Does Sunoco race fuel go bad?

Sunoco race fuel is a high-performance fuel designed specifically for use in racing engines. Like all fuels, Sunoco race fuel has a shelf life and can eventually go bad if stored for too long. However, with proper storage and handling, Sunoco race fuel can remain stable and effective for use for quite some time.

Table of Contents

What causes fuel to go bad?

There are a few key factors that can cause fuel, including Sunoco race fuel, to deteriorate over time:

Oxidation – Exposure to oxygen causes the fuel to oxidize over time, leading to the formation of gums, varnishes, and insolubles.

Evaporation – The lighter components of the fuel evaporates over time, altering the fuel composition.
Contamination – Dirt, water, microbes etc can contaminate the fuel.
Temperature fluctuations – Exposing fuel to extreme temperature cycles can accelerate fuel degradation.

Sunoco race fuel, like other race fuels, is more resistant to oxidation and evaporation compared to regular pump gas due to the use of higher quality base stocks and additives. However, it can still deteriorate over an extended period of time if not stored properly.

How long does Sunoco race fuel last?

Properly stored, unopened barrels of Sunoco race fuel can generally last 12-24 months before significant deterioration occurs. However, fuel that has been exposed to air, moisture, dirt, or temperature fluctuations will start to degrade much sooner.

Here are some general guidelines on how long Sunoco race fuel can last under different storage conditions:

Unopened barrels stored properly – 12-24 months
Opened barrels with minimal exposure to air – 6-12 months
Fuel stored in vented storage tanks – 3-6 months

Fuel stored in equipment/vehicle fuel tanks – 1-3 months

The most important factor in determining fuel shelf life is exposure to oxygen. Minimizing air exposure by keeping containers tightly sealed and tanks topped off will extend the usable life significantly.

Does expired fuel damage engines?

Using expired or degraded Sunoco race fuel can potentially damage your racing engine and fuel system. Here are some of the most common issues:

Gum and varnish deposits – Oxidized fuel can leave sticky residues that clog fuel lines, injectors, and valves.
Corrosion – Oxidation byproducts in degraded fuel can corrode metal components it contacts.
Power loss – Deteriorated fuel has less energy content, resulting in power loss.

Hard starting – Gum and varnish deposits can cause hard starting and stalling.
Poor performance – Reduced power, acceleration, and throttle response due to poor fuel quality.

While premium race fuels like Sunoco have robust additive packages to deter oxidation and corrosion, degraded fuel can still absolutely cause both short and long term engine damage over time. Any sign of power loss, hard starting, or rough running after storage may indicate a fuel system cleaning or component replacement is needed.

Signs your Sunoco race fuel may be going bad

Watch out for these signs that your stored Sunoco race fuel is degrading in quality and performance:

Change in appearance – Fuel darkening, taking on a hazy appearance, or showing separation between layers.
Gummy or sticky residue – Gum and varnish deposits forming on the walls of the container.

Strong odor – Stale or harsh fuel odor indicates evaporation of lighter compounds.
Water droplets – Condensation forming on the walls signals moisture contamination.
Debris/sediment – Particles settling at the bottom of the fuel container.

Corrosion – Rust, paint peeling, or metal corrosion where the fuel contacts metal surfaces.

Testing the fuel periodically by draining a sample from the bottom of the tank or container is the best way to check for signs of degradation. If any of the above symptoms are noticed, its time to dispose of old fuel properly and refill with fresh race fuel.

How to prolong Sunoco race fuel shelf life

Proper fuel storage and handling is key to maximizing the usable life of your Sunoco race fuel investment. Here are some tips:

Use dedicated sealed race fuel containers, not vented gasoline cans.
Fill containers and tanks completely to minimize air space.
Add fuel stabilizer according to instructions.

Keep fuel out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Avoid water and dirt contamination.
Drain and refresh fuel supplies every 3-6 months.

Periodically check for signs of fuel degradation.

