Coleman fuel expiration dates?

[Old Virginia Joe]

I cannot find where this has been discussed before here, but here goes. What is the expected timeframe that a gallon can of Coleman fuel can be saved for emergency use? It has a code on it, but the average Joe can't understand the code. I understand it is not good forever, so just how long is it good for, and why doesn't Coleman make that statement on the can label? Emergency stocks are important, and I don't want to have to throw fuel away every year! Maybe I should just buy and use kerosene fueled equipment instead?

[Steve_Cox]

Hey Joe,

Welcome to the forum~

As per Coleman - An un-opened container of Coleman® Fuel stored in a dry area with no rapid extreme changes in temperature will remain viable for five to seven years. An opened container stored in the same area will remain viable for up to two years though will be at its best if used within a year.

[starleen2]

Old coleman fuel makes for a good solvent for cleaning - Just don't smoke around it or apply flame

[rainjer]

I have bought cans of Coleman fuel that is more than 20 years old and it was as fresh as the day it was made. I have a can from the early 70's I am burning right now. The outside of the can is almost all rust but the fuel is clear.

Jeremy

[Zollinger]

Someone gave me half a can that was pretty old. Burned just fine, when it go's bad it has a funky smell. I think as long as the cover is sealed good and no moisture gets in it, it should be good for years. When in doubt give it the smell test.

[Wolffarmer]

This summer I got my old back packing stove out ( Optimus 80 ) Last time I used it was at least 15 years ago. It fired right up with that old fuel. Manufacturers expiration dates are very very conservative. CYA principle, as well as moving stock.

Not like the the stuff will explode if it is to old. Might gum up the generator. If it doesn't smell funky, burn it.

Randy

[sagebrush]

Just got my 508 out of storage. The 1993 vintage fuel in it ignited and burned just like it was new. I agree with Wolffarmer, a lot of expiration dates are BS!

[doug hodder]

I've had some that smell really varnishy...works great for cleaning old tanks with some BB's in it, or fire starter when camping. I also will pour/filter it into a can of newer fuel and thin the old stuff with the new..burns fine. But I'm Scottish! and I've got like 25+ gas appliances. Doug

[hotrod]

I dont think Ive ever seen it go bad in the can... i know the can came with the 200A was at least 20 years old...

[jandmz]

As Captain Jack Sparrow says, "Its more like a guideline..."

[bohemian]

I just used the last of a 12 year old can in my lawn mower.
No problems.

[BC Dave]

I just used the last of a 12 year old can in my lawn mower.
No problems.

ok I'll bite



really? Old naptha can run a lawnmower??cool? isnt it more volitile than gasoline?; wonder what the octane rating is? and well; come to think of it; where does naptha come from (google here I come ..)

ok its the lightest part of crude oil ... couldnt find its octane; but its also used for processing gas and karocene ...

[happy_camper]

...here in wyoming as conesate

...Consesate is very very very high in octane!!!

...white gas is just pure conseate

slowcowboy. former oilfeild worker.

The three different words highlighted in red from your post are not in my dictionary, what are you talking about?

[Wolffarmer]

...here in wyoming as conesate

...Consesate is very very very high in octane!!!

...white gas is just pure conseate

slowcowboy. former oilfeild worker.

The three different words highlighted in red from your post are not in my dictionary, what are you talking about?

He means "condensate"

Randy

[happy_camper]

...here in wyoming as conesate

...Consesate is very very very high in octane!!!

...white gas is just pure conseate

slowcowboy. former oilfeild worker.

The three different words highlighted in red from your post are not in my dictionary, what are you talking about?

He means "condensate"

Randy

Thanks!

I didn't think he meant condensate since that usually contains very LOW levels (if any) of octane (the hydrocarbon, not the numerical number of an "octane rating" measurment) while Coleman fuel is a very refined naptha distillate containing HIGH levels of octane. Further, condensate contains a very HIGH concentration of hydrogen sulfide, giving "drip gas" its telltale "rotten egg" odor. Coleman fuel on the other hand, smells like lighter fluid or so-called "dry cleaning" fluid, both naptha based.

I guess one of us is a bit confused.