Gasoline is one of the most dangerous substances found around the home. It is
highly flammable and extremely toxic. Never pour gasoline down the drain, on the
ground, or in the trash. Improper disposal of gasoline is a health and safety
hazard, and threatens the environment.
As gasoline ages, it tends to lose some of its desired ignition properties.
Old gasoline used at full strength may account for sluggish behavior or temporary
failure of an engine. Gasoline stored for long periods may become contaminated
with dust particles, dirt, or water. It may also undergo a minor chemical change
becoming "gummed up" or forming "varnish." Old or contaminated
gasoline can be reconditioned for use by following these procedures.
A word of caution: This management option may cause harm to
human health and the environment if the described procedures are not followed
carefully.
Materials Needed
protective gloves, such as nitrile or chemical-resistant gloves
chemical splash goggles
thin cloth or coffee filter
safety-approved gasoline container
Safety Precautions
Gasoline is highly flammable and toxic. Use extreme caution when handling.
Recondition gasoline in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation of vapors.
If you can smell it, you are breathing in gasoline vapors and should increase
ventilation.
Recondition gasoline in an area away from sources of heat, spark, flame, or
ignition. The area should also be inaccessible to children and animals.
Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages while working with gasoline.
Procedures to Recondition Old Gasoline
Filter gasoline into a safety-approved container through two layers of thin
cloth or a coffee filter to remove any solids or semi-solids. The cloth or paper
can be dried outside, away from the house and sources of heat, spark, flame,
or ignition. It can then be disposed of with the trash destined for the landfill.
Use the filtered gasoline by mixing with new gasoline at a 1:5 ratio (1 part
reconditioned gasoline to 5 parts new gasoline).
An octane booster may also be added to further restore volatility. Octane booster
can be purchased at a gasoline station or auto supply store.
Procedures to Recondition Gasoline Contaminated with Water
Water will sink to the bottom of the container. Use a mechanical syphon or pour
as much gasoline as possible off the top, leaving mostly water in the bottom
of the container. The remaining water may be allowed to evaporate outside, away
from the house and sources of heat, spark, flame, or ignition. This option should
only be recommended if local air pollution officials approve.
Gasohol (10% ethyl alcohol) or isopropanol (a fuel dryer) may be mixed in with
the gasoline to break up small amounts of water. This prevents large quantities
of water from entering the engine at once. Follow directions for mixing on the
product label.
Use the gasoline by mixing it with new gasoline at a 1:5 ratio (1 part reconditioned
gasoline to 5 parts new gasoline).
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