Coleman fuel shelf life

Huey Rider · 10-27-2009, 02:35 PM

Does anyone know how long Coleman fuel will last?I've got a can that's probably 6-7 years old.I know gas breaks down in time but don't know about Coleman fuel.I've got 2 Coleman backpacking stoves,1 2burner stove & a lantern for emergencies ,but they won't do much good with bad gas!

ke4sky · 10-27-2009, 02:59 PM

Coleman fuel is not gasoline. It is Petroleum Hydrocarbon Naphtha, chemical formula C5-C9. Therefore it's long term storage stability should be much better than common unleaded gasoline intended as motor fuel, because it does not contain the additive mixtures normally required of motor fuels.

According to Coleman's web site, stored fuel is good for at least 5 to 7 years.
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/faq/f...sp?question=19

dog party · 10-27-2009, 04:02 PM

I've used tanks that were 7 years old and they worked just fine.

Huey Rider · 10-28-2009, 02:49 PM

thanks,guess I'll go and get some as abackup as I may be pushing the limit on this one.

Archetype_wyo · 10-28-2009, 03:42 PM

You would think it will work just the same it may burn up quicker or not as fast or something but you should be ok. Maybe add some stabil to it before storing may help?

Kompressor · 10-28-2009, 04:40 PM

Just for my curiosity, what's the going rate for Coleman Fuel in the States? I sell the stuff, in Norway, and I have to say I find it to be a bit pricey...

driftingrz · 10-28-2009, 10:20 PM

you talking about the little $4-5 tanks? like propane?

ShellShock · 10-29-2009, 01:54 AM

Most of the time, Kerosene will work in a pinch.

ke4sky · 10-29-2009, 08:26 AM

I've used Coleman fuel as old as ten years and never had any problems with fuel performance itself, even after extended periods. (Where the fuel has remained in the stove's tank). I test fire older stoves fairly periodically and they light just the same as they always did.

Rebuilding older stoves found at flea markets, one will find all manner of contaminates inside the tank. Stale, gummy, orange remnants of ancient fuel will cause sputtering,
low light/heat output, if not outright failure... Expiration of rust inhibitors allows corrosion and rust particulates to clog the generator and spoil the lantern or stove. Repeatedly detail-striping of the unit can be done (parts are still available, even after many years), failure to do so necessitates condemnation of the unit because of rust and corrosion.....

Fuel storage in opened, original steel containers is subject to cycling in humidity and internal pressure as a function of weather. This is likely to cause (daily) inhalation and exhalation cycles of the containers, introducing rust and vapor problems in closed spaces, and moisture in the fuel, in less than satisfactorily sealed containers....

Container condensation in vented outside sheds can occur even daily, subjecting the containers to rust and corrosion, which must be inspected especially around the screw-on cap, the seal inside the cap, and the seams all around the can, for rust. External particulates must be prevented from contaminating the fuel during inspection of degrading
containers. Small orifices in the jets and generator ass'y of lamps and stoves will clog immediately. The moral - Filter the fuels.

This is the reponse I got from Coleman:

"An un-opened container of Coleman Fuel stored in a dry area with no rapid
extreme changes in temperature will remain viable for five to seven years. An
opened container stored in the same area will remain viable for up to two years
though will be at its best if used within a year.

"Do not attempt to use Coleman Fuel in an internal combustion engine. Coleman
Fuel is very low octane with none of the additives needed for engine use. It
burns very hot and will burn the valves out of an engine.

"For disposal methods of Coleman Fuel that may no longer be viable, please
contact the Hazardous Material department of your local Fire Department."

Thank you,

Harold
Coleman/Stearns Consumer Service

Original Message Follows:
------------------------
What is the expected shelf life, or recommended replacement schedule for
Coleman stove fuel stored in its original unopened metal gallon cans?

I keep five, one gallon cans in our family disaster preparedness
supplies. Under normal circumstances for recreational use I use about 1
gallon of fuel annually. Cans are dated upon purchase and older stock is
used first. Under normal use all fuel would be consumed and replaced in
four to five year intervals. I presume this practice is acceptable, but
have you any data on the reliability of your fuel when stored for longer
periods?

I understand from the MSDS that Coleman fuel is not gasoline, but is Light
Hydrotreated Distillate CAS 68410-97-9, Petroleum Hydrocarbon Naphtha, C5-C9.
Therefore it's long term storage stability should be much better than
common unleaded gasoline intended as motor fuel, because it does not
contain the additive mixtures normally required of motor fuels.

SUBMOA · 10-29-2009, 09:37 PM

During last febuarys Ice storm , I used part of a gallon that I brought here when I moved here in 1995 that I know I purchased back when my Wife and I used to camp before we had kids . My 1st child my daughter Cody was born in 1990. Ahh its got a pretty good shelf life I just topped off my lantern a week or so ago with that same gallon. No problems it keeps fine.

Deersniper · 11-03-2009, 09:49 PM

It should keep until the can rusts out. Don't leave it in your stove for extended periods, burn it dry. I just cleaned my Coleman stove, it was gunked up.

10-27-2009, 02:35 PM	#1
Huey Rider Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Great Lakes Region Posts: 77	Coleman fuel shelf life Does anyone know how long Coleman fuel will last?I've got a can that's probably 6-7 years old.I know gas breaks down in time but don't know about Coleman fuel.I've got 2 Coleman backpacking stoves,1 2burner stove & a lantern for emergencies ,but they won't do much good with bad gas! Last edited by Huey Rider; 10-27-2009 at 02:37 PM.

10-27-2009, 02:59 PM	#2
ke4sky Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 104	Coleman fuel is not gasoline. It is Petroleum Hydrocarbon Naphtha, chemical formula C5-C9. Therefore it's long term storage stability should be much better than common unleaded gasoline intended as motor fuel, because it does not contain the additive mixtures normally required of motor fuels. According to Coleman's web site, stored fuel is good for at least 5 to 7 years. http://www.coleman.com/coleman/faq/f...sp?question=19 Last edited by ke4sky; 10-27-2009 at 03:12 PM.

10-28-2009, 03:42 PM	#5
Archetype_wyo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Buffalo, Wyo Posts: 1,731	You would think it will work just the same it may burn up quicker or not as fast or something but you should be ok. Maybe add some stabil to it before storing may help? __________________ The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun. —Patrick Henry

10-28-2009, 04:40 PM	#6
Kompressor Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NORWAY Posts: 501	Just for my curiosity, what's the going rate for Coleman Fuel in the States? I sell the stuff, in Norway, and I have to say I find it to be a bit pricey... __________________ My shop: turut.no

10-29-2009, 01:54 AM	#8
ShellShock Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 59	Most of the time, Kerosene will work in a pinch. __________________ Eagle Ammo™ - Specialty ammunition, made in USA, by skilled American workers.

10-27-2009, 04:02 PM	#3
dog party Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 275	I've used tanks that were 7 years old and they worked just fine.

10-28-2009, 02:49 PM	#4
Huey Rider Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Great Lakes Region Posts: 77	thanks,guess I'll go and get some as abackup as I may be pushing the limit on this one.

10-28-2009, 10:20 PM	#7
driftingrz Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 40	you talking about the little $4-5 tanks? like propane?

10-29-2009, 08:26 AM	#9
ke4sky Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 104	I've used Coleman fuel as old as ten years and never had any problems with fuel performance itself, even after extended periods. (Where the fuel has remained in the stove's tank). I test fire older stoves fairly periodically and they light just the same as they always did. Rebuilding older stoves found at flea markets, one will find all manner of contaminates inside the tank. Stale, gummy, orange remnants of ancient fuel will cause sputtering, low light/heat output, if not outright failure... Expiration of rust inhibitors allows corrosion and rust particulates to clog the generator and spoil the lantern or stove. Repeatedly detail-striping of the unit can be done (parts are still available, even after many years), failure to do so necessitates condemnation of the unit because of rust and corrosion..... Fuel storage in opened, original steel containers is subject to cycling in humidity and internal pressure as a function of weather. This is likely to cause (daily) inhalation and exhalation cycles of the containers, introducing rust and vapor problems in closed spaces, and moisture in the fuel, in less than satisfactorily sealed containers.... Container condensation in vented outside sheds can occur even daily, subjecting the containers to rust and corrosion, which must be inspected especially around the screw-on cap, the seal inside the cap, and the seams all around the can, for rust. External particulates must be prevented from contaminating the fuel during inspection of degrading containers. Small orifices in the jets and generator ass'y of lamps and stoves will clog immediately. The moral - Filter the fuels. This is the reponse I got from Coleman: "An un-opened container of Coleman Fuel stored in a dry area with no rapid extreme changes in temperature will remain viable for five to seven years. An opened container stored in the same area will remain viable for up to two years though will be at its best if used within a year. "Do not attempt to use Coleman Fuel in an internal combustion engine. Coleman Fuel is very low octane with none of the additives needed for engine use. It burns very hot and will burn the valves out of an engine. "For disposal methods of Coleman Fuel that may no longer be viable, please contact the Hazardous Material department of your local Fire Department." Thank you, Harold Coleman/Stearns Consumer Service Original Message Follows: ------------------------ What is the expected shelf life, or recommended replacement schedule for Coleman stove fuel stored in its original unopened metal gallon cans? I keep five, one gallon cans in our family disaster preparedness supplies. Under normal circumstances for recreational use I use about 1 gallon of fuel annually. Cans are dated upon purchase and older stock is used first. Under normal use all fuel would be consumed and replaced in four to five year intervals. I presume this practice is acceptable, but have you any data on the reliability of your fuel when stored for longer periods? I understand from the MSDS that Coleman fuel is not gasoline, but is Light Hydrotreated Distillate CAS 68410-97-9, Petroleum Hydrocarbon Naphtha, C5-C9. Therefore it's long term storage stability should be much better than common unleaded gasoline intended as motor fuel, because it does not contain the additive mixtures normally required of motor fuels. Last edited by ke4sky; 10-29-2009 at 10:15 AM.
	2 members found this post helpful.

10-29-2009, 09:37 PM	#10
SUBMOA Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: mountain home , ar Posts: 54	During last febuarys Ice storm , I used part of a gallon that I brought here when I moved here in 1995 that I know I purchased back when my Wife and I used to camp before we had kids . My 1st child my daughter Cody was born in 1990. Ahh its got a pretty good shelf life I just topped off my lantern a week or so ago with that same gallon. No problems it keeps fine.

11-03-2009, 09:49 PM	#11
Deersniper Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 3,608	It should keep until the can rusts out. Don't leave it in your stove for extended periods, burn it dry. I just cleaned my Coleman stove, it was gunked up.