Fuel additive in non ethanol?
- Thread starter redka
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Gary Fowler
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2008
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- 11,917
- Location
- Bismarck Arkansas
- Tractor
- 2009 Kubota RTV 900, 2009 Kubota B26 TLB & 2010 model LS P7010
Just drain the fuel and then run the carbs dry. I always try to store my small engines with dry tanks and carbs. Never any trouble with them that way. Some folks claim that running carbs dry will dry out gaskets which is BS. They come from the factory dry and may set for a year or more on showroom.
I have a 15 year old pressure washer that cranks on 2nd pull every time with not one problem from running dry.
My Stihl weedeater and chainsaw specifically says to run them dry before storage.
I do put Stabil in my riding mowers but I run them low on fuel first and double dose the remaining fuel with Stabil. I then top off with fresh gas in the spring before cranking them. It is too hard to get all the fuel out of those tanks so it is easier to treat with Stabil. I have used Seafoam as an engine cleaner but not as a conditioner so I don't know how well if works for that but Stabil RED works for me for overwinter storage. It is cheap insurance against varnish build up.
Ethanol/gas mixture will for sure NOT last over winter without a stabilizer added. Been there, done that once when I forgot to put in Stabil. Next spring I had to remove the tank, pour out the gas and refill with fresh which luckily was all I had to do (no carb rebuild). The old gas would hardly burn even when open flame was put to it.
Not sure about pure gas but I stabilize that also when I store something with gas in the tank. I do know that today the refineries up the octane rating by adding propane to it which will evaporate over a short time so even pure gas declines in performance quite rapidly.
I have a 15 year old pressure washer that cranks on 2nd pull every time with not one problem from running dry.
My Stihl weedeater and chainsaw specifically says to run them dry before storage.
I do put Stabil in my riding mowers but I run them low on fuel first and double dose the remaining fuel with Stabil. I then top off with fresh gas in the spring before cranking them. It is too hard to get all the fuel out of those tanks so it is easier to treat with Stabil. I have used Seafoam as an engine cleaner but not as a conditioner so I don't know how well if works for that but Stabil RED works for me for overwinter storage. It is cheap insurance against varnish build up.
Ethanol/gas mixture will for sure NOT last over winter without a stabilizer added. Been there, done that once when I forgot to put in Stabil. Next spring I had to remove the tank, pour out the gas and refill with fresh which luckily was all I had to do (no carb rebuild). The old gas would hardly burn even when open flame was put to it.
Not sure about pure gas but I stabilize that also when I store something with gas in the tank. I do know that today the refineries up the octane rating by adding propane to it which will evaporate over a short time so even pure gas declines in performance quite rapidly.
greggn
Bronze Member
Interesting read OPEI: PRICE is No Longer the Best Way to Select Gasoline
cat fever
Elite Member
It is Butane that is added to gasoline not Propane. Butane has a R+M/2 of about 92.5 which helps boost the octane number. However, summer months the RVP (reid vapor pressure) limit on gasoline is between 7 - 9 lbs. (Depends on area and elevation) So not much can or is added. Winter months the limit goes to 15 lbs RVP. The main reason for Butane is to flash or vapor off for easier starting of the engine, and it is a cheaper octane boost than some of the other blending components made at the refineries.
I personally start my engines and let them run for several minutes (winter/summer) and have had no problems with gumming. I do add some very strong antioxidant sometimes on things that I know are going to sit for long periods of time. (snow machine) Only reason I can get it is because I work at a refinery. It is worth noting that all refineries add antioxidant to all grades of gasoline. In most cases they add more than required. It is cheap insurance for our own tanks and piping.
Copperhead
Veteran Member
There are several choices available. I have used Stabil, PRD, and Amsoil products, all work well keeping fuel good. The only sure way to prevent problems is to run the fuel out of the motor and lines before storing away for winter. But I rarely do so. I have not had any problems just treating the gas well, making sure to run the mower long enough so the treated gas is fully thru the system, and then storing away. Have never had a failure to start or problem in the spring. Smaller stuff like weed eaters and such, just drain 'em out and run them out of fuel and store them away.
davesl708
Elite Member
For my small engines I use pure gas and StaBil in the gas can so always getting fresh fuel. have not had any problems even with 16 year old mowers and new wood chippers. Weedeater and chainsaw also get the same treated fuel. No issues.
