ORIGINAL: brianengy
Hey,
I have a chance to buy a mix batch of 5 gallons of fuel for $20 off of the local Craigs List. I call the guy and he said 4 jugs have not even been open yet, but they are around 4-5 years old. Should I go for it?
I'm currently using Omega 15%.
This is the lot.
2- Cool Power 5%, 1- Morgans 12-1/2%, 2- Omega 10% and 15%.
I have unopened fuel that is going on 5 years old. I just opened a jug this spring and the fuel is fine, HOWEVER, my fuel has been stored in the basement. The temperature ranges from 40 in the winter to about 60 in the summer and the basement is dark.
The major question you should be asking yourself is: What percentage fuel do I USUALLY run ? Most people run 10% or 15% for sport flying. Very few people run 5% nitro (at least where I fly in Connecticut).
If you are presently using 10% nitro you will see the following changes:
With 15% nitro - little noticable change in performance. MAYBE a slight increase in power/performance.
With 5% nitro - A distinct, noticable change in performance (less power/performance).
Retuning the engine AND a different glow plug MAY bring the performance back up somewhat close to what you now have.
If you remove the head gasket you will not see any difference in power from 10% (possibly a slight increase ).
Be VERY CAUTIOUS about removing the head gasket. Make triple sure you are going to have adequate clearance on the head, glow plug and piston. If you are planning to do this with a 4 stroke, DON'T (you will have major damage ).