Keeping moisture, oxygen, and dirt away from fuel is the most effective way to keep it fresh and stable for the longest period of time. Promptly addressing any contamination or storage issues will help avoid more rapid degradation as well.

How to dispose of old race fuel

Expired or degraded fuel must be disposed of properly. Here are some guidelines:

Allow fuel to evaporate fully before disposing of the container. This can take weeks to months.
Pour off separated water from the bottom and dispose of it properly.
Mix with some fresh gasoline to dilute any gummy residues before running through the engine.

Run diluted old fuel mixture through the engine before disposing to help clean deposits.
Contact your local waste management authority for disposal instructions.
Never dump fuel directly into the environment or a drain.

Allowing the fuel to evaporate in a well ventilated area is the safest option. Any remaining fuel residues must be diluted substantially and used up before discarding the empty container according to local regulations.

Can old race fuel be reused?

While not recommended, degraded race fuel can potentially be reused in some limited cases:

Testing and diluting – Mix a small amount with fresh fuel in a 5:1 to 10:1 ratio and test performance.

Lower performance applications – Usable in lawnmowers or other low performance engines if diluted.
Fuel cleaning additive – May help dissolve deposits when used as an additive.
Waste oil burner – Can be used as supplemental fuel for waste oil furnaces.

However, old race fuel should never be used for racing or high performance applications again. The risks of engine damage or poor performance are too high once the fuel has degraded substantially. It’s best to use up old fuel and start fresh whenever deterioration is suspected.

Key takeaways

Unopened Sunoco race fuel generally lasts 1-2 years if stored properly.
Minimal air exposure, consistent cool temperatures prolongs shelf life.

Degraded fuel can damage engines through corrosion, deposits, and power loss.
Signs like odor changes, separation, debris indicate fuel is going bad.
Preventing contamination and managing inventory helps maintain fuel quality.

Allow old fuel to evaporate fully before disposing of containers properly.

While Sunoco race fuel is more stable than pump gas, it still has a finite shelf life. With proper storage and rotation of supplies, race teams can keep fuel fresh and avoid degraded fuel damaging expensive racing engines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can race fuel be stored?

In ideal conditions, unopened barrels of race fuel like Sunoco can be stored up to 12-24 months before significant degradation occurs. However, once opened and exposed to air, fuel life is reduced to 6-12 months. Storing fuel in vented containers or tanks shortens usable life to 3-6 months.

What happens if you use old race fuel?

Using old, degraded race fuel can result in a variety of engine problems including gum and varnish buildup, corrosion, power loss, hard starting, and poor throttle response. Prolonged use can cause accelerated wear and damage requiring expensive repairs.

Can you mix old and new race fuel?

It’s not recommended to mix old, deteriorated race fuel with fresh fuel for racing or high performance applications. However, mixing a small amount into fresh fuel in a 5:1 to 10:1 ratio can be test run in less demanding applications to evaluate if the old fuel is still usable.

Does fuel stabilizer help race fuel last longer?

Yes, adding the recommended dose of high quality fuel stabilizer when storing race fuel can help deter oxidation and evaporation. This can extend the shelf life of properly stored fuel by up to 50% over untreated fuel.

Can old race fuel damage an engine immediately?

Using severely degraded race fuel can cause immediate issues like power loss and hard starting as the fuel may not combust properly. However, the bigger concern is corrosion, gum, and varnish gradually forming inside the engine if old fuel is run repetitively, leading to long term wear and failure.

Conclusion

Sunoco and other premium race fuels have enhanced stability and performance properties compared to everyday pump gasoline. However, like any fuel, race fuel still has a finite shelf life and will eventually go bad without proper storage. The most important factors are minimizing air exposure, maintaining cool and consistent temperatures, preventing contamination, and frequently cycling inventories. Test fuel periodically and watch for signs of degradation like appearance changes, odor, or separation. With proper handling, race teams can expect 1-2 years of optimal performance from their Sunoco race fuel when stored in sealed drums. Following fuel storage best practices allows race engines to benefit from the superior performance of fresh race fuel batch after batch.