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should i add stabilizer to ethanol free gas

by Dr. Doyle Cormier III Published 4 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Adding a fuel stabilizer to ethanol-free gas can extend its shelf life and preserve it through the offseason. However, Ethanol-free gas does not attract as much water as ethanol-based gas thanks to the lack of alcohol, so it’s unlikely that you’ll see any benefit unless storing for an extended time.

You don't need to add a stabilizer to non-ethanol gas, but be ready to throw it out after a few months of storage. Adding a stabilizer can raise its life expectancy up to two or three years, which is almost four times longer.

Full Answer

Should I add stabilizer to ethanol free gas?

While ethanol-free gasoline is suitable for use after six months without having to add stabilizers, you should blend the oil and gas only two weeks before the date you are planning to use your equipment.

Where can you find gas that does not contain ethanol?

Pure-Gas.org and Buy Real Gas provide directories of gas stations in the United States and Canada that offer ethanol-free gas. Both sites leverage Google Maps to display the location of each gas station on a map. Pure-Gas.org contains an inventory of ethanol-free gas stations across all 50 states as well as many Canadian provinces. As of 2015, the site claims to have an inventory of 9,813 stations.

What is the best ethanol fuel treatment?

  • Sta-Bil 22275 – Best Fuel Stabilizer for Ethanol.
  • Sentry Fuel Treatments GTPQRT32 – Water-Eliminating Formulation.
  • Yamaha ACC-FSTAB-PL-32 – Stabilizer and Conditioner.
  • Star Brite 14308 – Easy Start and Smooth Running Engine.
  • Star Brite 093132 – Enhanced Diesel Engine Performance.

Is it bad to add too much fuel stabilizer?

Too much stabilizer shouldn’t be an issue unless we’re talking ridiculous amounts. It’s just not the most economical way to go to overdose on it. It also doesn’t buy you any more time until the fuel goes stale to overdose.

Should I add fuel stabilizer to ethanol free gas?

Adding a fuel stabilizer to ethanol-free gas can extend its shelf life and preserve it through the offseason. However, Ethanol-free gas does not attract as much water as ethanol-based gas thanks to the lack of alcohol, so it's unlikely that you'll see any benefit unless storing for an extended time.

How long does ethanol free gas last with fuel stabilizer?

If stored properly, ethanol-free gas can last up to six months. It is not as likely to succumb to oxidation or evaporation.

How do you stabilize non ethanol gas?

1:292:42Adding Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer to Ethanol Free Gas - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo. Yeah definitely try to use fuel stabilizer.MoreSo. Yeah definitely try to use fuel stabilizer.

Does fuel stabilizer work with ethanol?

STA-BIL prevents the fuel in the tank from deteriorating and stops the above from happening. It also removes water from the petrol tank and cleans carburettors and fuel injectors. STA-BIL Storage protects against all the dangers of ethanol and E10 petrol (it in fact protects against ethanol blends up to E85).

Can you put too much STA-BIL in gas?

STA-BIL Storage, for instance, states that you can safely use up to 4 times the normal dosage of 1 ounce of fuel stabilizer per 2.5 gallons of gas, although it's not recommended. So if you dumped a whole 8 oz bottle into 5 gallons of fuel, that should still be OK.Dec 21, 2021

Can I add fuel stabilizer to old gas?

Everyone advises that you should add a stabilizer to gas as soon as you purchase gasoline. They are all adamant that no additive will restore old gasoline. The best you can hope for is that adding a stabilizer to old gas will stop any further degradation.Mar 1, 2016

How much Stabil do you put in a gallon of gas?

Mix Based on Stabilizer Brand Some brands recommend adding 1 ounce of fuel stabilizer to 1 gallon of fresh gasoline, while others recommend adding 1 ounce of stabilizer to 2.5 gallons of fresh gasoline.

Is fuel stabilizer necessary?

For everyday life, fuel stabilizers aren't necessary. When a vehicle is driven or used, the gasoline burns up before it begins to evaporate and degrade. For people who own seasonal equipment, classic cars, or boats that tend to sit for more than three weeks at a time, however, fuel stabilizer is a fantastic idea.

