AGE OF GAS

Q:

We have about 20 gallons of gas that has been sitting in gas cans in our garage for a year. With spring here, we thought we’d get rid of it by topping off the boat tank. The boat tank is 80 gallons and half-full. The boat’s engine is a carbureted MerCruiser 454. Do you think it is safe to use that gas? Melanie and Steve Kraft

St. Louis

A:

It’s probably all right to use that fuel, especially since you’ll be adding it to 40 gallons of presumably good fuel, plus topping off with fresh fuel from the fuel dock or gas station. However, I would rather you do not risk using bad fuel. You could get stuck out on the water and/or have an expensive bill for disposal of sour fuel. Since it’s only 20 gallons, I’ll offer my standard recommendation that you find a less critical use of the fuel, such as in lawn and garden equipment.