Community Forums

rdking647 · 03-27-2014, 11:22 AM

do you add stabil to the gas tank between trips? does adding stabil reduce the need to run the generator every month?

**NLOVNIT** · 03-27-2014, 11:29 AM

We put Stabil in only when we park the coach for the winter because it will not be used for 6+months. During the summer, trips are frequent enough a gas stabilizer isn't necessary. I don't think it reduces the need for exercising the genny under load - unless in "deep-sleep" winter storage the genny still needs to be run.

Lori-

wackymac · 03-27-2014, 11:30 AM

No, I don' add Stabil to the MH gas tank. I do use it in my mower, Weed Wacker, etc. You still need to run the generator at least once a month to keep the moisture and condensation out of the generator windings. Read your generator owners manual.

BFlinn181 · 03-27-2014, 12:12 PM

I think Stabil between trips is a bit overkill. If you do it for longtime storage, you might get your money's worth, between trips, not so much. Also, gennie needs to be run to keep contacts and windings in good shape more than the gasoline engine.

homeless · 03-27-2014, 12:26 PM

Stabil only works with gas not corn!

TexasTom · 03-27-2014, 01:30 PM

I asked a friend who is a chemical engineer this question. He said that if you store it with the tank full, you should be okay with gas for several months without needing an additive. But if the tank is, say, half empty, then perhaps 60 days should be the limit without adding anything....just to be on the "safe side".

Lincolnboy2 · 03-27-2014, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasTom

I asked a friend who is a chemical engineer this question. He said that if you store it with the tank full, you should be okay with gas for several months without needing an additive. But if the tank is, say, half empty, then perhaps 60 days should be the limit without adding anything....just to be on the "safe side".

Hey Neighbor!

TexasTom, ask your friend the chemical engineer what happens with the tank is half empty, is it the condensation or that more air gets to the fuel? I'd like to understand that too. I keep the tank full in winter for sure and use Sta Bil Marine Formula, the one little bottle treats 80 gallons and is perfect for my 75 gallon fuel tank.

Thanks and howdy!!

TexasTom · 03-28-2014, 09:59 AM

I think you are correct, that the main issue is the volume of the tank that is "exposed" to potential condensation, etc. A tank that is tightly sealed will not have the same potential issue, but then all of them have to be vented to some degree right?

Gocoffeer · 03-28-2014, 10:04 AM

I use the Marine Stabil too. Had several sessions and chats with the Stabil reps at the Louisville RV and Boat show over a few year period and sat thru their learning sessions. Found it interesting that the today type Ethanol fuel starts breaking down with in a week after it is distilled. So it is already forming water molecules when we buy it. Stabil helps prevent that. I use the product every time my RV gets filled and will not be driven even for a week. I do run some thru the engine and genny if I can remember to start the genny after my final trip refuel. I always keep the tank topped off after a trip.

DeWat · 03-28-2014, 10:27 AM

^^^ Not to sound critical, but any rep of a company that does not come up reasons to use their product will not have a lengthy employment! Not saying that they are not telling the truth... just MUCH BETTER hearing it from an independent party.

wa8yxm · 03-28-2014, 12:30 PM

First: I have heard that Sta-Bil did not work well with the boozed up gasoline (Corn) And I notice that they now have a new product on the market that is specifically FOR alcohol contaminated gasoline. (Yes, i consider it a contaminate)

SeaFoam is what I dumped in the tank last fall, Bit more expensive but I calced it would be just about April before I had to add gasoline and that's a long time between fill ups (more than 3 months) so I felt the stabilizer was an investment in NOT cleaning out the gunk non-stabilized gas can leave behind.. Turns out I was a bit generous on the estimate.. But only a small bit, (3 weeks, but I could have waited).

I was afraid I'd need genny.. Need to exercise it, and will hit quarter tank when I do. Monday. But I may need to drop the )@!#$@ tank for another repair, so I'm running near empty on propose.

lshew · 03-30-2014, 07:45 PM

Fuel stabilizer was a big topic of discussion in our aviation department among both pilots and mechanics. We placed calls to major fuel suppliers concerning gasoline storage. We were informed that refiners manufacturer fuel to be completely stable and storable for a 1 year period and none recommended any stabilizing additives. In fact it was just the opposite, they said do not put stabilizers in their fuel. If stored longer than a year, drain and refill with fresh fuel.

HoleInOne · 03-30-2014, 08:03 PM

You can say what you want about stabilizers but I have a lot of small motors and I am cleaning carbs a lot less since using them.

njs42 · 03-30-2014, 08:23 PM

I use Stabil two times. During storage, sometimes as lomg as six months, bu tI also run the generator about every three to six weeks. However when I know we are going to be parked for three months at a destination resort which does not allow generators to be run I add Stabil, fill the tank and run the generator before our arrival.

I can't answer right or wrong but my ten year old generator still preforms as new. So I am managing it properly, not the only way but I believe Stabil is an important part of my regimen.