Lawn Royalty
The things that determine which works best for you are so variable it is not funny I really can not be bothered to type out 40 things which will determine if you need a sabilizer or not In most cases they do nothing beneficial. They don’t do any harm either other than to lighten you wallet increase the exhaust pollution.
TonyPrin
Well-Known Member
My workshop is 500 yards away from the landlords house, across the small paddock. He is 30 foot higher than me In high summer his fuel will go off in 2 weeks while mine will be fine for several months. Same fuel from the same pump filled at the same time.
Bert, I’m not following what you’re getting at here. Clearly fuel degradation can vary from a variety of factors including the climate, the container and the quantity, but why does that mean fuel stabilizers don’t work?
bertsmobile1
Lawn Royalty
The number of factors that control how fast fuel goes off are enormous. right down to the micro climate I have customers where the fuel will go off if the mower is left in the shed, but will be fine if left outside in the weather Temperature flucuations. relative humidity, wind, dew point all come into play Then there is the fuel itself, more than once I have stopped pumping fuel into my cans because it was already off. Some times there s so much Tolunene in there it smells like paint stripper then next week there is so much Benzine it smells like an old boot makers shop. The it can smell like a dry cleaners shop MEK methyl benzene too high. So there is no such thing as a “best” fuel stabilizer and the bulk of the time it is a case of Alaskan Elephant repellant.
How To Use Fuel Stabilizer In Your Lawn Mower
Almost all the lawn enthusiasts own a lawn mower but one fact that is rarely known is gasoline (used as fuel) has a limited shelf-life.
Untreated gasoline breaks down after 30 days and if left in the fuel tank, it starts gumming the engine and clogs the carburetor, filters, fuel pump and all other parts of the engine.
Due to this, you would face difficulty in starting the engine be it a Toro or a Craftsman lawn mower.
Doesn’t matter which season it is, you would love to keep your lawn looking neat and adorable and for that, it is absolutely necessary that the lawn mower engine keeps working and does not die in the middle of work!
But unfortunately, not many users are well-versed about ‘fuel-degeneration’ which occurs commonly when outdoor equipment like lawn mowers or snowblowers, are stored away for the season or are used after a break within the season. This evil of fuel-degeneration not only wastes the fuel that was left in the tank, but affects the engine’s performance drastically.
Thus, it is a prerequisite to add a good quality fuel stabilzer to the fuel in the tank, to increase the longevity of fuel and prevent it from clogging the engine.
Learn about how to use fuel stabilzer in lawn mower and more importantly, how much fuel stabilizer to use in ratio to the fuel available in the tank.
Steps To Use Fuel Stabilizer In A Lawn Mower
You should know that the fuel’s alcohol content can be harmful to the plastic and the rubber parts of a machine. When fuel is left in the fuel tank and the mower is stored away for the season, the old fuel keeps damaging the parts of the engine and if you do not clear the tank for 6 months, the engine can be completely damaged due to gumming.
This is where a fuel-stabilizer steps in! You will just learn the advantages of adding a fuel-stabilizer to the fuel tank before the mower is put to rest and what is the correct method to add a fuel stabilizer.
Follow 4 basic steps explained below to add a fuel-stabilizer to the fuel tank.
Step 1 : Drain the old fuel and clean the fuel tank
Basically, this step is performed to know the amount of fuel present in the tank because you just can’t add the fuel-stabilizer randomly. It has to be exactly in the correct proportion as per the amount of fuel.
Adding an excessive or insufficient amount of fuel-stabilizer can seize the engine, the engine would cut out and will eventually die.
Before You Buy a Fuel Stabilizer
Before you decide to treat your engines to a fuel stabilizer, keep a few points in mind. In certain circumstances, a stabilizer might not be the best choice.
Fuel stabilizers work best in fuel tanks and engines that are in storage for months at a time. If you live in a warmer climate where you’re likely to use your toys and equipment throughout the year, a fuel stabilizer isn’t necessary. In fact, if you’re pouring a fuel stabilizer into a tank of gas and using that gas within a month or two, you’re wasting money.
That’s not to say treating the fuel systems of frequently-run machines is a mistake. The better choice might be a standard fuel system cleaner that will help remove any build-up or gunk that comes with regular use.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fuel Stabilizer
Choosing the best fuel stabilizer comes down to a few factors, and it’s worth familiarizing yourself with them. As there are different formulas, types, and rates, it’s important to understand what each product has to offer. Read on to learn some of the most important considerations to keep in mind while shopping for the best fuel stabilizer.
Storage vs. Performance
When it comes to selecting the best fuel stabilizer, there are products for storage and products for performance. While some products bridge the gap between the two types, they typically serve different purposes.
If the treatment is for an engine or gas tank heading into storage for a few months, a fuel stabilizer is necessary. These types of fuel stabilizers help keep the fuel fresh for a longer period of time, holding it over through the colder months when you’re less likely to fire up the engine.
A performance treatment is meant for relatively quick use. Once added to the fuel tank feeding an engine, these types of fuel stabilizers do their best work if used right away. They clean injectors, remove gunk in fuel systems, and generally, albeit temporarily, provide a better quality fuel.
Fuel Type
Different engines use different types of fuel. For example, standard four-stroke gasoline engines in cars, lawnmowers, and generators use fuel directly from a gas station fuel pump. Two-stroke engines, like those found in chainsaws and some four-wheelers and dirt bikes, require users to mix oil into the gasoline. Further, diesel engines use a separate fuel altogether.
Many of the best fuel stabilizers will work for a variety of gasoline types, removing guesswork from the equation. Generally speaking, diesel fuel stabilizers aren’t quite as universal and could possibly damage fuel systems in gasoline engines. For this reason, it’s important to know what type of fuel an engine uses, so you can buy the best fuel stabilizer for that application.
Formula
Just like the different fuel types, there are also a number of fuel stabilizer formulas from which shoppers can choose. These different formulas address certain situations, such as weather or functions, that call for certain characteristics or ingredients.
For example, marine fuel is more likely to take on moisture than other fuels, so a marine-grade formula will do a better job of displacing water. