What do you use for lawn equipment fuel storage stabilization?

[Iowafox]

I am wondering how you store your lawn mower or snowblower for the months it's not in use.

For the last few years I ran them till they where dry then I put them away. I just this year started using Stabil after dong alot of research and finding out that it would probably be the best thing to do. I plan to use it year round on my lawnmower and snow blower as well as Stihl weed trimmer even tho I run that empty before storing it still.
My younger brother says he uses marvels mystery fluid after it sits for the seasons not used and dumps some in the gas tank to get it all cleaned and running good.
I want to know what you all do and use for your equipment when it's not being used.
Tis the season for this question I feel!

 

[JRC3]

This. https://www.pure-gas.org/ Best fuel stabilizer you can use.

 

[Farmall450]

Marine Stabil if I remember. Never had an issue with something that gets used fall/spring. It seems sitting longer than that (i.e. end of spring to beginning of next spring) is when problems show up. I do use premix in the 2 cycles now, and couldn't be happier.

 

[nafterclifen]

Used to use this Lucas stuff - https://lucasoil.com/products/fuel-treatments/safeguard-ethanol-fuel-conditioner-with-stabilizers

But then I switched to non-ethanol fuel and I don't treat it at all.

 

[ambenz]

I also use stabil in my last tank and run it dry. Been doing that for over 10 years now and I never have an issue restarting the carbs back up for the new season.
I NEVER leave gas in the tank except for a fuel injected vehicle...in that case I just put stabil in and store it in a temp controlled garage, starting it once a month to lube the seals.

 

[larry_g]

This. https://www.pure-gas.org/ Best fuel stabilizer you can use.

I second the use of ethanol free fuel. Use it year round and no problems of going stale.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[bmxdukie]

I use sthil motomix on all my small stuff. Trimmer, chain saws, wood splitter.. and when i store stuff with a larger tank i use sea foam..

 

[BetterDays]

Stabil
Full tank
Run 5 minutes
Turn off and store.
Same procedure for all equipment

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[Iowafox]

I do use non ethanol gas in my small engines I find they run better with it. I just decided to try the stabil stuff as I heard it's good stuff to use and doesn't cause any issues. Plus it's cheap enough that I can run it year round and only spend $10 extra a year or so I kind of see it as a prevented failure and then having to rebuild a a carb in the future.

 

[Iowafox]

Stabil
Full tank
Run 5 minutes
Turn off and store.
Same procedure for all equipment

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This is what I just started implementing on my stuff this fall. I figured I would give it a shot and see what happens!

 

[kaymccampbell]

Ethanol free hi-test. All the little motors run on it.

 

[JRC3]

I do use non ethanol gas in my small engines I find they run better with it. I just decided to try the stabil stuff as I heard it's good stuff to use and doesn't cause any issues. Plus it's cheap enough that I can run it year round and only spend $10 extra a year or so I kind of see it as a prevented failure and then having to rebuild a a carb in the future.

That's my thought too...Though in the middle of mowing season I just run straight ethanol free in the mower.

 

[tradesman]

I've been using the original Stabil for decades, use it year round. I have stored small engines with full tanks of gas for a year, eg. snow blower and have never had any problems. Snow thrower and lawn mower are around 15 yrs old, all with original carburetors.

 

[gearhead1]

I’ve been using Stabil and non-ethanol gas for years in all my small engines (weed eater, lawnmower, chainsaw, blower, push mower, engine powered air compressor, tiller) and derby cars. I just run that way all year and doesn’t matter what sits over the winter, what sits over the summer, or what gets used when. It all starts when I go to use it - never a problem.

One exception is the generator. If I have to start it, when I’m done using it, I will remove the float bowl and let it dry while I drain the gas in the tank. Then I leave the cap off of the tank and let it dry. I never allow the situation to make varnish and gum up the carburetor. It might be 2-3 years before I have to start it again, and it works fine when I need it - never a problem.

