Stabill
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 31
From: Winnipeg
It depends on how long you not going to be driving for. My mustang sits in my garage from November to mid- April with no stabilizer and starts just fine every spring. I think it's a little different though with small engines as their fuel tank volumes are very small.
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 94
Likes: 8
From: Lincoln, NE
My truck in the summer is like Lime1's mustang in the winter. One 36G tank of gas will last me 3-4 months as i don't really drive it much except to go fishing.
Personally, I have never treated fuel for long term unless I intend to use it in an engine with a carb instead of fuel injection. YMMV.
Personally, I have never treated fuel for long term unless I intend to use it in an engine with a carb instead of fuel injection. YMMV.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Part of it has to do with average temps and humidity and whether truck is parked outside, whether the tank is vented steel, or non vented poly etc. A half or quarter tank of fuel exposed to wide temperature swings in the open to the atmosphere type is going to soak up lots of moisture as humid air condenses on the inside of the tank walls. Fuel is also kind of like milk in the fridge. Keep it ice cold and it will last a lot longer.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 716
Likes: 92
From: Asheboro, NC
Trending Topics
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,504
Likes: 652
From: Sioux Falls Area
Add the stabil.
get the blue stuff instead of the red. Reading the label it goes twice as far. 1oz/5gal instead Of 1oz/2.5gal for the red.
use it and don’t look back.
get the blue stuff instead of the red. Reading the label it goes twice as far. 1oz/5gal instead Of 1oz/2.5gal for the red.
use it and don’t look back.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Whatever stabilizer you decide, it is important to use it right away, at time of fuel purchase. Don't wait 6 months and decide to add it to the fuel, it doesn't work that way. Make sure it gets mixed thoroughly in the tank and run the engine long enough so it gets into the lines and fuel system.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 47
Likes: 6
I've never used Stabil or the alternatives in a car or truck. I have used it for many years in the gas I buy for my power equipment. Lawn mowers, chain saws, string trimmers, etc. I buy the 93 octane five gallons at a time, add the stabilizer, then mix up a separate container for the 2-cycle. But I will agree with those who say it can't hurt, and it's certainly cheap, so go for it if it gives you any peace of mind.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 716
Likes: 92
From: Asheboro, NC
I use Stabil in the small engines, it may sit for months before it's used. In the truck's 36 gallon tank, I pour in 2 cans of Berryman's additive when I know I'm going to burn a full tank in a short time. Once, maybe twice per year. Same thing on my motorcycles.
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