Winter storage
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 30
Likes: 14
Winter storage
Tips for how much fuel to leave in my tank over winter and what you like add or not to it. Brand new tank was installed 3-4 months ago. Currently has 1/4 tank of fuel in it. Pulling motor in the next month or so.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Personally, I'm not a fan of a full tank although I know many here are. I don't want to have go through all of that old gas every Spring.
I usually leave around a quarter tank of non-ethanol and I've never used a stabilizer.
And it must work. I've never had any over the Winter fuel issues and this will be the 49th time I've put the Vette away..
I usually leave around a quarter tank of non-ethanol and I've never used a stabilizer.
And it must work. I've never had any over the Winter fuel issues and this will be the 49th time I've put the Vette away..
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 8,778
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From: US-PNW
The idea behind a full tank is that the fuel is exposed to less air (oxygen) and thus less oxidation degradation as well as less opportunity for condensation to form.
If you can get non-ethanol premium, that is the best for multi-month storage. Ethanol absorbs water which does not burn well and premium fuel has a 3-4x longer life over regular grade — up to 9 months vs. 2 months.
My C2 and C3 have the large fuel filler neck so I fill both cars to the brim and put them away. I used to use Sta-bil but haven't in the last 4-5 years.
If you're pulling the engine, I'd drain the tank after you remove the engine and use it in your daily driver. No sense putting in more fuel that has the potential to leak out the disconnected fuel pump lines.
If you can get non-ethanol premium, that is the best for multi-month storage. Ethanol absorbs water which does not burn well and premium fuel has a 3-4x longer life over regular grade — up to 9 months vs. 2 months.
My C2 and C3 have the large fuel filler neck so I fill both cars to the brim and put them away. I used to use Sta-bil but haven't in the last 4-5 years.
If you're pulling the engine, I'd drain the tank after you remove the engine and use it in your daily driver. No sense putting in more fuel that has the potential to leak out the disconnected fuel pump lines.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,033
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From: Napa Valley California
I think it depends on where you live and how long the car will sit stored.
Here in Northern California my car is never really stored and gets used throughout the year.
The real reason to run an additive is to help preserve the seals and gaskets in the carb or fuel injection more than preserving the fuel itself.
When I had boats, I would push them outside, start them and let them run in the driveway for a few minutes every month or so, but never used any additives and never had an issue with fuels going bad or carburetor issues.
My engine builder runs race fuel through all his engines after they go on the dyno for just that reason.
Here in Northern California my car is never really stored and gets used throughout the year.
The real reason to run an additive is to help preserve the seals and gaskets in the carb or fuel injection more than preserving the fuel itself.
When I had boats, I would push them outside, start them and let them run in the driveway for a few minutes every month or so, but never used any additives and never had an issue with fuels going bad or carburetor issues.
My engine builder runs race fuel through all his engines after they go on the dyno for just that reason.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 176
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Just put the car away for the first time yesterday. On my other fun car I have always done the full tank thing, bat tender, and inflated the tires to the Max. Never had an issue.
This year I decided on reg fuel stabilizer into the mix, and that the Vette is carbed. Also
, always Premium gas. Shell 93. Sadly in Canada. Non ethanol is almost impossible to find anymore.
Will report in April.
I may do a run on my driveway mid winter on a nice day but I like to get the eng to operating temps or you are not cooking off the moister.
This year I decided on reg fuel stabilizer into the mix, and that the Vette is carbed. Also
, always Premium gas. Shell 93. Sadly in Canada. Non ethanol is almost impossible to find anymore.
Will report in April.
I may do a run on my driveway mid winter on a nice day but I like to get the eng to operating temps or you are not cooking off the moister.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 420
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From: Green Bay WI
I have a 1972 LS-5, original owner. For the past 30 years I have always filled the tank with non-ethanol premium, add Sta-Bil, inflate the tires to maximum, hook it up to a battery maintainer, then don't touch it for 6 months or more. Never an issue, it fires right up every spring.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Filler up & with NON ETHANOL gas if you can find some locally 
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
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Finding non-ox 91 fuel is easy to find here in west central MN.
I don't use any type additive for my hot rods or any of my small engines like lawn mowers and power washer that sit over the winter using 91 non-ox fuel.
Same with my hot rods that sit over the winter.
Never an issue in the spring.
I don't use any type additive for my hot rods or any of my small engines like lawn mowers and power washer that sit over the winter using 91 non-ox fuel.
Same with my hot rods that sit over the winter.
Never an issue in the spring.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 8,778
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From: US-PNW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,491
Likes: 1,824
From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
For those looking for non-ethanol in their area:
https://www.pure-gas.org/
https://www.pure-gas.org/
Thanks, useful for when your out & about !
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 126
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From: Brentwood, Tennessee
Winter storage
I personally fill with 93 and stabil. The less room for air which leads to moisture.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,767
Likes: 302
From: Charlotte Area North Carolina
For those looking for non-ethanol in their area:
https://www.pure-gas.org/
https://www.pure-gas.org/
For the OP - it's nice to know who sells pure-gas as you contemplate putting your car away for the winter months. Good to avoid the negative effects of ethanol if you can help it. FWIW - I add Sta-Bil to my tank for winter storage. My tank is usually about half full. I put in 3 oz. of Sta-Bil at the station, then add about 5 gallons of fresh pure-gas, and then drive it home and put it away for the winter. I've been doing that for 15-years with no fuel problems or issues at start up in the spring.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 28
Likes: 40
From: Vineland, NJ
71 LT-1, winter storage in NJ
1. Fill tank with Premium (10% Eth)
2. Fuel stabilizer.
3. Battery Tender
4 High Inflation
5. 10 mile drive monthly, no rain and clean roads only.
6. Garaged with car cover.
2. Fuel stabilizer.
3. Battery Tender
4 High Inflation
5. 10 mile drive monthly, no rain and clean roads only.
6. Garaged with car cover.