Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer

zzmac · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 02:40 PM

In a few weeks, it'll be getting near that time again to put the Cobra away for the winter.

Some people on another forum were saying that using STA-BIL the fuel stabilizer was a waste of time especially with premium unleaded fuel.

What do you scientific experts here on CC have to say about this product. Use it or don't?

ENTDOC · #2 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 02:48 PM

assuming you are not going to start it again anytime soon, I would use stabil and let it run through the carb and then cut off the fuel supply so carb is now dry., much like you should do with your other power equipment.

Bob In Ct · #3 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 02:49 PM

It also keeps the elephants away. Just fill the tank to the top before storage.

Just my $0.02.

Bob

Gunner · #4 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob In Ct

It also keeps the elephants away.

Just the thing for everyone plagued by Hemis.

SP01715 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 03:15 PM

I use it in my boat every year (sits for 6+ months in the winter) and I think it works. Never had the old gas smell, and it fires right up and runs fine.

dcdoug · #6 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 03:15 PM

How long would you store it with a full tank before considering Stabil? I am hoping to drive it occasionally this winter....

patrickt · #7 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 03:20 PM

I put my car away in a sealed bag from Thanksgiving to Easter. The last thing I do is put a bottle of StaBil in it, fill the tank, and run it about 20 miles. C'mon, the bottle costs about $3, and I think it works. I also disconnect the battery, pull the wooden steering wheel off (it's a quick release hub) and put an extra ten pounds of air in the tires. I put fresh desiccant in the bag each year to keep it bone dry. That's all I do.

dcdoug · #8 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

I put my car away in a sealed bag from Thanksgiving to Easter.

No desire for a drive on those 50-60 degree days we always get in Feb?

jwd · #9 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 03:33 PM

I've never used it and have stored cars, boats, lawn equipment etc. for over a year and have never had a problem. A waste of money if you ask me.

Jim

Mastiff107 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 03:40 PM

I use it in everything. I've used it in small outboards and not used it in the same motor previous year. Without it, the gas turned to varnish and I was screwed. With it, in the same motor the following year gas was good after winter. I use it in everything I don't drive for more than 2 months in the winter to include outboards (2); hot rod; cobra; Harley; mowers; trimers; edgers etc. I outa own stock. Guarantee you one thing, it don't hurt anything.

patrickt · #11 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcdoug

No desire for a drive on those 50-60 degree days we always get in Feb?

No, but I did it pull it out of storage for one day about three years ago when it went up in to the mid 70s in late January.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwd

I've never used it and have stored cars, boats, lawn equipment etc. for over a year and have never had a problem. A waste of money if you ask me.

Jim, it's only three bucks.

dcdoug · #12 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 03:57 PM

I guess there's no harm in using it. If I put it in with a full tank, then drive it for 20 miles at some point during the winter, should I put more stabil in, or just fill the tank up to full again?

Oh, do any of you use those products to keep mice away (sort of like mothballs for mice)?

patrickt · #13 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 04:01 PM

Just dump a bottle in, fill up the tank, and drive long enough to get it in through the carb. I wouldn't put any more in unless you ran your tank way down and you re-filled it. Each bottle treats 20 gallons, so you could kind of adjust it if you topped off half a tank. I think my bag would probably keep out all but the most determined mouse. Here's a picture -- you drive in to it and then you zip it up just like you would a piece of pie. Last year, or maybe the year before, I made a point of taking photos of the brake rotors and some other surface-rust-prone parts and compared them both before, and after, the long winter's nap. They looked the same. The bag instructions say you can re-use the desiccant by heating it up in the oven, but I just buy new desiccant each year. It's easier to just buy new stuff.

Gunner · #14 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Put spices and two cups of water in bag with snake. Place in oven at 375* for 90 minutes. Remove from oven, remove bag and serve.

Serves 1,500.

RodKnock · #15 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzmac

What do you scientific experts here on CC have to say about this product. Use it or don't?

Well, I was not surprised that our resident Director of Scientific Expertise, Patrick, would post on this thread.

One thing you can definitely say about Patrick is that he prepares his cars methodically for Winter. Taking before and after Winter pics of your rotors in conjunction with the rest of his Winter prep routine sounds very anal to me.

But what do I know. 55-65 degree days in Winter are very common in CA.

patrickt · #16 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Taking before and after Winter pics of your rotors in conjunction with the rest of his Winter prep routine sounds very anal to me.

No, that is part of the joy of owning a Cobra.

Kind of like treating the leather seats....

Argess · #17 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 04:47 PM

I store my boats longer than I store my car. I never use stabilizer in the boats or car. Never had a carb gum up either.

Stabilizer is great for single cylinder engines that don't like to start on old gas. Multi-cylinder engine will always run on old gas.

But, it certainly doesn't hurt to add it.

RodKnock · #18 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 04:52 PM

As for the Sta-Bil, personally, I'd save the $3 and buy a protein shake and a shot of wheat grass. Keep YOU in Winter shape, don't woory about the Cobra. It's only a few months until Spring.

patrickt · #19 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 04:57 PM

Hmmm, I'm not sure why my car bag & StaBil irritates you so... but clearly it does.

RodKnock · #20 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Hmmm, I'm not sure why my car bag & StaBil irritates you so... but clearly it does.

I think your Winter prep is great. Meticulous in fact. I like the bag idea, even thought about it myself. However, I just think most gas and oil additives are a waste of money and only generate profits for the company, though I'll never be able to prove it.