When should I use fuel stabilizer?

When your engine is in long-term storage, it is important to use a fuel stabilizer. STA-BIL® Storage is formulated to protect the fuel from deteriorating for up to 24 months, meaning that the fuel will remain at full strength and not varnish or gum up the internals of your engine.Nov 7, 2020

Is stabilizing gas good?

It depends on how long they sit, stabil works good for gas that is going to be sitting for a year or more, so if it was probably going to be sitting for more then a few months I use it. The ethanol is just bad, for a multitude of reasons.

Is ethanol good for trucks?

Ethanol isn' t a problem for cars and trucks that are used daily, especially if you use an ethanol additive, treatment or a fuel stabilizer at every fill up to remove water and keep gas fresh.

Why Does Non-Ethanol Gas Need a Stabilizer?

Non-ethanol gas doesn t have alcohol, so it doesn’t attract water. Why do you need a stabilizer for it, then?

What Are Stabilizers?

Stabilizers added to non-ethanol gas serve as layers of protection for the fuel. They’re only necessary for the engines that aren’t regularly used.

How does a non-ethanol gas stabilizer work?

How Non-Ethanol Gas Stabilizers Work. Stabilizers work on keeping the water away from the gas’s surface. At the same time, they keep it from evaporating, so you can get the most use out of it. Their course of action involves bonding with the moisture particles in the air before the gas does.

How long does non-ethanol gas last?

The shelf life of non-ethanol gas isn’t that long. During the offseason, you may want to add a fuel stabilizer to extend its life expectancy. On the other hand, if you’re only storing it for a couple of weeks or months, you don’t need to add a stabilizer. Non-ethanol gas doesn’t attract much water like its counterpart, ethanol-based gas.

How long can you keep non-ethanol gas?

That’s if you’re storing it for six months or less.

How long does a fuel stabilizer last?

Fuel stabilizers are the safer option, and they extend your gas’ shelf life for up to two years, which is totally worth the effort and the money.

How long does it take for ethanol to spoil?

If it’s ethanol-based, it’ll start showing signs of spoilage after only two weeks of storage. As a result, it’ll no longer be eligible to use. While most people think spoilage occurs because of the moisture, it doesn’t happen that way.

How long does stabil gas sit?

It depends on how long they sit, stabil works good for gas that is going to be sitting for a year or more, so if it was probably going to be sitting for more then a few months I use it.#N#The ethanol is just bad, for a multitude of reasons. And all the corn farmers can sit and spin on it all they want.#N#However this is one big reason why I'm trying to get away from gas and go all diesel.

What fuels do not go stale?

There are other fuels that do not go "stale"...but they are expensive. The cheapest of the "good" fuels is 100LL AV gas. This is 100+ octane low lead aviation gas. It can be left for months w/o going stale or gumming up carbs.

Can you use seafoam oil without stabilizers?

3rd for seafoam. I've literally seen it "fix" a surging engine just by pouring in the tank and running a few minutes. I would say your premix should be fine without additional fuel stabilizers since the oil has them in it. Seafoam or Lucas Oil products are never a bad idea for everything else.

Does 100 ll draw water from the air?

That water was most likely condensation in your fuel tank as temperatures changed. 100LL does not really " draw water from the air" (at least no more so than any other non-ethanol gas. Ethanol blends can certainly do so, however.)

Can you mix Sunocco gas for chainsaws?

If anyone is considering using VP or Sunocco fuels for chainsaw use, they should buy it out right by the gallon and mix their own gas. On an already expensive fuel, there is no reason to buy the "pre-mixers" for chainsaw use. Like I say, excellent gas but...mix it yourself if you just "have" to have that type of gas.

How long does stabilize last?

Stabil is an antioxidant and is supposed to give you another 6 months or so. Best storage conditions are cool temps and with the container as full as possible to avoid air exposure. You may have gotten some water in the gas. Ethanol gas is okay as long as it doesn't get too much water in it.

Who can thank for the fuel we have?

You can thank environmentalists and our Government for the awesome fuel we have now.

How long does it take for a gas to go bad?

