Does anyone use gas stabilizer when storing the car for the winter? I have read up on storing the car and found some good tips but nothing was mentioned about the stabilizer.

Mat

 

I've used Stabil. It seems to work. Make sure the treated gas runs through the engine before storing the car. Don't just add it to the tank and not run the engine. Stabil will help prevent the gasoline from turning to varnish.

The gas always seems a little less potent come springtime. When I put the car back on the road I use up the old gas as quickly as possible, then I fill the tank with fresh gas and some fuel injector cleaner.
I've never had any problems with clogged fuel injectors or anything else.

One last tip...use a funnel to the put the Stabil in your tank. It will discolor the bare metal of the fuel filler neck, and it's probably not too healthy for painted surfaces either.

 

do you release the fuel pressure before storing?

you know, removing the relay near the battery.

puma

 

Stabil is only effective if you store your vehicle with less than a full tank of gas. It floats on top of the gas and creates a barrier that helps to keep the gas from evaporating. You also want to keep any water from condensing inside the tank.

It does not stop varnish from forming.

Gasoline loses "potency" in as little as 30 days, and will be significantly degraded by spring. The best scenario would be to drain it all, and refill with fresh, but where do you put 20 gallons of gas? Drive it and mix in fresh gas as soon as possible. It will not hurt your engine, but you may notice a little less performance.

Run your engine with the fuel pump relay pulled until it stalls, and make sure your tank is filled to the neck with gas. Also make sure the cap is on tight.

 

why do you want to pull the pump relay, i suppose to remove the fuel pressure but why?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RonKMiller
[B]Stabil is only effective if you store your vehicle with less than a full tank of gas. It floats on top of the gas and creates a barrier that helps to keep the gas from evaporating. You also want to keep any water from condensing inside the tank.

It does not stop varnish from forming.
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Sez you. Here is what Sta-bil says right on it's label, and I quote: "Prevents fuel deterioration & formation of gum, varnish, and rust."

All I can say is that I've used the product for 4 years now and have had no problems with winter storage. I live in New England, and once the snow flies, the car comes off the road. I add Sta-bil to a nearly empty tank, fill with fresh gas, and drive the car home.
The car is kept in a garage and run for 1/2 hour every two weeks or so. I've had no problems with the injectors or any other fuel related problems.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JConn2299
[B]Actually there is no argument here and I agree with the hype on the label. The reason it stops all that stuff from happening is because it keeps the gas in your tank from degrading in the first place. Since you are mixing it in with the fuel already in your system it's helping to preserve it everywere it sits.
And - I agree, it's a really good product - I've use it for years as well in my 6 vintage bikes that are parked for months at a time. I'm always too lazy or busy to refill them to the top of the tank after a quick ride - much easier to put in a little Stabil after the ride. If you are running your car for 1/2 hour that's good. You want to make sure it reaches operating temperature to burn off any acids and moisture that have formed in your crankcase and exhaust system. It also is great for all the seals to have them warmed up and lubed. The flip side of the equation is to not start the engine at all until spring. Especially if you don't have the time to wait for temps to rise. But that's a whole 'nother story in prep time.....

Just don't forget to open that garage door or no more JConn!

Happy motoring!