Excursion - once in a lifetime find
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 4
Excursion - once in a lifetime find
OK, so..... I found a 2005 Limited Excursion V-10 gas with a little over 12,000 miles on it. If I buy it and drive it away, I will find like I have taken advantage of the lady selling it. But she insists the price is firm.
Here'e the problem though..... it has not been started or driven for the last 3 years since her husband passed away. And I suggested she NOT let anybody start it now because of stale gas. Surprisingly, everything lights up and chimes when you turn the ignition key to "accs".
So tell me about the gas. What do I need to do before cranking this truck up? Simply add fresh high octane fuel to the tank, or dump the tank and start fresh? Some people say it will be OK just to add fresh gas, some say "heck no, dump the tank!"
Anybody have any personal experience with this type of problem? Opinions on the Internet vary too. There is no definitive answer to be found anywhere.
Experts out there? Tell me what you think please.
Here'e the problem though..... it has not been started or driven for the last 3 years since her husband passed away. And I suggested she NOT let anybody start it now because of stale gas. Surprisingly, everything lights up and chimes when you turn the ignition key to "accs".
So tell me about the gas. What do I need to do before cranking this truck up? Simply add fresh high octane fuel to the tank, or dump the tank and start fresh? Some people say it will be OK just to add fresh gas, some say "heck no, dump the tank!"
Anybody have any personal experience with this type of problem? Opinions on the Internet vary too. There is no definitive answer to be found anywhere.
Experts out there? Tell me what you think please.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
From: Greensboro, NC
How much gas is in the tank? If it was me I would drain the entire tank, flush the lines, and change the fuel filter. I would then fill it up with about 10 gallons while adding something like Seafoam to the tank. Drive it till empty and then fill and use as normal.
If it has any Ethanol in the gas then I would not run it at all and would drain it. By this time any Ethanol would have separated and you'll looking at a real mess in there. If you think it has 'real' gas - that is - no Ethanol, then I would most likely fill it up with reg gas - higher octane will make absolutely no difference.
Keep in mind it will have old oil so I would recommend an oil/filter change very quickly and clean the MAF, IAC and throttle body well - Amsoil Power Foam is recommended since it actually foams up and expands to clean more than just a spray.
Sounds like a cool find - keep us updated!
If it has any Ethanol in the gas then I would not run it at all and would drain it. By this time any Ethanol would have separated and you'll looking at a real mess in there. If you think it has 'real' gas - that is - no Ethanol, then I would most likely fill it up with reg gas - higher octane will make absolutely no difference.
Keep in mind it will have old oil so I would recommend an oil/filter change very quickly and clean the MAF, IAC and throttle body well - Amsoil Power Foam is recommended since it actually foams up and expands to clean more than just a spray.
Sounds like a cool find - keep us updated!
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Why does everyone think high octane gas is somehow better?
The fuel systems today are sealed systems. I would turn the key to activate the fuel pump and open the Schrader valve on the fuel rail. If it smells stale then I'd flush everything. If it smells "normal" then I'd fire it up, head straight to a gas station, top off the tank with fresh fuel (normal octane) and plan for a nice 300 mile trip.
If all goes well, I would top it off before parking it and then put in a new fuel filter.
The fuel systems today are sealed systems. I would turn the key to activate the fuel pump and open the Schrader valve on the fuel rail. If it smells stale then I'd flush everything. If it smells "normal" then I'd fire it up, head straight to a gas station, top off the tank with fresh fuel (normal octane) and plan for a nice 300 mile trip.
If all goes well, I would top it off before parking it and then put in a new fuel filter.
New User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Why does everyone think high octane gas is somehow better?
The fuel systems today are sealed systems. I would turn the key to activate the fuel pump and open the Schrader valve on the fuel rail. If it smells stale then I'd flush everything. If it smells "normal" then I'd fire it up, head straight to a gas station, top off the tank with fresh fuel (normal octane) and plan for a nice 300 mile trip.
If all goes well, I would top it off before parking it and then put in a new fuel filter.
The fuel systems today are sealed systems. I would turn the key to activate the fuel pump and open the Schrader valve on the fuel rail. If it smells stale then I'd flush everything. If it smells "normal" then I'd fire it up, head straight to a gas station, top off the tank with fresh fuel (normal octane) and plan for a nice 300 mile trip.
If all goes well, I would top it off before parking it and then put in a new fuel filter.
Ditto, along with seafoam or something like it.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 980
Likes: 1
From: Stuart, FL
Gas is gas to me. Just turn the key and fire it up. After a tank or 2 I would put some injector cleaner in the tank and drive with a smile on my face. :-)
I have a 20 years old Camaro in the garage. I filled it up about 5 years ago. Last week my son wanted to start it. We charged the battery, pumped the gas a few times,(remember pumping the gas?) and she started up.
I have a 20 years old Camaro in the garage. I filled it up about 5 years ago. Last week my son wanted to start it. We charged the battery, pumped the gas a few times,(remember pumping the gas?) and she started up.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
From: Greensboro, NC
I think the difference now is Ethanol - don't underestimate the impact it can have on the quality of gas over time. If you filled up 3 or 5 years ago it may not be in the picture depending on the station but if it is there I wouldn't use it. It's a small price to pay to drain the tank and just use that gas in something else. I wouldn't rely on my nose to be my guide on that one. I know it's worse on boats since the gas systems are not closed - open vent on the tank and carbs in my case but moisture is still present in your car/truck. Anytime you have temperature changes you will build up more and more condensation which normal driving and fillups tend to take care of. Some condensation will pass through the system with no issues but too much can cause additional problems.
Post some pictures of this survivor!
Post some pictures of this survivor!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
I've been told gas can go bad in 6 months so best would be to dump it
You'll probably have gummed up injectors too
Check w a mechanic before firing it so you dont harm the engine
You'll probably have gummed up injectors too
Check w a mechanic before firing it so you dont harm the engine
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 303
Likes: 1
From: Northern Calif
Why does everyone think high octane gas is somehow better?
The fuel systems today are sealed systems. I would turn the key to activate the fuel pump and open the Schrader valve on the fuel rail. If it smells stale then I'd flush everything. If it smells "normal" then I'd fire it up, head straight to a gas station, top off the tank with fresh fuel (normal octane) and plan for a nice 300 mile trip.
If all goes well, I would top it off before parking it and then put in a new fuel filter.
The fuel systems today are sealed systems. I would turn the key to activate the fuel pump and open the Schrader valve on the fuel rail. If it smells stale then I'd flush everything. If it smells "normal" then I'd fire it up, head straight to a gas station, top off the tank with fresh fuel (normal octane) and plan for a nice 300 mile trip.
If all goes well, I would top it off before parking it and then put in a new fuel filter.
+ 1 with Monsta. I have gas dump trucks that have sat for two years and they fired right up. Not fuel injected, Carbed. Yes gas does go bad but if the fuel in the tank smells ok and you carefully purge the fuel rails and it smells ok go for a drive. Change the filter,and if you feel the need the new x needs a treat put some Chevron fuel injector cleaner in the tank.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
You are buying into an old wives tale. modern vehicles have closed loop fuel systems that do not vent to to the atmosphere. hence the reason behind all the emissions equipment and such things as OBDI and II standards... unless the gas cap was left off it should be fine. if you know what stale gas smells like, remove the gas cap and take a sniff. if it smells good then go ahead and fire her up. throwing some fuel injector cleaner or sea foam in the tank is fine too....
There is no carburetor bowl or any area on modern fuel injected vehicles where fuel can sit exposed to the open air...
now if we are talking old pre EVAP emissions vehicles or small engine equipment its another story all together. fuel can dry up and turn to varnish in a couple of months. 2 years working as a small engine specialist at John Deere I have seen plenty of dead engines due to stale fuel.....
There is no carburetor bowl or any area on modern fuel injected vehicles where fuel can sit exposed to the open air...
now if we are talking old pre EVAP emissions vehicles or small engine equipment its another story all together. fuel can dry up and turn to varnish in a couple of months. 2 years working as a small engine specialist at John Deere I have seen plenty of dead engines due to stale fuel.....
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia
I've never had to deal with this but wouldn't the brakes and wheel bearings need to be looked at? I would think condensation and corrosion would affect the rotors or calipers. I guess it would depend on the climate where it's at.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Warrington, PA
If the engine hasn't been turned over in 3 years, i'd worry more about snagging a ring land more than bad gas. I'm not sure how accessible the plugs are on a V10, but if they are accessible at all, i'd pour a little oil in each cylinder, pull the fuse for the fuel pump, and prime the engine a bit before start up.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
i've started some cars/trucks that have sat 2-plus years and never worried about dumping the tank. they ran alittle rough till the old gas was gone but otherwise once it got new gas it they were fine. i personaly would just fire her up but its up to you.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 5
From: chicago northwest suburbs
Crank it over with the coils disconnected so you can get the oil pumped through the system. then see if it fires and how it runs. if everything is good then change all the fluids and enjoy the new X.
You know your gonna have to tell us what the womans firm price was!
You know your gonna have to tell us what the womans firm price was!
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 649
Likes: 0
From: Cottageville, WV
I would just add Stabil to the old gas to freshen it up, add according to the amount of gas in the tank. I would change the oil, then pull each plug and spray the cylinders with WD40, then turn it over with the plugs out so you do not damage anything while lubricating the rings. Put the plugs back in and start her up. You will no doubt run into minor problems such as leaking gaskets, mouse nests in the fan motor and air intake, and dry rotting hoses. Unfortunatly a sitting car with low miles can be as bad or worse than a high mileage one with age. Regardless it is a crap shoot. It is probably priced right.
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Ive also been working on heavy equipment for a long time and IMHO if the tank smells like gas then start it up (obviously check oil first and top off with fresh fuel). You can smell it easily when the fuel is no good. Ive seen equipment sit for >4 years and just start right up! Maybe a stumble and puffs of smoke but after that you should be good.