Fuel Stabilizer Opinions

I've never had a problem with Stabil. Policy here is to add Stabil according to directions and then fill the tanks as much as possible around the end of the driving season (before first road salting). My hope is that this approach mixes the Stabil thoroughly and filling it as much as possible leaves little room for condensate to form. I've used the marine version as well as the version that's meant for long-term storage... no difference noted.

I do start my cars periodically in the winter and warm them up to full operating temp. and drive them if rain has cleared the salt off the roads.

The other alternative is to completely drain the fuel system and store it in a dry atmosphere -- not too practical for me.

Before I used this stuff I found about a gallon of alcohol-water mixture at the bottom of the 5 gallon tank on my commercial mower one spring. (I had just filled everything to the brim with no additives -- this was in the early days of E10.) This was the first and only time I saw "phase separation". I also rebuilt the carb. on that machine -- lesson learned.

Also, "drygas" additives are methyl (I think) and isopropyl alcohol -- no need for this stuff when you've already got 10% ethanol in your tank. I wouldn't add drygas under any circumstance.

 

interesting, what bioethanol content do you put in the Mondial's tank?

I am reluctant to have any in the fuel system, too many stories from (older) seal materials starting to leak. Have therefore decided to go non-bioethanol, which means restrictions on what gas station brands I frequent and it is always premium for non-bioethanol.

cheers

braq

 

I use Startron in my boat and I'm told it's better than Staybil. I've used Staybil for years in my cars and haven't had any problems.
I wonder which is better as they both can be used for cars.

Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment

- Ron

 

I use startron in every tankfull. We have e10 fuel here so the ethanol is a constant problem

 

You're fortunate to have that choice. In most of New England it's been 10% at the pumps for years. Even at the gas docks in the marinas. I think pure gasoline is still available at some places in Northern NH and Vermont.

It's a mixed blessing... the ethanol really does seem to keep fuel systems clean, but on any older car complete replacement of all rubber and some plastic is not a question of 'if', but 'when'. Also, aluminum parts, when subjected to an ethanol/water mixture, oxidize rapidly in my experience.

I've also heard very good things about Star Tron but I've never used it.

 

My local Costco has only had ethanol free gas for many years.

 

I have used stabil for 15+ years without an issue. Follow the directions! More is not better.

 

If there is a gas station that has ethanol free fill her up and you are good for the next 4 to 5 months. If not then use a fuel stabilizer and do use it when you intend not to drive for some months. In both occasions run the tanks almost empty for two times before you will fill up. Happy winter times

The old rubber cannot withstand ethanol. Any Mondial has been comprised to it is my humble opinion. Also if not then you have this untouchable thing called age Rubber in combination with oil or fuel will not last 30 years. It's wise to renew your fuel tubes if this has not been done yet. There is a reason why I am driving with an 8Ltr foam fire extinguisher. Not for myself, but for other people when we go out for a bash/drive.

If yellow paint is used on the clamps then most likely they are still the old ones as almost no one marks yellow again after replacement.

New tubes have a compound that can withstand the ethanol. Preferably do not buy old stock or use Ferrari ones as this is new old stock and you will end up with the same issue.

One will itch behind their ears when you see the condition of these tubes in my video. Scroll to 11.40min
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LCofRMA-dI[/ame]

 

I had to have most of my fuel hoses replaced about a year ago as one of them stated to leak. The remainder are getting replaced in the spring.
I had a look at the inside of one of the original hoses and couldn't be live how bad it was. Dry and cracked. When I pinched it, it simply disintegrated. Old hoses need to be replaced...

 

Thanks a lot for the input, I also found sites like this helpful to find E0 gas stations

Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada

cheers

braq

 

Keep in mind that from the outside a tube can look perfectly fine so visual inspection will not take away potential danger. Just replace if there is doubt if only for your and passenger's safety

For your other cars they will not start/run with the current fuel in the tanks. Even Non Ethanol fuel will have no fire power anymore after these years. You might need to deal with potential gumgum in the fuel lines though. I like the XJ40 old jags are neat!

 

Agreed! My old fuel lines looked brand new from the outside but we're completely destroyed on the inside.
Don't mess with old fuel lines. If you haven't done them, do them now.

 

If you look at the MSDS for these stabilizers you will find that for the most part they are 95% diesel fuel, heating oil or cleaning fluid which can do absolutely noting about phase separation in E10.

Funny thing is, it is always the guys who use this crap that seem to report having problems. I've never used any of it in any IC engine: car, lawn mower, generator, snow blower, etc. None has ever developed a leak or failed to start after sitting for extended periods (6 months or more). That includes my 85 308 which I have owned since new.

 

I use stabil, longest time period was 13 months, car started and ran normal.

 

Increasing octane makes the fuel burn slower. I don't think that would aid in starting??? I'm not sure what specific product you checked, but Stabile Fuel Stabilizer that I checked is 95% CAS 64742-47-8 is a form of kerosene.CDC - DISTILLATES (PETROLEUM), HYDROTREATED LIGHT - International Chemical Safety Cards - NIOSH. Often marketed as low odor paint thinner, http://www.uww.edu/riskmanagement/msds/data/low_odour_paint_thinner_recochem_inc._4.30.01.pdf.

Also, adding 8 oz of additive to 16 gallons of gas results in a concentration of the additive of about 0.5% by volume, and that is more than the recommended concentration.

Anyway, paint thinner, cleaning fluids, diesel fuel, kerosene; I've looked at a number of these additives and that is pretty much what they contain for the most part. I know Stabil talks about their stuff releasing a vapor to protect the tank. A simple and better solution is to just store your car with a full tank of fuel, like as has pretty much been recommended since time began.

 

Red Stabil doesn't claim to help with e10 if IIRC. The hotrod shop I worked at while in college sells Sunoco 110 racing gas. The owner uses that gas in all his small engines and has never had a problem with storage, water accumulation, or glazing. So maybe the octane rating has something to do with this?

 

I have never used this, but this is what I read of two STA-BIL products.

STA-BIL 360° Performance:
The only fuel treatment to emit a revolutionary vapor technology that rises above the fuel line to protect your engine where others can’t. 5-in-1 maximizer helps take performance over the top to prevent ethanol damage, enhance water removal, restore power, clean fuel system and maximize fuel economy
http://www.goldeagle.com/product/sta-bil-360-marine-ethanol-fuel-treatment-stabilizer

Marine STA-BIL® Ethanol Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer
•Prevents Ethanol fuel related damage in boats and other marine engines
•Specially formulated for use in high-moisture environments
•Removes water from fuel to help prevent phase separation
•Prevents corrosion caused by Ethanol and moisture
•Cleans fuel system for improved in-season performance
•Stabilizes fuel to keep it fresh during storage
http://www.goldeagle.com/product/marine-sta-bil-ethanol-fuel-treatment-stabilizer