Fuel goes "bad" generally by oxidation. Gas, with ethanol or not, starts to oxidize right away and is generally okay for about 6 months without treatment, but that depends on temperature and exposure to air. Stabil is an antioxidant and is supposed to give you another 6 months or so.

Is Techron a stabilizing cleaner?

There are also additives like Techron that are detergent based cleaners and work well for that, but aren't for stabilization. There's so much hype in that industry, it's hard to know fact from fiction. If your aim is stabilization, just make sure that's what the product is. Expand Signature.

Can you use plain gas in a stabilizer?

I have always used plain gas, immediately added Stabil, and never had a problem. I've put fresh gas in the tank before I put something away for the season, and never had a problem.

Should I let my carburetor run dry?

And I agree, it's best to let the carburetor run dry if it's not going to be used for a long time. Learned that the hard way a couple of times....

Does ethanol have stabilizer?

Make sure whatever treatment you choose, it doesn't have ethanol, methanol, or isopropanol in it and that it is a stabilizer. If you're using ethanol blend gas, you sure don't need any more alcohol. Many additives used to have some form of alcohol, and some still do, because it does absorb a little water which could sometimes be helpful (like "Heet").#N#There are also additives like Techron that are detergent based cleaners and work well for that, but aren't for stabilization. There's so much hype in that industry, it's hard to know fact from fiction. If your aim is stabilization, just make sure that's what the product is.

Why is stabilizing a gas important?

Stabil is to preserve the gasoline portion from oxidation. It does nothing for the ethanol portion. It might be more important in a non ethanol gas because you dont have the cleaning ability that ethanol provides.

Why does ethanol go bad?

The trouble with ethanol is it attracts moisture to the fuel. Ethanol-free fuel in theory will not have this problem if stored in a completely dry environment, but other factors (like storing the machine in a moist place or outside) can still contribute to the fuel going bad.

Is ethanol sold as non-ethanol?

The odds of a station selling ethanol gas as non-ethanol are pretty remote. All states have some sort of department of weights and measures (or something similar) that inspect gas stations periodically. Part of that inspection is sampling the fuel to ensure it is the correct octane and type of fuel advertised. While I have no doubts there are unscrupulous stations out there that rip people off, I'm certain this practice is not widespread.

Is it hard to use stabilizer?

Using Stabilizer isn't that hard, and it's a sure-fire way to make sure your fuel won't give you any problems. I spend more time preaching stabilizer than I ever have AV gas.

Do you need gas?

Yes you need it. Gas will go bad

Does Sta Bil raise vapor pressure?

Actually I think the point of Sta-Bil is to raise the vapor pressure in your fuel tank so that it does not take on water vapor. Water and Ethanol are highly miscible. Ethanol is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. Ethanol is also slightly corrosive to aluminum, which carburetors are made out of. It certainly won't hurt to use it. You may want to.#N#I tried the Sta-Bil 360 Marine Blue stuff for awhile. That really raises the vapor pressure and makes enclosed areas smell of gasoline if you store your OPE there. Okay for a detached shed; not okak for an attached garage.

How much water can a gallon of ethanol absorb?

One gallon of ethanol can absorb about 4 teaspoons of water. On the other hand, one gallon of gasoline can only absorb about 0.15% of one teaspoon of water. That sounds like a GOOD thing, no?? Water forms in fuel tanks due to condensation. Often, some additive has to be used in a fuel tank to remove/neutralize the water that can accumulate. Products such as Dry Gas or Heet are used. The active ingredient in these products is alcohol. Ethanol is alcohol. The alcohols used in Dry Gas and Heet are isopropanol or methanol. Isopropanol and methanol are less corrosive than gasoline and aromatics, but ethanol is less corrosive than isopropanol and methanol. Phase separation occurs when gasoline can no longer absorb water. Because ethanol can absorb 26 times more water than gasoline, any (imaginary) problem that can be caused by the water that accumulates in the tank is worsened if you don't have ethanol in the fuel... Am I wrong?

How often should I crank up my E10?

If the bikes were put away for the winter, for months at a time, with ethanol sitting in the carbs, then it will gunk up. If you crank it up every couple of weeks and let the fuel cycle, then it's not a concern. I leave E10 in all of my lawn equipment though it gets used year around. If I was going to put it away for >2 months without starting it, I'd drain the E10 and put E free in.

