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News

Home / News / Can Petrol Spoil?

Can Petrol Spoil?

16 Dec 2020 News [Sassy_Social_Share]

Fuel – in our case petrol – the irreplaceable component of power production in an internal combustion engine. No fuel, no go.

So, we fill up when the gauge shows we should, leaving it alone when there’s enough fuel in the tank. But have you ever thought if petrol can go bad?

What is Petrol

basic refining concepts

Petrol, also known as gasoline, consists mainly of hydrogen and carbon atoms being bonded together into a compound called “hydrocarbon,” among hundreds of other chemical ingredients and compounds. The hydrocarbon compound has lots of stored energy, waiting to be ignited when further mixed with oxygen and introduced to an ignition source.

Petrol is the product of refining crude oil. The refining process results in many other combustible products, with the heaviest at the bottom (lubricants, fuel oil, diesel, etc.) while the most volatile (gasoline, jet fuel, fuel gas, etc.) move up to the top of the refining tower.

What Happens when Petrol Go Bad?

What Happens when Petrol Go Bad?New gasoline (left) versus old gasoline (right)

The lighter hydrocarbon molecules evaporate quickly when exposed to air and heat, leaving behind the heavier elements and compounds. But the heavier elements become oxidized, forming a darker colored, sticky residues called “gum” and harder deposits called “varnish.”

When this gum forms or moves into fuel lines, it will start to block them. It may not block the hoses completely but instead constricting the flow through a smaller diameter. Think of it like atherosclerosis in your body, when the build-up of plaque in the arteries restricts blood flow.

Unfortunately, the gumming is not restricted to the tubes alone as will happen to every part touched by the fuel. This means the fuel pump, fuel level sensor, fuel filter, fuel injectors.

Clogging results in difficulty starting, loss of power and bad fuel mileage.

Fuel Clogging

However, a blocked fuel injector is the worst scenario, as it prevents the fuel from being fully atomized. Consequently, the fuel is not fully burned. This in turn causes:

  1. Large droplets of unburned fuel can end up washing away the lubricant from the cylinder’s wall. When this happens, the piston rings and wall will contact each other, contributing to accelerated wear and even engine seizure.
  2. The raw or partially burned fuel can also find their way to the catalytic convertor thereby causing the latter’s elements to overheat and destroying them in short order.
  3. Loss of power as some of the fuel is not burned. In other words, the engine could not utilize all the stored energy in the petrol.
  4. Excessive soot production. Partly burned petrol will combine with other elements and up as soot i.e. large carbon particles. This will in turn clog up the exhaust and catalytic converter, not to mention poisoning the environment.

How to Overcome This?

Petroleum companies blend their fuels with chemicals to prevent gumming, especially for countries with high heat and humidity like ours. Petrol with alcohol evaporate even faster, so this fuel has to be used up quickly, besides being hydrophilic (attracts moisture).

However, there is no way of knowing the efficacy of such blends. This is because you can see fuel lines starting to darken with deposits after a while (if you have transparent or semi-transparent fuel lines), even if you ride the bike on a daily basis.

The best way to clean out this gum is by mixing the fuel with a fuel system cleaner. A good product will clean out the gum and deposits, thereby returning a cleaner, unrestricted fuel system. But not all fuel system cleaners are the same.

The makers usually recommend using their products every 5,000 kilometers or 3 months; by pouring in the correct ratio into your fuel tank when you fill up.

This writer has tried out several brands and they all work, although some seemed better than the rest.

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    WARRANTY TERMS & CONDITIONS

    Thank you for purchasing GIVI products. All GIVI products are guaranteed against manufacturing defects for a period of one year (except hard cases, which are guaranteed for 2 years)              from date of purchase.

    WARRANTY PROVISIONS:

    • If proves to be defective during the warranty period from the date of purchase, this product will be repaired or replaced, subject to decide by GIVI.
    • The warranty is valid: –
    • For replacement of components deemed to be faulty by the local distributor.
    • In case of breakage, the guarantee covers those components found to be defective and not the entire product.
    • The guarantee is applicable only if the product has been used and maintained as per manufacturer’s guidelines.
    • Warranty is only applicable if the GIVI rack is used with GIVI Case. Manufacturer will not be responsible if cases from other brands are fixed on GIVI product.
      • The warranty does NOT cover: –
    • Particulars on this warranty terms & conditions are altered in any manner whatsoever.
    • The product has NOT been used in normal condition that was intended for or in accordance with the operation instructions of it has been damaged in transportation or subjected to rough handling or misuse.
    • Damage resulting from accidents, environmental dust, negligence or general wear and tear.
    • Damage caused by exposure to harmful chemical products.
    • Defects or damage due to the proximity of a heat-source, motorcycle silencers included, or as a result of the use of solvents or other substances.
    • Product is being repaired, tempered with, altered or modified in any way by unauthorized person or technicians.
    • The GIVI Case has been installed without the use of a proper and original GIVI Rack System.
    • Change in the material or in the colours as a consequence of prolonged and direct exposure to sunlight. Neon colour paint and material by nature will fade quicker than standard colour.
      • The warranty service is offered only when this Warranty Registration Form with a valid purchase receipt is submitted to GIVI customer service via www.givi.com.my. The dealer will issue a claim procedure form and send the product back to GIVI.
      • GIVI will make every effort to carry out the repairs as soon as possible, however we are not liable for any delay in servicing due to reasons beyond the control or any of its authorized dealer.

    IMPORTANT GIVI RACKING SYSTEM INFORMATION:

    In order to protect the user and avoid damage to the original structure of the motorcycle, we would like to point out the following. Our product is the result of the assembly of various components. Therefore, the welded points and bends, as well as the different motorcycle chassis can cause assembly difficulties. For the correct fitting procedure, we suggest you rely on qualified personnel and to check carefully that the kit components do not interfere negatively or contact with the original parts of the motorcycle (Frame, Silencers, Shock Absorbers, etc.). We will not be responsible for damages caused by incorrect assembling due to poor fitting by a non-qualified person or mechanic. The warranty covers exclusively the replacement or articles from the product range, which would present defects prior to final assembly.

    Suggested fitting sequence: –

    • Fit the supports and the corresponding kit screws (without tightening them) according to the sequence suggested in the mounting instruction.
    • Centre all fitting kit items and check that they do not interfere negatively or contact with the original parts of the motorcycle.
    • Tighten the screw sequentially and check their tension periodically.
    • In case the kit is not complete or you find that you have a faulty component, do not hesitate to get in touch with your dealer or directly with the producer. Please avoid using unsuitable parts.