Updated at: 03-08-2023 - By: micdot

Many people are familiar with mothballs as an alternative to octane boosters because they have read about them in the context of octane boosters. Because the naphthalene provides a short-term boost in power and octane, you may ask why this is the case. Still, you may ask whether or not it’s safe. As a result, you may ask: Do mothballs actually have any effect on the gas mileage of a vehicle? Adding mothballs to your petrol tank might give your vehicle a brief increase in power and octane. Even if you don’t put it on a regular basis, corrosion can occur in your engine. The bottom line is that mothballs may seem like a smart idea in the short term, but in the long run, they will harm your vehicle.

Mothballs are a possible alternative to octane boosters because they are significantly less expensive. Despite the fact that it offers an alternative, you should not rely on it as a safe option in any case. If you use it for a long period of time and do it frequently, it can damage your vehicle. Putting mothballs in a gas tank has a number of drawbacks, which we’ll discuss in detail in this post. Understanding how and why it impacts your engine, as well as possible solutions, is essential.

What happens if you put mothballs into a gas tank?

Mothballs can cause gas tanks to explode.

Today’s mothballs may give any car a brief octane and power boost. In other words, people might think this is a great alternative to a pricey octane booster. If you’re looking for a cheap option, keep in mind that it can be deceiving. Engine damage may result if you use mothballs instead of octane boosters. For example, aromatics distilled from coal or petroleum can be found here. Adding mothballs to gasoline can result in the flames in the combustion chamber spreading outward. As a result, your car’s performance will suffer as a result of the slower burning process. A mothball, on the other hand, could provide your car a momentary boost of power. However, it won’t be a very good one.”

There are certain disadvantages to using it, even if it does increase octane and provide a bump in power. Mothballs, for example, are highly corrosive. As a result, the cylinder’s upper portion may become corrosive if mothballs are used on a frequent basis. Corrosion will form in the area where the combustion occurs, resulting in long-term damage. Consider both the long- and short-term consequences.

Short term effects

The naphthalene in mothballs might temporarily increase your car’s octane and power. For example, aromatics distilled from coal or petroleum can be found here. Adding mothballs to gasoline can result in the flames in the combustion chamber spreading outward.As a result, your car’s performance will suffer as a result of the slower burning process.

A mothball, on the other hand, could provide your car a momentary boost of power. However, it won’t be a very good one.” A mothball may be less expensive, but the performance it provides is only short-lived, and it will do more harm than good to your vehicle.

Long term effects

The naphthalene in mothballs makes them very corrosive, as was previously stated. Corrosion is more likely to occur here because it’s where the fuel is going to go. Regularly placing mothballs in the upper cylinder area may make it more susceptible to corrosion. It’s safe to say that in the long term, the area where the combustion occurs would wear out, resulting in harm.

Your best bet is to increase the octane level in your engine. It is possible to blend common leaded gas with premium unleaded. The gas you use in your tank can also be changed out. You may avoid using mothballs and ensure the safety of your engine this way.

Can mothballs in a gas tank damage an engine?

The engine might be damaged by mothballs in the gas tank. The naphthalene in mothballs will cause corrosion throughout the entire system if you put them in the gas tank.

Mothballs are extremely corrosive due to the naphthalene content. Corrosion is also a problem since it enters the combustion chambers, where it is most likely to do so.

Mothballs might damage the upper cylinder if you use them frequently. To put it another way, the area where the combustion takes place would deteriorate with time, resulting in injury.

How many mothballs in a gas tank will ruin it?

Typically, one mothball is used for every four or five gallons of fuel by most drivers. The issue isn’t how many, but rather how many are there. When using mothballs as a substitute for octane boosters, it’s all about how long and how regularly you use them.

Mothballs are particularly corrosive because of their high naphthalene content. For this reason, corrosion is most likely to develop in the combustion chamber.

Using mothballs on a regular basis increases the danger of cylinder rust. The area where combustion takes place would degrade over time, creating damage that would be long-lasting.

Can you tell if someone put mothballs in your gas tank?

There is a simple way to tell if your gas tank has been filled with mothballs. The mothballs will get into the gasoline if this is done. It is possible that mothballs can cause poor combustion when the engine is running. This faulty combustion process results in a lot of black or dark smoke coming from your vehicle. As a result, if you notice black smoke coming from your engine while it’s running, you may want to turn it off and get it looked out.

It’s also possible that the mothballs could clog the engine if they’re left unburnt. This would leave residues in your engine that could cause it to become clogged. Stall your engine and eventually damage it as a result. The best course of action is to get your gas tank tested as soon as you suspect someone has placed mothballs in it.

How to get the mothballs out of a gas tank ?

If you put a few mothballs in a gas tank, you shouldn’t have any issues. Nevertheless, if you begin to experience troubles with it, it’s preferable to get rid of it. Despite this, most gas filler necks contain a filter that picks up on such debris. Drain the gas tank and remove the mothballs if you want to be safe, though.

Start by turning off the engine and empting the fuel tank. After removing the mothballs, you’ll need to replace the gasoline filter. Gas tanks with gas caps or top-trunk access are preferable. It’s fine to peek inside if that’s what you want to do. It’s hidden beneath the back seat in some cars.

Summary

What happens if you put mothballs in a gas tank? Adding mothballs to your petrol tank might give your vehicle a brief increase in power and octane. Even if you don’t put it on a regular basis, corrosion can occur in your engine. The bottom line is that mothballs may seem like a smart idea in the short term, but in the long run, they will harm your vehicle.

Mothballs are a possible alternative to octane boosters because they are significantly less expensive. Despite the fact that it offers an alternative, you should not rely on it as a safe option in any case. If you use it for a long period of time and do it frequently, it can damage your vehicle. Avoid using mothballs and placing them in your gas tank as much as possible, as a general rule. If you do this, you can avoid any problems with your vehicle and any engine damage that may result from it.