Why does gasoline eventually go bad?

Question

Why does gasoline eventually go bad?

In: 221

Answer 1

Gasoline is a complicated mixture: ~150 different hydrocarbons, including butane, pentane, isopentane and the BTEX compounds (benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylenes), plus lubricants, anti-rust agents and anti-icing agents.

As with most solvents and combustibles, gasoline off-gasses really easily, even at very low temperatures (which kinds is what makes it a good ‘Pushahol’.)

The problem is not all of these components evaporate at the same rate (or at all).

So, eventually, more of the volatiles evaporate off and leaves you with heavier concentrations of non-volatiles.

After enough time, you are left with gunk.