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  1. #1
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    Unidentified Fluid in Gas Tank of a Generator

    I recently “inherited” a gas powered generator from my in-laws. Basically, my mother-in-law got tired of it taking up room in her backyard shed. This generator was loaned out to someone during the last hurricane and it took a while for him to be convinced to give it back.

    Well, I finally got around to testing it out and I opened the gas cap and saw it still had “gas” in the tank. I tried to start it up and it turned over once but failed to start. As I was fiddling with it (no mechanical experience here), I turned the knob for the gas shut off valve a couple times and the whole component disconnected from the tank. “Gas” came gushing out and I quickly reinserted the valve into the tank to stop the gusher. That’s when I realized that the liquid in the tank was not gas. It has a certain odor but it’s definitely not gasoline and it is clear, almost like water and not oily. I can’t describe the smell, but it is not as pungent as gas and it doesn’t burn the nose as gas would.

    I am wondering if the dude that borrowed it added some sort of storage liquid to it. I have no experience with this so I wouldn’t even know what it looks or smells like.

    Any ideas?

  2. #2
    Super Member UncleDavy's Avatar
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    Re: Unidentified Fluid in Gas Tank of a Generator

    I remember Amoco Ultimate 93 used to be a clear, colorless gas that had a different odor but the Amoco brand has not existed for 10 years. BP is resurrecting the brand name in select locations but I don't know if they are still selling the "white gas".
    Drain and remove whatever is in the tank of that generator and put in some fresh fuel.

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  4. #3
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    Re: Unidentified Fluid in Gas Tank of a Generator

    Thanks. I ordered a replacement valve since the current one seems to be damaged. That’s why it dislodged so easily from the bottom of the tank as I was trying to shut it. It looks like the ring that forms the seal with the gas tank disintegrated. I didn’t want to add gas until I got the new one.

    I’m still curious what this stuff is. Now that I think of it, the smell reminds me of a Dry Erase marker. It’s chemically, but not super strong.

    There was at least a couple of gallons in the tank.

  5. #4
    Super Member Mgavin1985's Avatar
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    Re: Unidentified Fluid in Gas Tank of a Generator

    What does it taste like.....if I could help I would mineral spirits?

  6. #5
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    Re: Unidentified Fluid in Gas Tank of a Generator

    It has a fruity bouquet with a hint of oak.

  7. #6
    Super Member UncleDavy's Avatar
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    Re: Unidentified Fluid in Gas Tank of a Generator

    Quote Originally Posted by hooked View Post
    It has a fruity bouquet with a hint of oak.
    It sounds like Merlot.

  8. #7
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    Re: Unidentified Fluid in Gas Tank of a Generator

    Quote Originally Posted by UncleDavy View Post
    It sounds like Merlot.
    More like an I-Dunno.

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  10. #8
    Super Member oneheadlite's Avatar
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    Re: Unidentified Fluid in Gas Tank of a Generator

    Quote Originally Posted by hooked View Post
    It has a fruity bouquet with a hint of oak.
    Not sure if it was your intention, but this made me laugh out loud. I prefer my mystery liquids unoaked...

    I’m with Uncle Davy. Drain that stuff and dispose of it. I get being curious as to what it is, but I’d leave it at “Liquid that the generator didn’t run on”. I use non-oxygenated (no ethanol) fuel for all my small engines/infrequent use gas engines so there’s less likelihood of the alcohol to absorb water and cause trouble. A dose of sea foam or similar fuel treatment wouldn’t hurt either.

    Let us know how it goes with the new valve!

  11. #9
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    Re: Unidentified Fluid in Gas Tank of a Generator

    Quote Originally Posted by oneheadlite View Post
    Not sure if it was your intention, but this made me laugh out loud. I prefer my mystery liquids unoaked...

    I’m with Uncle Davy. Drain that stuff and dispose of it. I get being curious as to what it is, but I’d leave it at “Liquid that the generator didn’t run on”. I use non-oxygenated (no ethanol) fuel for all my small engines/infrequent use gas engines so there’s less likelihood of the alcohol to absorb water and cause trouble. A dose of sea foam or similar fuel treatment wouldn’t hurt either.

    Let us know how it goes with the new valve!
    Thanks, I will. What I’m afraid if is that the dude that borrowed the generator from my in-laws and tried to keep it might have put something in to damage it.

    Last year when a hurricane brushed South Florida, it knocked out power for a lot of people. My in-laws’ house got power back the next day and we were all over there when this guy asked my f-i-l to borrow the generator. He came by the next morning and drove it away in his truck. Months later, my f-i-l asked for it back and the guy kept saying he was too busy or couldn’t bring it back. He sure found a way to pick it up in a hurry.

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  13. #10
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    Re: Unidentified Fluid in Gas Tank of a Generator

    If it is old gas with ethanol it can absorb water. I have had it happened the equipment we seldom use. Try draining and put fresh gas. Also add Startron additive to your fuel.

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Autogeekonline mobile app

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