 

[DFB]

StarTron for me...been using it now for years on all my seasonal equipment and is stocked at my pals motorcycle shop.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Hi-Test/Premium fuel - no additives.
For 2 cycle chainsaws, grass trimmers, leaf blowers I use the premix Stihl fuel.
Haven’t had a carb problem since I started with these two options.

 

[tarmy]

Stabil marine in all my boat motors...every tank year round.

Stabil (red) in all small motor gas...every tank year round.

2 stroke Sthil equipment gets synthetic mix and fresh gas often. Chainsaws are the only tools I run dry because they don’t get used but a couple times a year. The rest of my Sthil equipment just gets mix.

Been doing it for 20 years...no issues ever.

 

[lonestardiver]

2-cycle motors get the engineered fuel (Stihl) and run dry.

ATV and Zero-Turn get seafoam.

The closest non-ethanol fuel sources are 20 miles away and not a direction I normally go. I wish there was a closer source as I’d run it in the Harley too.

 

[mcbane]

I have never used fuel stabilizer, though I recall a generator stored for 15 years running a bit smoky till the first tank refill. I suspect stabilizers a hoax.


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[JRC3]

I have never used fuel stabilizer, though I recall a generator stored for 15 years running a bit smoky till the first tank refill.

Hmmm, try that with modern ethanol gas. I also love the uncertainty in the statement. LOL

I suspect stabilizers a hoax.

OK.

You trollin'?

 

[BillK]

I have never used anything. Ethanol free gas is virtually impossible to find around here so its Shell 87 octane in everything. My lawn mower gets used until right about now and again starting in March and I have never had an issue. The snow blower gets started about once a month or so and run for 15 minutes. I should really think about running it dry because it is rarely used any more.

I just have not had a problem and we have had Ethanol in the fuel here for at least 20 years, probably 30. I have had to replace a couple of fuel lines on my chipper shredder and weed whacker but have never had a problem with anything starting after sitting all winter.

 

[Iowafox]

Hmmm, try that with modern ethanol gas. I also love the uncertainty in the statement. LOL


OK.

You trollin'?

I was going to comment something like this but decided to let it slide lol. I mean no way using modern gas that it wouldn't be all gummed up and run like garbage. Stabil isn't ment to be used and sit for more then a year it says on the bottle. I mean to ach there own I paid my hard earned money on the equipment I have I want to give them the best bet at starting every time and running strong that I can

 

[robertmvert]

X2 for Starbrite startron stabilizer, works for my $20k yamaha outboard motor, must be the ticket for the $400 stihl weed whacker...never had an issue
Also ran seafoam in my 2 stroke and 4 stroke for small equipment for 20 years for my landscape company, try to use ethanol free, but super unleaded if not, ran all the motors till the stabilizer gets into the cylinders every winter before storage

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[tarmy]

I have never used fuel stabilizer, though I recall a generator stored for 15 years running a bit smoky till the first tank refill. I suspect stabilizers a hoax.


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Ever hear of phase separation in boat fuel? If you haven’t...and own a boat that is stored for winter...you will. Our gas here in CA *****....

 

[Renegade1LI]

X2 for Starbrite startron stabilizer, works for my $20k yamaha outboard motor, must be the ticket for the $400 stihl weed whacker...never had an issue
Also ran seafoam in my 2 stroke and 4 stroke for small equipment for 20 years for my landscape company, try to use ethanol free, but super unleaded if not, ran all the motors till the stabilizer gets into the cylinders every winter before storage

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I agree I have been using startron also with good results, used stabil before that. I add some marvel mystery oil to the gas for all small equipment, got that from my grandfather, he swore by that stuff. The other thing is regular maintenance, I think it makes a big difference & helps prolong equipment life.

 

[loganb]

Ethanol free with stabil here.

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[Iowafox]

I agree I have been using startron also with good results, used stabil before that. I add some marvel mystery oil to the gas for all small equipment, got that from my grandfather, he swore by that stuff. The other thing is regular maintenance, I think it makes a big difference & helps prolong equipment life.