Why does moisture in a fuel tank happen?

Moisture in a tank happens due to temperature swings and condensation - I understand that fuel filler caps aren't truly 'air tight' so air will get in, and then the moisture in said air will condense against the sides of the tank, at which point it mixes with the fuel.

Does ethanol hold water?

"Ethanol is hydrophilic, which means ethanol holds water. With regular gasoline (E0) as well at E10, the primary cause of water collecting in tanks is condensation on tank walls. But unlike E0, which can absorb almost no moisture, E10 can hold up to half of one percent of water by volume, and the water molecules will dissolve in the fuel. The "solubilized" water will bypass the water separator and burn harmlessly through the engine."

Can you store OPE with no fuel?

the OPE, are all stored with no fuel, except the rider, which in which I installed a petcock, so I can can let the carb run dry.

Does E10 fuel absorb water?

C) Water absorption - I understand that this ONLY applies if dealing with E10 (10% ethanol fuel) seeing as the ethanol is hygroscopic and will absorb water, and eventually phase separate - you will get water in bottom of tank. Water in the tank means rust, potential freezing damage, etc. Again, I'm less concerned about this seeing as I will never use E10 fuel for any storage situation!

When Should I Use a Fuel Stabilizer?

There are two situations when you should use fuel stabilizer. If you’ll be storing fuel in an approved gas can for more than a few months, put the required amount of stabilizer in the can, then add the fuel and seal the cap. If you’re adding stabilizer directly to the fuel tank that supplies an engine, put the required amount of stabilizer into the less than full tank, top off the fuel level, then start the engine. Allow it to run for 10 minutes so the stabilizer gets mixed with the fuel that enters the carburetor or fuel injection system, preventing gummy deposits and greatly increasing the odds of a quick-and-easy post-storage startup.

How Much Fuel Stabilizer Should I Use?

Directions on every bottle of stabilizer tell you how much to add for a given amount of fuel, and you’ll find that the quantities specified are small. A tablespoon or two in a lawnmower or chainsaw gas tank is enough to allow gasoline to burn cleanly even after years of storage. One small bottle of stabilizer preserves a full tank of fuel in a car or truck.

How long does it take for a fuel to ignite?

Chemical reactions within stored fuel, plus the evaporation of some volatile components, can leave liquid fuels less likely to ignite properly in an engine after more than three months of storage . Old fuel can also leave gummy deposits behind in sensitive areas of the motor.

What is ethanol fuel treatment?

Essentially, ethanol fuel treatments are types of fuel stabilizers that lean more toward engine performance rather than fuel storage. It’s more about prolonging the engine’s life than keeping fuel at its best. But, that doesn’t mean that they’re entirely devoid of benefits related to fuel longevity.

When will ethanol be free in 2021?

July 3, 2021 by Anthony. Unless you are granted the rare privilege of having a consistent source of ethanol-free fuel, you always need to be cautious of the possible long-term issues that ethanol will inflict on any vehicle that you own. For many people, especially Americans, it’s unavoidable, like death and taxes as the old saying goes.

What is Sta Bil 360?

With its name and brand reputation, STA-BIL 360’s special ethanol treatment solution may seem like one of those products that easily earns a spot here. Ultimately, it’s the difference it makes that seals the deal.

How does ethanol affect fuel?

You don’t need to look further than the term “phase separation” to know how ethanol damages engines and motors. Ethanol tends to absorb the water naturally found in gasoline and diesel. This results in the said separation in the ethanol-water mix.

How long does Sta Bil 360 last?

Despite its obvious strengths, I can’t back the brand’s claim that it makes fuel last up to a year. That being said, the most I’ve kept my vessel idle is 8 months.

What are the signs of good ethanol treatment?

Key signs of good ethanol treatments include excellent fuel system cleaning and notable engine performance boosts.

How many gallons of fuel is a LUCAS treatment?

To me, it’s as simple as getting that much-needed peace of mind with an ounce of this ethanol treatment for every 5 gallons of fuel.

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