red454

Does anyone know enough about the liquid gasoline stabilizer products that you add to the tank for winter storage?

Do they really provide any protection?

dustindu4

drain all the gas out with a siphon or pump

ponyboy66

Do not drain. Absolute waste of time and effort.

The one and only product to use is STABIL.

I have used it for 20 years.

Follow instructions to the letter.

I will typically run my tank down to near empty.
Put the Stabil in and then fill the tank.
Drive about 10 miles or so to get the solution well into the fuel system and put her down for her nap.

You will be plesantly surprised in the spring.

No hassles, no varnishing, no loss of power, no problem.

Sonic05

I'm not sure you can siphon the gas out . . . don't these newer cars have valves at the bottom of the filler? I know GM's do now.

You can never get it all out anyway, and leaving all that stuff dry isn't good either. I'm going to fill the tank, use stabilizer, and run or drive the car every month.

WERKED 66

i always put gas stabilizer and about a 1/4 of a quart of marvel mystery oil...when i store my other cars...

Ranger

Have not used STABIL in my car but have in our generator and lawn tractor - worked well.

Badsnke98

I have used it the pasted 5 winters. Cobra fired right up after around 5-6 months of not running. A friend told me with premium fuel, Stabil was not needed. I tryed last winter and I exprienced a longer time before the engine fired up. Started to scare me! I plan to use it in both cars this winter, even though they will both have premium fuel.

06VistaPony

1) Todays fuels are not anywhere as stable as gasoline of, say, 20 years ago. I've been told to treat any gas that has to be stored longer than a month or 2.

2) Agree on the Stabil. Ask boat owners, they swear by it. Many have marine versions of the motors in our cars and they have to go through long periods of storage between outings.

adrenalin

so when you guys use Stabil it is not necessary to start your car once a month? This is the first car I will be storing and around here it can get pretty darn cold.

ponyboy66

You do not need to start it once a month.
You need not start it at all.
Stabil will keep gas fresh for up to 12 months.

Badsnke98

No need to periodically start the engine. Just remember to disconnect the battery cable and too hook it back up in the spring.

Louie

I'm a chemical engineer, but I don't get this! :scratch:
What does "fresh gas" mean?! It's not like it changes composition, so I can only imagine those additives keep the (inevitably inherent) water well mixed with the gasoline and prevent water build-up in the system. Or maybe the additive prevents the fuel pump & lines from drying when not used for an extended period of time.
Am I wrong?...

raisingkahne2004

Kinda funny .... I actually just watched a show this weekend on the DIY channel that talked about storing cars. I went to their website and found the info from the show I watched, so it might be of a little help to some people. Has some basic tips on what to do before winter.

Part 1
http://www.diynet.com/diy/ar_replica_car_k...2787433,00.html

Part 2
http://www.diynet.com/diy/ab_auto_restorat...2996912,00.html



Edit: oops, had the same link posted twice. Should be right now

ponyboy66

Stored fuel can break down to form gum and varnish deposits which clog your fuel system and make gas go bad. This can cause bad starting problems, increase maintenance costs and shorten the life of small engines.

Any fuel, be it gasoline, diesel, or heating fuel, is made up of many different organic compounds. These compunds are constantly changing over time and become new compounds that change the characteristics of fuel. Oxygen and other elements in the environment create new molecules that build up to form gummy residues or varnish-like films that can clog fuel lines, carburetors, and injectors.

Some fuels are treated with oxidation inhibitors that allow them to be stored up to two months without generating excessive deposits. Other fuels have no inhibitors at all. In any case, proper storage of equipment includes stabilizing the fuel to protect your engine.

bullitt3980

Well I have put my car away without gas stabilizer buy now I use a product called SeaFoam. The bonus of this product is that it will clean the injectors come spring. If you live in an area where it will freeze you have to either keep your battery charged or take it inside or it will freeze as the electolyte turns back into water as the battery discharges.

jwenger

I have used Sta-Bil for years. I have to winterize my jet-ski and boat for the winter. Use it in the ratio of 1 oz.(30cc) to every 2.5 gallons of gas in your tank. Run it for about 10 to 15 minutes (drive it ) after adding. You will be OK and a believer

Tyson

Don't forget it's not only the gas you should be worried about!! Run your car every 3 months when stored to circulate the oil and prevent any seals from drying out, etc.

red454

Yep - I have an old Impala that I try to start about every 6 weeks in the winter. It takes a good bit of cranking the 454 to get the gas up to the carb, but it starts every time. Still has the original starter and carb from 1972. And I have left the battery connected for the last 14 winters - no problems...

adrenalin

Those are some great tips. I knew about removing the battery and although some say to store it inside the house, I'd rather leave it in the garage.

korinwoodo

Man, I hate ontario winters. just glad Ii don't live any farther north than I do now. I've been to Muskoka in the winter and its hardcore enough for me.