Gas too old?

[86euro]

How long does it generally take for gas to "go bad"?
I bought one of my Celebritys a couple years ago in non-running condition. I would guess the car sat for at least a year before I bought it. IIRC, the tank is around half full (or is that half empty ).
The car will be put back together again soon, and I was wondering if I needed to drain the tank before I start the car. Or can I just top it off with fresh gas? Or even just use what's in it?

[1988GTU]

When in doubt, pour it out. I wouldn't use it if it were 3 years old or older. It might just gum up the injectors.

[jjcom]

Yeah, once you get to a year old, gas gets a little funky. Anything older just turns to a varnishy yuck.

[86euro]

OK, I guess I'll drop the tank and empty it out then. Might as well put in a new pump too so I don't need to worry about it.

[Ortie666]

whats it smell like?.. after about a year it probably will start to smell stale

[86euro]

I don't know what it smells like, my nose can't really tell the difference between old and new. Unless it's around 20 years old, I can detect that.

[Ray Hamilton]

I smells kind of like varnish. I've bought REAL old cars with gas in the tank and it definitely doesn't smell like gas. When it gets to that point you should drain it. Remember, you've got fuel lines that have it in it and the fuel filter.

[prophiseer]

I've had a car sit for almost two years with 1/2 tank, and the fuel was alright. I guess it really depends on the region you live in; humidity, average temps, etc.

bad fuel tends to have a sour smell to it . . . kinda hard to describe.

You might be able to get by filling the tank off with mid-grade or premium and a can of Seafoam, but sometimes it's better safe than sorry . . .

[ForcedFirebird]

I know that repairing generators get monotnous every year when the hurricanes come through here in FL. They are always gummed from leaving fuel in the lines/tank.

If fuel sits around here, it gets trashed. Fuel stabilizer works good, but once it's gone, it's gone.

I vote empty it before the start if you are unsure.