Thank you JoeCt for this excellent find and post.
Fuel level for storage - explained
Paul Koerner, aka The Corvette Mechanic, shows and explains exactly why GM recommends storing with no more than 1/4 tank of fuel for 5-7 generation corvettes.
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Thanks Joe for posting that. It seems strange that the unit wasn't designed with the sensors encapsulated and protected from direct fuel contact. Especially since those of us with other and older cars have always been told to store with a full tank of gas.
How long is considered storing? I drive my C5 & C7 every 2 to 3 weeks. I fill them about once a year. I assume I should syphon some out of my C5 & not fill my c7 next week after its 125 mile round trip in for its anual service. Since I haven't syphoned gas for about 60 years, is it easy to do on the C-5?
You only fill your C7 about once a year???How long is considered storing? I drive my C5 & C7 every 2 to 3 weeks. I fill them about once a year. I assume I should syphon some out of my C5 & not fill my c7 next week after its 125 mile round trip in for its anual service. Since I haven't syphoned gas for about 60 years, is it easy to do on the C-5?
I guess ignorance is bliss ... I owned two C5's (a '98 & an '04). I always filled the tanks before winter storage but luckily never had a problem. I didn't know about the 1/4 tank rule until the second winter I stored my current Stingray. :numbness:
Just wanted to add to this thread my experience with fuel gauge sensors. Before my current C7, I had a C5. After experiencing erratic reading on the C5 gas gauge, I learned that sulfur deposits, from the gas, was the most likely cause. I was told that Chevron gas, with Techron, helps to prevent this sulfur contamination. Since the sensor was already causing erratic reading I added the Techron additive to the tank at the recommended schedule. Sure enough, after about 9 months, the erratic reading completely stopped. Also I started using only Chevron gas. For the following 3 years, after that, I never had another sensor reading issue with the C5. I purchased my 2016 C7 in early 2016 and only use Chevron gas based on my experience with the C5. I live in Southern California so the car is never stored but I tend to keep the tank above half full so based on the above video, I am always above the 1/4 tank level.
I've already put up my 2016 with a full tank but I will get some Techron to put in it before I drive it in the spring. I did this last year, and hope it will lessen the likelihood of the sensor issue. I may drive it in between if we get a spell of decent weather in January (Yeah, Right! In Chicago? Just kidding--it probably won't see the light of day until March or so). Is there any specific evidence beyond Dan Argento's encouraging testimonial that Techron actually does lessen the likelihood of this possible sensor problem? Surprised the top tier gasolines don't prevent this. --Bob
Bob, if Techron as a stand alone additive works, then continuous use of Top Tier like Chevron or Costco would IMO, similarly prevent any sensor issue.I've already put up my 2016 with a full tank but I will get some Techron to put in it before I drive it in the spring. I did this last year, and hope it will lessen the likelihood of the sensor issue. I may drive it in between if we get a spell of decent weather in January (Yeah, Right! In Chicago? Just kidding--it probably won't see the light of day until March or so). Is there any specific evidence beyond Dan Argento's encouraging testimonial that Techron actually does lessen the likelihood of this possible sensor problem? Surprised the top tier gasolines don't prevent this. --Bob
nthego:
Techron is only used in Chevron and Texaco. If you use any other gas, including Top Tier gas, you still do not get Techron unless you add it from a bottle yourself.
I wish Chevron were available here in NC... It was the only gas I used when I lived in CA.
I wish Chevron were available here in NC... It was the only gas I used when I lived in CA.
Dan, your post made me chuckle. It's one of the things you just do after being in the fire service for as long as I have that all of my cars rarely dip below a half tank. We do that with our trucks at the station and I do it in my personal vehicles.Just wanted to add to this thread my experience with fuel gauge sensors. Before my current C7, I had a C5. After experiencing erratic reading on the C5 gas gauge, I learned that sulfur deposits, from the gas, was the most likely cause. I was told that Chevron gas, with Techron, helps to prevent this sulfur contamination. Since the sensor was already causing erratic reading I added the Techron additive to the tank at the recommended schedule. Sure enough, after about 9 months, the erratic reading completely stopped. Also I started using only Chevron gas. For the following 3 years, after that, I never had another sensor reading issue with the C5. I purchased my 2016 C7 in early 2016 and only use Chevron gas based on my experience with the C5. I live in Southern California so the car is never stored but I tend to keep the tank above half full so based on the above video, I am always above the 1/4 tank level.
How about Sta-Bil gas stabilizer ,would it help if you had more then a 1/4 tank ?
While Techron may be only used by brand name in Chevron and Texaco, I believe the equivalent additives in Top Tier gas like Shell and Costco will be just as effective.Techron is only used in Chevron and Texaco. If you use any other gas, including Top Tier gas, you still do not get Techron unless you add it from a bottle yourself.
I wish Chevron were available here in NC... It was the only gas I used when I lived in CA.
I guess this begs a few questions: what is the chemical makeup of Techron and do the top tier gas brands contain essentially the same additives? I would hope Jeff is right that all top tier gasolines include similar additives to techron, but I don't know how one would find this out. Probably company secrets. Does adding a bottle of Techron--basically an extra shot of additives--provide enough chemical solvent capability to loosen or eliminate deposits on the sensors? --BobWhile Techron may be only used by brand name in Chevron and Texaco, I believe the equivalent additives in Top Tier gas like Shell and Costco will be just as effective.
Fireeagle, not letting the tank get below half, for me, is a hold over from when I was young and gas money was scarce. Running it down to far causes dirt from the bottom of the tank to clog the carb. jets. Even with a in-line filter it would tend to restrict flow. Old habits die slow.
It has 3,700 miles it in almost 4 years. I drive it on my 10 mile loop once every 2 to 3 weeks. I top it off to keep some fresh gas in it & use sta-bil. Do the same with my 2000 C5 for 18.5 years & never had a issue in its 10,200 miles.
There are three brands that those in the gas business (even competitors) acknowledge as being excellent. They are Texaco, Chevron and Shell. I only put one of those three in my cars — unless I am on a road trip, and in the middle of Montana or similar to avoid running out, I will pick another fuel as long as it is Top Tier.
I'll put Costco gas up against any of those three as being fully equivalent in terms of mpg and cleaning abilities of all areas washed by gas.There are three brands that those in the gas business (even competitors) acknowledge as being excellent. They are Texaco, Chevron and Shell. I only put one of those three in my cars — unless I am on a road trip, and in the middle of Montana or similar to avoid running out, I will pick another fuel as long as it is Top Tier.
Wow ... I put 4,000 miles on my 2014 last summer in a week long trip to Glacier National Park and back to Michigan.It has 3,700 miles it in almost 4 years. I drive it on my 10 mile loop once every 2 to 3 weeks. I top it off to keep some fresh gas in it & use sta-bil. Do the same with my 2000 C5 for 18.5 years & never had a issue in its 10,200 miles.
I think I have 46,000+ on the clock now.
Back on subject ... if you don't live near one of the top tier gas stations, you can always put a little bit of SeaFoam in the tank. I usually pick up a few cans whenever I'm in WallyWorld.
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