>> > > > news:8%nsa.34150$ws6.687227@news2.nokia.com...
>> > > > > "Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote...
>> > > > > > I recall the story, too. There was something about an additive
>in
>> > the
>> > > > > fuel
>> > > > > > crystallizing around the cap and igniting when the cap was
>> > unscrewed.
>> > > > It
>> > > > > is
>> > > > > > POSSIBLE, but not very common.
>> > > > > >
>> > > > >
>> > > > > Another option is that the metal surfaces in the can and the cap
>got
>> > > rusty
>> > > > > or were rough, so when the can was opened, it created sparks that
>> > > ignited
>> > > > > the fuel. A good reason to avoid metal cans...
>> > > > >
>> > > > > -JTS
>> > > > >
>> > > > >
>> > > > >
>> > > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
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[Paul McIntosh]

The plastic jugs that Southern Modelcraft use seem to be a lot thicker and
sturdier than what I was used to in the US.

"Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:7sBsa.51202$ey1.4691447@newsread1.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net...
> I haven't bought fuel in metal gallon cans in quite a few years either. I
> read a while back that fuel was going to be sold in metal cans once again
> because of some laws, somewhere or the other in the US. I haven't heard
> anything more about it in a while.
>
> When you get right down to it, it really doesn't make much difference to
me.
> Each has its own advantages.
>
> Ed Cregger
>
>
>
> "acomm" <acomm@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:qwAsa.182$914.174@news-binary.blueyonder.co.uk...
> > here in the uk it is allmost exclusivly sold to us in plastic containers
..
> >
> > trevor
> >
> > "Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:Yyzsa.52103$4P1.4841372@newsread2.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net...
> > > I have never had that problem with a metal can, but I have had a
stored
> > > gallon of fuel in a plastic jug get punctured and ruin the carpet
inside
> > of
> > > the closet. I guess it just depends on where you are standing.
> > >
> > > Ed Cregger
> > >
> > >
> > > "Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote in message
> > > news:b8uf1u$3p3$1@titan.btinternet.com...
> > > > But, I have had the outside rust almost through on a seam. It
started
> > > > seeping in my flight box (in my trunk!).
> > > >
> > > > "Ed Cregger" <ecregger@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:apvsa.50540$ey1.4652340@newsread1.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net...
> > > > > I prefer metal cans. The fuel stores longer without degradation
and
> I
> > > > don't
> > > > > have to worry about something sharp accidentally puncturing the
> > > container
> > > > > and leaking fuel everywhere.
> > > > >
> > > > > Ed Cregger
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "Jari Säkkinen" <sakkinen@ee.oulu.fi.thisaway> wrote in message
> > > > > news:8%nsa.34150$ws6.687227@news2.nokia.com...
> > > > > > "Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote...
> > > > > > > I recall the story, too. There was something about an
additive
> in
> > > the
> > > > > > fuel
> > > > > > > crystallizing around the cap and igniting when the cap was
> > > unscrewed.
> > > > > It
> > > > > > is
> > > > > > > POSSIBLE, but not very common.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Another option is that the metal surfaces in the can and the cap
> got
> > > > rusty
> > > > > > or were rough, so when the can was opened, it created sparks
that
> > > > ignited
> > > > > > the fuel. A good reason to avoid metal cans...
> > > > > >
> > > > > > -JTS
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[Gary]

"Paul McIntosh" <paul@mcintoshcentral.com> wrote in message news:<b8r8eh$2nc$1@sparta.btinternet.com>...
> I recall the story, too. There was something about an additive in the fuel
> crystallizing around the cap and igniting when the cap was unscrewed. It is
> POSSIBLE, but not very common.

Any chance this was fuel for diesel engines, which contains
substantial amounts of diethyl ether? Ether is known to form
peroxides when left exposed to atmospheric oxygen, and these peroxides
have been known to explode with little provocation, sometimes when a
cap is unscrewed (the peroxides are much less volatile than the ether,
and will sometimes crystallize on the threads).

Diethyl ether used in chemical labs is typically dated when the
container is opened, and discarded 6 months later.

Gary