Oil & Fuel Fuel Treatments Year 'Round?

[bp fick]

If you all are like me, I care for the diesel with the white bottle. But frankly, my tractor doesn't sit for 6 months. My small engines do. Weed whippers, leaf blower, 22" push mower, riding lawn mower, chain saws and most importantly, my 25 Merc outboard on my fishing boat.

I have given up. I just never know if I can "remember" to fuss with all these things and here's the important thing, I just never know when the engine might be run for the last time in a summer. Who is to say whether I am going to run this or this piece of equipment? Who's to say, despite my good intentions, as to whether I am really going to take the boat out one last time or one the boys will? See what I mean. I give up.

I just run the fuel stabilizers in the re-fill cans all the time. That way, I don't have to "remember". Anybody else just get to that point?

 

[thavil]

I started doing the same thing about a year ago. Before I fill either my gas or diesel cans, I treat them before I take them to the store. Sta-Bil for gas, gray Power Service in the warm months and white Power Service in the colder months.

 

[whistlepig]

Diesel has a much longer shelf life than gas. I started doing the Sta-bil thing for gas this year when I bought a generator. The only thing that I worry about is the generator, chainsaw, weed eaters, and lawnmowers. These are the tools most likely to sit through the winter. The ATV's and diesel tractor get run time during the winter. I think stabilizer is the way to go but it has a shelf life also. I keep track of time on the lawnmowers, chainsaws, generator, and weed eaters. It is a hassle.

 

[Runner]

I always run StaBil in the cans and tanks for things that I suspect may sit for awhile, including the boats, chain saw and weed eater.

I keep a couple of 5 gallon cans for lawn tractor use that I don't use the stabilizer in during the summer because I use them up, but I try to remember to give them a shot just before the last fill of the summer.

I run the diesel treatment year round because I figure it can't hurt anything and I don't use that much diesel.

 

[RalphVa]

I put Stabil in the gas I buy.

Best treatment for little engines with carburetors is Seafoam. Fixed a bad idle problem on a Gravely I had. This summer, both walk behind lawn mowers had troublesome idles and one started "hunting" at speed. Treated them with Seafoam. Now they're fine.

Ralph

 

[Allan_Cen_Ont]

What I do when I use the weedeater and push mower the last time of the season is I drain the gas from their gas tanks if they have a lot in them, then I start them up and run them out of gas and then remove the spark plugs and squirt a few drops of oil in the cylinder and pul the start cord slowly once to lube the cylinders up or in the case of the generator I shut the gas off and let it run til it quits .

 

[whistlepig]

The biggest hassle is keeping fresh gas for a generator year round. Never know when a wind storm comes or someone hits a pole. No well water for the livestock or to flush toilets when that happens.

 

[WH401]

I run Sta-bil in all the gas I buy, both mix and regular. For the mix I also run one mixture in everything, Amsoil Saber 2-stroke at 80:1, so I don't have to mess with a whole bunch of different cans. I've never had a problem with that method, and I don't plan to change it. In every diesel engine I have, whether tractor or vehicle, I run Power Service. Ever since the introduction of ULSD, diesel fuel is no where near the quality it used to be. Lubricity and gelling are two key issues to be concerned with, but stability isn't as big of an issue with diesel fuel, it doesn't rapidly deteriorate like gasoline.

 

[smfcpacfp]

I use my tractor year 'round, so a non issue.

I run the gas out of all of my small vehicles, and use Stabil in my Corvette which I like to store full of gas to reduce condensation. I store my motorcycles in my heated basement, so I don't worry about condensation, but I do use Stabil.

 

[DWCox]

I put Stabil in the gas I buy.

Best treatment for little engines with carburetors is Seafoam. Fixed a bad idle problem on a Gravely I had. This summer, both walk behind lawn mowers had troublesome idles and one started "hunting" at speed. Treated them with Seafoam. Now they're fine.

Ralph

I concur on the Seafoam. It was highly recommended to me by a top-notch lawn and small equipment business that does superb work for lawn care businesses and homeowners in this region. I have been putting some into my chainsaw, weedeater, and roadbike just before putting them up for the winter, and they fire right up almost first crank in the late spring. Dirty carbs which I would previously have to use caustic carb cleaners on to clean (which often destroyed certain rubber diaphragms and o-rings), the aerosol version of Seafoam cleans right up with no damage whatsoever. I keep it on my shelf continuously in both liquid and aerosol forms.

 

[o2batsea]

I think all that stuff is a waste of money. All it does is drain your wallet, and does nothing to the gas.

 

[sunnyside360]

I think all that stuff is a waste of money. All it does is drain your wallet, and does nothing to the gas.

I couldn't disagree more. Have you've ever had diesel fuel gel in cold weather? I've learned the hard way it pays to put gasoline stabilizer in boats, motorcycles, saws, lawn mowers, string trimmers, snow blowers, and other gasoline engines that are seasonal. I also use anti-gel/fuel treatment in diesel engines year round after having problems in very cold weather (may not be needed in southern states).

