12-11-2006, 05:47 PM
Evaporation is not a problem in a closed system. Where there is evaporation there is condensation. A gas tank is a sealed system and if you're passing your annual inspection, then your gas cap has been checked for a pressurized seal.
Vapor pressure and evaporation rates are a physical property of a material and are only affected by temperature and pressure.
Fuel degradation is purely an oxidation effect. The 'gunk' you refer to is caused by oxidative degradation, not evaporation. Hydrocarbons are very chemicially stable species under regular temperatures. Unfortunately, the additives that are put into fuel are not as stable and stability issues (under some conditions) may result.
As we discussed in a previous post, some issues can result when gasoline is stored under elevated temperature for prolonged periods, but the process happens over several months. When summer rolls around again we can talk about fuel degradation in summer climates if you'd like.
Vapor pressure and evaporation rates are a physical property of a material and are only affected by temperature and pressure.
Fuel degradation is purely an oxidation effect. The 'gunk' you refer to is caused by oxidative degradation, not evaporation. Hydrocarbons are very chemicially stable species under regular temperatures. Unfortunately, the additives that are put into fuel are not as stable and stability issues (under some conditions) may result.
As we discussed in a previous post, some issues can result when gasoline is stored under elevated temperature for prolonged periods, but the process happens over several months. When summer rolls around again we can talk about fuel degradation in summer climates if you'd like.