Stabil Clogged - Question about better stabilizer

[cfromc]

I have a 1 quart bottle of Stabil that has the measuring spout on the side and is two years old; there is about 10 oz. left. When I went to use it this morning I couldn't get the fluid to run up the spout. After a few tries I took a good look and noticed that there was a pea-sized clog in the tube that completely closed off flow. I realize it is 2 years old but I just didn't expect it to clog like that. I've used Stabil for years and it seems to work very well for over winter storage, although, plain gas would probably work just fine. I just feel that the Stabil is a little cheap insurance. For longer storage periods I've had mixed results with Stabil.

For anyone that stores gasoline long-term and/or that knows about Stabil, I have a couple of questons: 1) Is the clog indicative of old Stabil and I shouldn't worry and just buy new Stabil every year? Or 2) Is there a better product out there that has a longer shelf life and keeps gas "fresh" longer? My weed wacker will end up using the same gallon of gas for two-three years so I'd like to find something that will keep that gas good for that long.

 

[Touring5]

Just this week I had a Sta-bil issue. When I began to measure some out, I noticed small brown particles in the bottle. I contacted Gold Eagle via E-mail. Through several messages with a marketing rep (who was very informative and quick to reply), I was told that the product was probably old and might not effectively stabilize fuel. This was a bit surprising since I just bought it in the last several weeks (thanks K-mart for stocking expired product). I was told that Sta-bil has about a two year shelf life and that the color changes from light cherry red when new, to dark maroon when expired (which my bottle was when I bought it).

I think I may switch to FP60 for stabilization - I believe Terry Dyson suggested it is more effective.

 

[Laminar Lou]

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I think I may switch to FP60 for stabilization - I believe Terry Dyson suggested it is more effective.

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Really? I will have to do a search for that. I use FP60 too but didn't think it did as good of a job stabilizing fuel. I've had a few tanks with FP60 that sat for a few months and the startup was harder than I normally encounter with stabil. I only tried it once so maybe it was a fluke.

I have used Stabil for years and have been very happy with the performance. The first poster hit it on the head - the stabil is too old. I have seen particles accumulate on the bottom of the bottle in old bottles. And, it does darken in color as it gets older. I just replace the bottle every season. One bottle will treat both of my motorcycles so it is cheap insurance. And it definitely works.

 

[greenjp]

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...I use FP60 too but didn't think it did as good of a job stabilizing fuel. I've had a few tanks with FP60 that sat for a few months and the startup was harder than I normally encounter with stabil. I only tried it once so maybe it was a fluke.

I have used Stabil for years and have been very happy with the performance. ...One bottle will treat both of my motorcycles so it is cheap insurance. And it definitely works.

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+1

My experience is the same. I've found Sta-bil to be a completely effective stabilizer for my motorcycle. I've had some issues when using FP60 as a stabilizer.

jeff

 

[Laminar Lou]

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I think I may switch to FP60 for stabilization - I believe Terry Dyson suggested it is more effective.

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Okay, did my homework and found the quote from Terry.

FP60 and fuel stabilization

I might give FP60 another shot, only because I use it in the bikes after the Stabil is run out of the tank (I don't want to mix the two, even if people say it is okay). It would be more convenient to just use FP60 all the time. However, I do have to say that the one time I did use just FP60 the bike had some detonation problems after sitting for a few months. Not enough to completely dismiss FP60 as a fuel stabilizer, but since I still have Stabil I used that this winter because I know it works. Maybe next year I'll give FP60 another go.

If I didn't use FP60, I would use Stabil. It's easy to find, inexpensive, and it definitely works for me. Just my

 

[Touring5]

FWIW, I've used FP60 in two cars and several small engines (2 cycle and 4 cycle) without any negative issues. I've always felt that Sta-bil caused the small engines to run a bit sluggish, but figured that was better than getting them gummed up from stale gas. Today I ordered another quart of FP60 (I haven't read specifically where FP3000 acts as a fuel stabilizer). I've started using Opti-2 for my 2-cycle mix, which claims to have a stabilizer in it. I wonder if too many stabilizers can cause problems....

 

[cfromc]

If Stabil only has a shelf-life of two years and I'm putting it in gasoline for long term storage-what's it doing in the gasoline? Is there any alternative product that is made specifically for long-term gasoline stabilization? I guess its time to do an Internet search.

 

[Shelby]

A syphon-
[image]http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:kL_DdKmZBGn9OM:http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/3200080455086464_0.jpg[/image]

 

[n8wvi]

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If Stabil only has a shelf-life of two years and I'm putting it in gasoline for long term storage-what's it doing in the gasoline? Is there any alternative product that is made specifically for long-term gasoline stabilization?

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Now there's a DARN good question. I've been using Pri-G

Dave

 

[cfromc]

Is Pri-G an off-the-shelf product? Where can I find it?

 

[n8wvi]

Well, sort of, it is, but not widely distributed. I can't get it "OTC" where I live (that I could find) so I ordered mine from CampingWorld.com. If you live near a CampingWorld, or West Marine, or Boater's World, they have it.

I'm an Amsoil "Preferred customer" now, I wasn't when I ordered the Pri-G. I'm not disappointed by the Pri-G by any means, I just would have save on shipping by ordering the Amsoil product along with a regular order.

Dave

 

[cfromc]

The Amsoil product is relatively expensive and I've haven't heard any opinions on its effectiveness. I do pass a Camping World a couple of times a year, maybe I'll check it out.