 

[bpattie]

maybe just my opinion, but I do like the additives for the diesel at least when it gets cold, which it is now and do use the Sta-bil in some of my gas engine accessories. I usually drain gas in the Winter but had a problem with my rototiller where when I drained the gas the first year I had it the fuel line dried up and cracked. it seems to like staying wet. but I do drain the chain saw, wood splitter and power washer. never heard of the Sea Foam, can someone elaborate and also where do you get it. Perhaps I just never noticed it.

 

[TonkaToy]

I was using Stabil in my gas cans before. Then I called a couple of the gas companies, Shell, Exxon...etc. with some questions about octane and in the conversation they told me that they already put fuel stabilizer in their fuel and there is no need to add any. I live in Canada and maybe because of the cold winters and condensation problems, they have little choice. Their refining process may vary in different parts of Canada and the US. I stopped adding the Stabil about 4 years ago and haven't had any problems yet. You might want to call your local refiners to see what the deal is in your area.

 

[DieselnHooters]

I was using Stabil in my gas cans before. Then I called a couple of the gas companies, Shell, Exxon...etc. with some questions about octane and in the conversation they told me that they already put fuel stabilizer in their fuel and there is no need to add any. I live in Canada and maybe because of the cold winters and condensation problems, they have little choice. Their refining process may vary in different parts of Canada and the US. I stopped adding the Stabil about 4 years ago and haven't had any problems yet. You might want to call your local refiners to see what the deal is in your area.

I am in Canada also (Quebec) and yes the gas companies do add stabilizer/anti-gelling agent in their winter fuel.

They also add a blueish colorant to it so you can tell the difference, they make the switch from summer to winter fuel sometimes in november.

I still add some myself just to make sure...cant hurt, it gets so frikkin cold up here...I also pour an ounce or 2 of oil to grease the pump.

 

[bp fick]

I think all that stuff is a waste of money. All it does is drain your wallet, and does nothing to the gas.

Almost think this post is mere bait, but anyhow, nope.

Gas turns into varnish in carb bowls and gas tanks of all small appliances. Engine manufacturers and techs from B&S to Mercury Marine all recommend proper care before long storage. When one adds the hideous effects of ethanol to stored gas, especially in the Marine environment, and it is easy to see why Sta-Bil is a must. When spring comes and I have work to do, I want those appliances (blowers, weed whippers, push mowers, etc) to start and I refuse to pull my guts out fussing with them. That is no fun.

And when I launch that boat, it darn embarrassing for that sucker not to start on the first or second pull when there is a dozen other guys backed up with their trailers wanting to get on the water.

When its -10 and there's a foot of snow to clear, I need that Kubota to start, not sit there with a tank full of Jello for diesel.

Do what you wish. It's a free country. It's your equipment. I shall use Sta-Bil as I have for years. I shall use diesel treatment as well. Shoot, anti-freeze for the radiator is probably just a gimmick too.

 

[bp fick]

I am in Canada also (Quebec) and yes the gas companies do add stabilizer/anti-gelling agent in their winter fuel.

They also add a blueish colorant to it so you can tell the difference, they make the switch from summer to winter fuel sometimes in november.

I still add some myself just to make sure...cant hurt, it gets so frikkin cold up here...I also pour an ounce or 2 of oil to grease the pump.

Sure, the companies do this indeed!!! No debate. But sometimes, no make that often, my appliances have SUMMER mix in them when they get laid up in late summer. Ditto my tractor. I am quite likely to still have summer diesel mix in my can or in my tank.

I noticed the "stickers" on the pumps today. Yup, they have switched to their winter blends already. I actually dislike the winter blend in my on the road vehicles because it seems "lighter" and my mileage sinks by a mile or two to the gallon.

 

[DWCox]

. . . never heard of the Sea Foam, can someone elaborate and also where do you get it. Perhaps I just never noticed it.

Many auto parts stores have it. I think Napa, PepBoys, et al. The place that introduced it to me actually has all their mechanics use it rather than standard carb cleaner. If you have ever cleaned varnish out of a carb and its jets, you will really appreciate it. It has actually been around since the 60's and was used a lot on outboard motors back in those days.

 

[whistlepig]

I think all that stuff is a waste of money. All it does is drain your wallet, and does nothing to the gas.

Once you scrape varnish out of your carb you may think otherwise. I have done this. Not a big deal on a Saturday morning before you mow the grass and you have all day to fix it. When it's ten degrees, dark, wind blowing, no lights, power is out, no heat, and the carb on your generator is gummed up is why we buy stabilizer. No thank you. I'll waste my money on the stabilizer.

 

[Cat_Driver]

I had way too many problems with leaving fuel in small engines. LAted was a nice generator the fuel ate away at rubber seals, a small screen inthe fuel system etc.

Finally the best solution for me is to put enough fuel to do the job and tehn run it out fo suck it out with a turkey baster then start it till it runs dry.

Next time I use it fill it with fresh fuel and I'm good to go.

I had a Kubota sit for almost 10 years till the weeds almost consumed it. Filled up the tires, put in a a new battery and it firer right up. Never treated the fuel. Stunned me.