What happens to gasoline if it just sits for several years?

[FunkyMonkee]

[DryGermanGuy]

With access to air? Then it will deteriorate. If you can filter it, you can reuse it by mixing it with new gasoline 5:1.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline?wprov=sfti1#Stability

[FunkyMonkee]

It's been sitting in the gas tank of the car for at least 4 years.

[DryGermanGuy]

If the tank is full, i. e. with little air? Then you might be lucky. But you should check the fuel filter first.

[exitseven]

if it is mixes with ethanol it will turn to sludge. Even plain gasoline or AV Gas will go bad. The flammable components evaporate and the mixture becomes less volatile and will damage your engine.

[FunkyMonkee]

Where would I get ethanol?
How long before that happens?

[exitseven]

All gasoline you buy at a gas station contains 10% ethanol. You have to go to Home depot or some hardware store to buy the good stuff.

[Phoenix98]

It degrades and becomes unusable.

[FunkyMonkee]

After how long?

[Phoenix98]

Depends on the storage conditions and the type of gas do you know what the storage condition is like and the type of gas it is?

[Ariesman81]

If it's 87 it will have water in it.

[FunkyMonkee]

87 what?

[Ariesman81]

Octane. Ethanol fuel attracts water.

[Cidknee]

It turns to oil. Like kerosene.

[FunkyMonkee]

How many years?

[Cidknee]

Not sure.

[shortster]

It becomes less effective

[jahaims]

Google it

[FunkyMonkee]

Why?