Sta-Bil? or ??? during non-usage?
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From: Ventura County, CA
Sta-Bil? or ??? during non-usage?
Greetings once again fellow FTE'rs!
I'm curious if I should use some kind of fuel stabilizer since Butch isn't seeing much (ok, 0) action lately? I've seen the commercial for "Sta-Bil" fuel stabilizer on TV and it got me to thinking...
What is the cut-off timeframe? If your truck is basically "sitting" for 3 mos? 6 mos? Should you then use some of this fuel stabilizer stuff? Is "Sta-Bil" the best? Are there other brands? I do start Butch up every couple of months and let her idle, but lately that's about it since I'm doing all the touch-up to get her ready for sale. (see classifieds on FTE)
Thanks all!
Butch n Me
I'm curious if I should use some kind of fuel stabilizer since Butch isn't seeing much (ok, 0) action lately? I've seen the commercial for "Sta-Bil" fuel stabilizer on TV and it got me to thinking...
What is the cut-off timeframe? If your truck is basically "sitting" for 3 mos? 6 mos? Should you then use some of this fuel stabilizer stuff? Is "Sta-Bil" the best? Are there other brands? I do start Butch up every couple of months and let her idle, but lately that's about it since I'm doing all the touch-up to get her ready for sale. (see classifieds on FTE)
Thanks all!
Butch n Me
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
I have been told, and I am not a tech, its only what I have been told, that old gas is bad news no matter what, and that the best thing to do is drain the tank and run her dry. Or, perhaps use the fuel stabilizer, and make sure to add several gallons of fresh to the tank before starting.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Minnesota
Gas has to get pretty old before you have problems. And if you live in a state that uses ethanol, it's even harder for it to go bad. Sta-bil is fine for stuff that will sit a long time, but it causes smoke that doesn't go away until you burn it all off.
If you live in a non-ethanol state, toss some heet (alcohol) in with the gas to keep the water down and don't worry about it.
We park our boat with a full tank of gas in the August and don't start it again until May - never had a problem. Same goes for my wifes convertible.
If you live in a non-ethanol state, toss some heet (alcohol) in with the gas to keep the water down and don't worry about it.
We park our boat with a full tank of gas in the August and don't start it again until May - never had a problem. Same goes for my wifes convertible.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,771
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From: Minnesota
I put fresh gas in my mowers and motorcycle after there last use before winter never have a problem 7 years. In my truck which is sitting in the garage I add a few gallons of fresh gas every month or so. I also start it and let it run for 15 or 20 minutes to clean the old gas out of the carb.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,288
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From: NM
Gas just ain't what it used to be, and some of the stuff they put in to clean fuel injectors and such are very volatile. When they evaporate, they leave really bad varnish behind. I used to leave my motorcycles with whatever was in them, no StaBil, no nothing, and didn't have any problems until about 10 years ago. Now I have gas that's a month old in jerry cans that smells like hell and is only good for washing parts.
Honestly, I don't know what to do. Carbs that dry out are bad, carbs filled with lousy gas are bad, what's a guy to do? Running them periodically with fresh gas seems to be best, and storing the vehicle in a reasonably warm environment so there isn't condensation.
-- Ross
Honestly, I don't know what to do. Carbs that dry out are bad, carbs filled with lousy gas are bad, what's a guy to do? Running them periodically with fresh gas seems to be best, and storing the vehicle in a reasonably warm environment so there isn't condensation.
-- Ross
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 221
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From: Michigan
Stabil is good stuff when used right. I fill my tanks and dump some in for winter. One thing, though, it won't help gas that's already old...trust your nose...no mistaking real old gas; drain it and put some fresh in.
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From: ishpeming usa
I use stabil in the summer along with heet for my '89 Bronco plow vehicle and start up every 6wks. or so. There's nothing worse than a foot or so of snow with a plow that wont start or run well(cold to work on too) 
I let it run down under a 1/4 tank in the spring and put it in then. Never had a problem since I started this routine.
Later...Randy
I let it run down under a 1/4 tank in the spring and put it in then. Never had a problem since I started this routine.
Later...Randy
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From: Ventura County, CA
Thanks one and all for the feedback, info and experiences with Sta-Bil and/or old gas.
I have less than 1/4 tank of gas in her right now, so I think I'll drain it and run it dry, then put some fresh stuff in and turn her over and idle her every couple of weeks for good measure. It's only been a handful of months since I ran the motor, but I'd rather err on the side of caution and avoid anything that could even remotely affect her. BTW, she's kept inside the garage covered with a StageIII custom cover, so temperature-wise, she should be fine.
Thanks again to all who responded.... You guys are the best!!!
Daryl (aka, Butch n Me)
I have less than 1/4 tank of gas in her right now, so I think I'll drain it and run it dry, then put some fresh stuff in and turn her over and idle her every couple of weeks for good measure. It's only been a handful of months since I ran the motor, but I'd rather err on the side of caution and avoid anything that could even remotely affect her. BTW, she's kept inside the garage covered with a StageIII custom cover, so temperature-wise, she should be fine.
Thanks again to all who responded.... You guys are the best!!!
Daryl (aka, Butch n Me)
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
Hi Daryl, sorry to hear that you are still selling. I had figured since we hadn't heard any different, that you had found gainfull employment and Butch could still live at your house. 
However, since you do need to find her another home, I will look around for a buyer. John
However, since you do need to find her another home, I will look around for a buyer. John
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From: Ventura County, CA
Originally Posted by Jag Red 54
Hi Daryl, sorry to hear that you are still selling. I had figured since we hadn't heard any different, that you had found gainfull employment and Butch could still live at your house. However, since you do need to find her another home, I will look around for a buyer. John
However, since you do need to find her another home, I will look around for a buyer. John
All reasonable offers considered...Daryl
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Joined: Nov 2004
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Hi Daryl, go with the stay-bil it works. In Ca. the crap that is added to our gas makes it evaporates faster, so gums up faster. I would like to talk to you about Butch, I'v been looking for a (48-60) F100 not half Chevi. I left you a message on your 7-09-04 ?
I'm new to FTE so can't e-mail you. Call me asap 714-974-7662 Robert Greene (RVG) I live in Orange, Ca. PS truck looks supper in add
I'm new to FTE so can't e-mail you. Call me asap 714-974-7662 Robert Greene (RVG) I live in Orange, Ca. PS truck looks supper in add
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