basacowan

How do forum members treat their fuel during winter storage or during longer than normal periods that their Vette is in "storage." Is there any fuel stabilizer that is recommended or considered best for use.

RicK T

Yes, Sta-Bil.

Jimmy 2 Times

stabil is what i use in my motorcycles

Illinois427

Sta-bil is the way to go. I use it on everything from weedeaters, lawnmowers, waverunners, all the way up to my cars. I've also always been told to fill the tank to the top to avoid condensation when the temp drops, but that may be more important on a daily driver than the stored vette. If the tank isn't full, I would fill up ASAP come spring to dilute the old gas.

Mark VerMurlen

Sta-bil has worked well for me too. Just a note. C5s and C6s have 2 tanks. So what I've done is add the Sta-bil during the last fill-up and then drive it straight home and park it. I would guess that if you add the Sta-bil after you've parked it, you'll only get it in one of the tanks.

- Mark

LarryMJones

Stabil
I used to think it was snake oil, but after a few carburetor cleanings on my bike due to stuck floats, I now use it in every engine that sits idle for a few months in the winter. Haven't had a stuck float since.
LJ

vettedoogie

Dude! It is only mid-September!

JERGENSEN LS3

I don't use sta-bil, but I do fill the tank B4 storage. I was told this was good for reducing condensation.

PaulB

I have been told by different folks that know a lot more about fuel than me that there is no need to add Stabil or whatever to the fuel when you car is only going to be parked for 6 months. They have said todays fuels at the pump are so good additives are just not needed anymore when only a few months are involved... Then on the other hand the additives are so cheap if it makes you feel better then go for it...

lh4x4

StaBil. At the end of November I go through about a gallon of it. I add the amount needed for a full tank and drive three blocks to the service station and fill up. That way it is well mixed in the tank.

I do this for three motorcycles, three Corvettes, a Viper, a 4x4 truck, a gas powered generator, a riding mower, a lawn mower and a snow blower which is done in the spring.

I have done this for years and they all start up immediately after as much as 6 months standing. The ones that have batteries have tenders hooked up also.

Jetstream08

Never use anything and never had a problem. My car sits from about mid November till about April 1st. Never had a tank go bad yet as long as you fill it fresh before you store it.

50MileSmile

For many years, I have seen the consequences of other people not using Sta-Bil in their engines (from lawn mowers to race cars) – so I always use it in the vehicles I store for four months or more. I have never had a problem.

CandyRed77

I added Stabil as well last year, and when I started up after the winter I had the Check Engine Light come on... went out again after filling it up the first time after emptying the tank with the Stabil added.
Am I the only one that experienced this?

JW Motorsports

I parked my Camaro for 6 months while on deployment (no stabil) and the gas went bad. Very expensive!! The next time I went I used stabil and it started right up with no problems. I say it works and worth the little extra cost.

Bill Dearborn

The owner's manual for my John Deere lawn tractor says to use a product like Sta-Bil with every fill up due to the tractor sitting a week or so between being used. So if they recommend it for storage periods of a week or two it may be necessary in a car when storing for more than a couple of months.

Bill

mksz51

Yes - doubt it was related to Stabil. More likely related to loose gas cap.

6spdC6

Do to all the gas reformulating and most pumps giving out that 10% ethanol crap the survivability of gas has went way down.

From what my own experiences show and knowing a lot of mechanics at the many marinas and equipment stores in my area, the consensus of opinion is to either run dry a fuel system or put in Stable. (Most say use Stable)
That is for ANYTHING (gas powered, as Diesels use different fuel and additives) that is going to sit more than 3 months.

I have quite a few seasonal toys, equipment and vehicles and I follow close the 3 month rule!

dvilin

I just make sure the tank is full and that is it, no additives.

mksz51

I don't think you want to "run dry" a marine engine with fuel injection - I know with my MasterCraft boat the fuel pump is immersed in the gas tank and cooled by the fuel. MANY reports of MasterCraft owners running out of fuel and shortly thereafter having a fuel pump burn out. Stabil is easy, inexpensive, and it appears to work. WHY would anyone take a chance on this simple issue?

6spdC6

I gave the general opinion on storage for both vehicles, toys and equipment. Many boats are outboard and a lot more are carbureted. The shops and my advice holds for that. On a tank mounted fuel pump system you are right.

I use Stabie on my many stored items, and I get about 20 gallons of non ethanol gas to keep around for the emergency generator.
We have a couple marinas on the large lake I live on that still has that gas. (The Marinas are only open about 5 months a year!)

Its more expensive but worth it for items like the generator. I have to carry cans to the fuel dock so It kind of limits how much I buy. That also gets Stable added.