That last sentience is 100%. I know so many people who never change or check the oil and wonder why it's not running good anymore. I am one that changes and checks it all regularly.

 

[Don1357]

I add nothing at all. For most seasonal things we are talking about seven months, so I just drain everything and run it until it dies to drain the carb float chamber. I then use that gas on my four wheel which is my snow plow.

I usually keep extra gas but I get around having to stabilize it by using it.

 

[Dustball]

Taryl is 12 months into a test of fuel additives-

First one-

From a few days ago-

 

[nadogail]

Because Ethanol free gas sells for $10 a gallon in San Diego, I am trying my luck with Staible.

 

[gunguy]

To set the stage - Honda single cyl. mower. E10 fuel. I run stabil-ized fuel all the time in it and the mower is run every week for about 8 months of the year. Use about a tank of fuel each week.

Following the last cutting of the season, I run the tank dry, change the oil and air filter, check the spark plug, fog the cylinder and pull the cord until the piston is on the compression stroke to ensure both valves are closed thus keeping any moist air out. The mower is stored under the deck to keep it out of the rain.

Either because of what I do or maybe in spite of it, the mower has never failed to start on the first pull, even the first one of the season. Mower is now over 10 years old.

Jim

 

[MushCreek]

I have a lot of equipment that sits a lot, but can be called into action at any time- tractor, generator, chainsaw, etc. Since I started using ethanol free, I haven't had any issues, even if mixed with 2 cycle oil. I use my leaf blower once a year, and it started right up the other day. If I know something is going to sit for an extended period, I do drain the gas and disconnect the battery. We're lucky that we can get ethanol-free gas here.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

This. https://www.pure-gas.org/ Best fuel stabilizer you can use.

Hometown Station in Erskine, Mn has 91 Octane Collector Car Gas, so I promptly added them to the list. I have been using this ethanol free gas in My small engines, and seasonal machines for years.. I don't bother with any fuel additives either.

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

Like others, started using no ethanol gas (from Costco or Shell here) and haven’t had any issues for about 6 years.

Before that there was always one or two pieces of equipment needing repair and everything leaked gas from gaskets and seals ruined.

 

[mmb617]

I never used Stabil in my old stuff. Snow blower, lawn tractor, push mower all 20+ years old yet they all start when needed even with the ethanol gas sold today. I don't run them dry either but I do always start them a time or two during their off season so they don't sit more than a couple months without being run.

I do know that more modern equipment is a different story which I think is due to how lean they are run to meet EPA requirements. So when I bought my first generator this year and it specifically said to run Stabil in it I figured I better follow those instructions.

I was surprised to find that one bottle of Stabil will treat 80 gallons of gas and it has an expiration date of one year. One bottle was a lot more than I would use before it expired so I went ahead and treated my older equipment. I hope I don't cause myself problems by doing that! I generally go by the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" rule of thumb.

 

[mcbane]

Ever hear of phase separation in boat fuel? If you haven’t...and own a boat that is stored for winter...you will. Our gas here in CA *****....

I don’t own a boat, so my experience with fuel older than a couple of years limited to generators and snowblowers. The generator that ran after 15 years was filled in 1990 so ethanol unlikely. Nowadays the frequent CA blackouts ensure no long term storage of generators.


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[CraigStu]

I run everything dry before storing it. It's a pain in the ****, but a small carb that is screwed up from sitting w/ old gas is WAY more a pain in the ****.

 

[jhracer]

I use non-ethanol fuel and haven't need any additives.

 

[brownbagg]

only thing i do it turn the fuel valve and let the fuel in the carb pull out

 

[Tim Kennedy]

Mostly 10% or less ethanol around here -- I run primarily Sea-Foam -- gas/diesel/2/4 stroke --- used to use Stabil years ago -- had problems with it so switched to Sea-Foam.
Startron is a good product also. Smaller equipment gets Sea-Foam all the time -- I don't drain gas from anything -- at the end of the season it sits until Spring -- cars & truck get a can every about every 5k miles -- so far -- no problems.