It's very critical to NOT start an engine with old gas in it, the gas will varnish on the guides and lock the valves.

I discovered this on my 64 Lincoln convertible. Bent all 8 intake pushrods and blew most of the lifters.

Jim

__________________
14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles