Sta-Bil and ester based 2 cycle oil incompatible?

[chevrofreak]

I've been running a 640:1 ratio of Pennzoil synthetic ester based TC-W3 2 cycle oil in my car and my motorcycle, and a few days ago I added some Sta-Bil to the tanks on both vehicles, and now they're both difficult to get started when cold. They boths tarted just fine with only the TC-W3 in the fuel.

This is my first experience with Sta-Bil, but it claims it makes starting easier....

Is there something I should be concerned about? Some sort of chemical reaction?

 

[AuthorEditor]

I've been mixing Sta-Bil and TC-W3 for years with no problems. I usually use the Walmart 2-stroke oil. For my outboards I dump in the appropriate amount of Sta-Bil and 2-stroke oil as soon as I get an empty tank, then when I fill up I don't have to remember whether or not I've added the oil. I use this mix year-round, and I've kept 5 gallon jugs of this stuff over the winter for six months or more for many years, and then it runs great in the spring. With the mix in my outboards I don't have to drain the carbs in the winter.

 

[Pablo]

What does Sta-Bil say?

Not 100% sure - but Amsoil specifically says not to use PI with their 2 stroke oils, but Gasoline Stabilizer OK. I never pushed the envelope with PI, but it wouldn't surprise me if some interesting chemistry happened.

 

[chevrofreak]

Sta-Bil says it can be used in all 2 and 4 cycle engines. It should be fine, but it's not. That's what makes me wonder if it's not compatible with the ester based oil I'm using.