What to do with old Stabil? 2+ years old

[Tom NJ]

A manufacturer's stated shelf life is not necessarily based on empirical testing that shows a lack of effectiveness over a specific time. In many cases a manufacturer may make up dates based on worse case storage conditions (e.g. an open bottle in a hot shed), a lawyer's conservative advice, how often they want a resale, or just pull a number out of the air. There are no consequences for stating an unrealistically short shelf life, only an unrealistically long one.

In the case of Stabil, this product is a petroleum solvent with a small dose of an anti-oxidant. Oxidation reactions are temperature dependent, and the rate of oxidation doubles (or halves) with each 10°C (18°F) change in temperature. Since this product is intended to work at ambient temperatures (fuel storage) the rate of oxidation is very slow. That said, I believe the dose of anti-oxidant is very low. To extend the storage life substantially, squeeze the air out of the bottle after each use and store at colder temperatures, like a refrigerator, or shed/garage in the winter.

Tom NJ

 

[Broo]

I'm still using an old Stabil bottle my father gave me as he didn't use it, is at LEAST 10 years old. When I finish it up, which may take 2-3 years, I'll buy the smaller bottle since I don't use that much of it. Only to store two cars for the winter.

This old Stabil doesn't give me any trouble.

 

[chefwong]

I don't know about Stabil. I use Startron. In my conversations with them, they have advised their product has no shelf life (within reason, capped container, not in extreme temps, etc)