FUEL STABILIZER and PERFORMANCE ?

I have several cars in which I use fuel stabilizer,
including all of my Ferrari cars.

I have no idea what is in these products (Primarily STABIL,
regular and marine), and no idea on the effect on the
engine when the car is "pushed.'

Do these products lower the fuel octane rating ?

Do they add to "knock ?"

Are there any long-term problems with continued use,
say for a period of years ?

What about reactions to ethanol ?

Thanks,

Scott

 

You probably don't even need to use a stabilizer unless your going to store the car for many years.

I have a Mercedes that has sat outside in my mechanics yard for 6 years. Last year, with a new battery, it started right up with the cheap gas in it. I guess the new high-priced gas is much better!

I bought a bottle of Stabil many years ago but never used it, and I do have cars that will sit for many months without being driven and have never had a problem.

 

Stuff like Lucas injector cleaner a 40 year mechanic I know swears by it to lubricate the fuel system that alcohol in gas dries out. Also for older cars and now that lead is gone out of gas a fuel additive will help. It's a matter of getting the right stuff and not something solvent based. Certainly can't hurt for cars with more limited use.

 

I've seen threads here where guys store their Ferraris over the winter, for 4 or 5 months, and they use fuel stabilizer. I have never used it myself and I am one of those that does store for 4-5 months.

 

We use it and are happy with the results.

 

Stuff like Lucas injector cleaner a 40 year mechanic I know swears by it to lubricate the fuel system that alcohol in gas dries out. Also for older cars and now that lead is gone out of gas a fuel additive will help. It's a matter of getting the right stuff and not something solvent based. Certainly can't hurt for cars with more limited use.

The new Lucas (in the white bottle) is fantastic I can really tell the difference I use every 3rd tank.

 

I use Stabil in all motorcycles and BB512i. Gas will start to gum up in a few months if no treated.

 

That's why I think a car sitting around with a full tank and going bad is worse than say only a small bit of gas that you freshen up when you drive it. If the car is sitting for a long time a full tank with additive is best.

 

For really long storage, wouldn't it be better to drain it dry?

 

I would also be interested in responses on this question.

I have heard that many of the older tanks will rust is
left empty.

Not a problem with the new plastic tanks.

I don't allways know ahead of time when a
particular car is going to sit for "years," hence
the "Stabil."

 

It's best to totally fill it up and add something like Stabil. Apparently it will rust otherwise. Seems like it'd be somewhat problematic to finally drive around on the crap gas. Might be best to dump it out or run it through your daily driver a few gallons at a time. If a car is going to sit around forever it probably doesn't make sense to have it. Let someone else enjoy it.

 

And what were the results when you didn't use it?

 

The carb on my daughter's motorcycles gummed up after about 9 months of sitting without running. I had to dissemble the carb and clean all jets and passages before getting it back running. Stabil in everything but your daily driver is the way to go IMHO.

 

+1 Have used Stabil for years with good results

 

The problem with letting fuel sit is it degrades due mixing with the surrounding air and humidity. (trying to make this simple). Fuel stabalizers such as Stabil actually create a thin layer on the top of the fuel that prevents the air from mixing with the fuel and causing degradation and water contamination of the fuel. This is also why it is best to leave a car topped off, then there is less space in the tank for oxgen. This is a very simplified version of the actual process but the bottom line is its better to keep the tank full and fuel stabalizer is a good idea for long term storage.

 

This is a great explaination !

I wonder if some of the Stabil mixes with the "tank" gasoline,
and also protects the fuel pump and injectors ?

Thanks, Scott

 

Actually full tank is much better.........keeps any condensation to a minimum.

 

keep tanks at minimum... use fuel stabilizer...it is easier to get rid of a few gallons of bad fuel than a full tank of questionable fuel should the car go unused for longer than expected

topping off is a myth that many ascribe to, it has been debunked many times over

all fuel gets stale as it ages... new alcohol infused fuels are the worst offenders to go bad

fuel injection systems subject fuel to high pressure and heat degrading the unused fuel that returns back to the tank

 

I've read the part about Stabil floating on top of the gas to keep water out of the fuel. I've heard suggestions that it does not prevent the lighter components from evaporating out -- particularly with ethanol gas.

SeaFoam supposedly works differently. While it claims to stabilize, from what I read, I think it's mostly a cleaner to offset the glazing from old fuel.

I've even seen posts suggesting using BG 44K injector cleaner as a fuel stabilizer.

As for the impact to "pinging":
I'd imagine that both Stabil and Seafoam would impact the octane rating.

I've seen posts where people complain about the smell they get when the Stabil runs through the engine.

But if Stabil "floats on top", then I'd guess it wouldn't have an impact until you got down to the point you were sucking nearly pure Stabil into the engine.


I'm primarily thinking in terms of fuel for the emergency generator. I'm thinking I should pull the fuel out of the generator and use SeaFoam in the storage can.
(Especially as the generator is stored inside, near the door to the screened in porch where it'd be run. I'd want to store the fuel in the garage, not in the rec room.)

I wonder how far I'd have to drive to get fuel for the generator that did *not* have ethanol in it.

 

That's interesting. I don't bother topping up on the older cars as it's tougher to get rid of the stale gas as you say. On some of the injector cars I use Lucas. I think it best to be driving with fresh gas best you can.

 

if your natural gas provider is reasonably dependable. think about converting the carb on the generator to natural gas... unlimited fuel supply with no storage issues... the preferred fuel by the custom installers

 

I have used Stabil for years but not in cars (motorcycles, outboards, tractors, lawn mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, etc.)

I think it makes a big difference in the long term for things that sit for a few months at a time. There seems to be less gumming etc. in the carbs. It seems especially good in 2 stroke applications.

I have always left cars topped off. The reasoning is (especially in humid climates) that it should in theory result in less condensation and water in the gas. Water in the gas is a relatively rare problem and probably not worth worrying about.

With older cars, I would worry about rust if they sit for a long time with little fuel. At the same time, I have never seen it as a problem.

I think the full tank idea is more theoretical than practical.

I am curious about how performance may be impacted. My guess is that there is little impact but I would like to hear from someone who knows.

 

I've never used Stabil in any of my vehicles(including my lawn tractor) and I'm very happy with the results. Or should I say my landscapers don't use it?

 

The new formulated fuels degrade much sooner than fuel years ago. On another subject. I think the Testarossa has aluminum fuel tanks. correct me if i'm wrong.


Ago

 

Stabil is 95% or more naphtha. No mystery to it. Also, this idea of stabil "floating" in a protective barrier on the top of the gasoline layer in your tank- is not accurate, as naphtha is soluble to a homogeneous blend in gasoline. It can not "sit" on top of the gas surface.

gas comes from naphtha, in the refining process. Its in the same "family" of solvents- alkaloids.

naphtha is such a convenient main ingredient solvent to bottle up and sell under soooo many brands/applications- even if some are over rated/overadvertised. Its in Stabil, WD-40, Marvel Mystery Oil elixir, Seafoam, etc etc etc.