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ScottnSherrie's avatar
ScottnSherrie
Explorer
Sep 28, 2013

I've neglected my RV, unused for a year

The Old Gal has been sitting for over a year and I haven't started her up at all. I'm guessing the gas is probably bad and needs drained with fresh put in.

I tried starting it last weekend and it did start. The problem was that it would only stay running if I kept the pedal down about halfway to keep the RPMs up.

The engine is a Ford 460 with an Edelbrock carburetor I put on a few years back.

Open to suggestions on if the gas needs replaced and how best to clean the varnish etc. that has likely formed in the carburetor.

PS: I know it was really stupid to let it sit for so long. Now I get extra work to clean up my own mess.

4 Replies

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  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    What was happening in the fuel system during the year of non-use? Was there water condensing in the tank? Was the gasoline evaporating to vapor? Was there particulate in the lines that will clog fuel filters and carburetor orifices and jets? Is the fuel pump still working at specified pressure? Every fuel system is different but these are the questions I'm asking myself when I encounter a situation like posted. Usually a carburetor cleaning will eliminate a lot of running issues and fresh gas in the tank will afford mobility.
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    Seafoam isn't meant to make the gas good, but to dissolve any varnish that has occurred. A fill up with fresh gas is the starts of the getting rid of the very old gas without draining the tank, and attempting to dispose of the gas somewhere.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2013
    Really, the best bet would be to (good luck) drain the gas tank.

    Additives would prove to be like dumping Chanel No 5 into an outhouse.
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2013
    Me, what I've done (never with an RV though) is load the old gas up with Seafoam and if it starts let it run for 10-15 minutes. Shut it down and let it sit overnight. Next day start it up and drive to the gas station and fill up with fresh fuel. I keep a cell phone handy on that drive to the station just in case.

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