<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">Bob<BR>
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I've used fuel that's been stored in the original shipping cartons for 5+ years with no problem. However, a few years ago Magnum had a batch of jugs that would develop a small crack, usually near the top in the vapor space, from flexing due to thermal expansion / contraction of the fuel. Generally it's pretty obvious, as the jug is not full due to escaping methanol. The remaining fuel is less volatile and can give varied performance.<BR>
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The jug's "breathing" also admits moisture containing air, however moisture is not as detrimental as some profess. (Consider the amount of water in the 6 or so lbs of air the engine consumes per lb of fuel.) Minimizing methanol's exposure to air both limits moisture incursion and volatile matter excursion, both bad.<BR>
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Earl</FONT></HTML>