Whoa, whoa...this is my field here fellahs...
Gasman, if the tank is lined with any coating (Epoxy...it's like Teflon), ALL components of the tank are coated. That includes the suction pipe, the vent pipe, the inlet pipe, the floor, sides, the gauging system whether automatic or manual. API (American Petroleum Institute) 650 and 653 states this. This of course applies to new tank construction and alteration of older tanks. All underground storage tanks without secondary containment were required to be replaced in the 90's. So...all your gas stations have NEW tanks...epoxy coated of course. At any rate, gasoline in the tanks that are filled from barges, truck, tank-car or cross country pipeline doesn't sit for months. The world uses so much fuel the amount is staggering. Our 250,000 gallon bulk gasoline tank that feeds the 5,000 gallon gas station tank has to be refilled twice a month. That's over 500,000 gallons of gas for a fleet of <2500 vehicles. I can't tell you what the local Amoco does, sorry. I bet it isn't too far off however. As for how long gasoline actually burns...it'll *burn* after years of storage. Sta-bil is an alcohol mixture that mixes with water and gas. Petroleum products don't mix with water hence the rainbows on the pavement. That's where "it just won't run right" comes in when the carbs are adjusted, the air filter is clean, the plugs are good...how 'bout the fuel? The problem is, after 3-6 months, gasoline alone doesn't burn effectively. It'll burn yeah, but not the way it should. The probelm comes from carbon atoms losing um...power? (carbon dating). What power? Don't ask me. Ask a chemist how that whole thing works. Anyway, the alcohol in Sta-Bil mixes with the water (from condensation) and gasoline to make it more flammable...hence supporting combustion. You could put a 25 cent bottle of isopropyl alcohol in your tank and achieve the same results. Smell old gas sometime...it smells...well, old. It won't burn as well. Carburators (sp?) can handle it with a choke adjustment...that's why your lawn mower will start, but it won't burn the way it should. Your plugs will be fouled a bit. As soon as you put fresh gas in however, it'll clean your plugs just like new (provided your carb is set right). Anyway, yes, if you're going to store your bike for the winter(or more than three months), put Sta-Bil in...it won't hurt a thing. Like Bandit said, keep the tank full. Air space draws moisture. If you want to drain it, fine. Take the cap off, the remaining gas will evaporate. As for how long it takes to corrode? Well, gas tanks in cars and bikes aren't coated (I wouldn't think so at least) so how long does it take for that scratch on your door to rust? Too fast in other words. Keep your tank full when it sits, add your Sta-Bil (READ THE RATIO!!!! TOO MUCH IS BAD) and ride happy!:lol:
