fuel stabilizer

[gordon23]

It's that time again. I have used Sta-bil for several seasons now but I'm curious to ask why the fuel suppliers can't add this sort of compound for me. If it was part of the fomula at the refinery, we all could store lawnmowers,snowmobiles,etc, etc in the off seasons and not worry about gums and varnishes.

And too, why didn't I have to use additives 10 or 15 years ago.

[gordon23]

It's that time again. I have used Sta-bil for several seasons now but I'm curious to ask why the fuel suppliers can't add this sort of compound for me. If it was part of the fomula at the refinery, we all could store lawnmowers,snowmobiles,etc, etc in the off seasons and not worry about gums and varnishes.

And too, why didn't I have to use additives 10 or 15 years ago.

[RV Wizard]

I think we did, but we were lucky.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Actually, most refiners do add a few chemicals to aid stability, but they know almost all gasoline is used within 2-4 weeks of refining, so it is not cost effective to try for longer priods. And gas actually doesn't degrade much anyway in a closed tank. Chevron says up to about a year is OK in a closed tank at moderate temperatures (but not for two cycle fuel where oil is mixed in).

However, stored fuel can absorb moisture and stored diesel may grow an algae. So an algaecide is recommended for diesel if it is not being consumed regularly and "dry gas" additive is good for gas that sits in a damp climate.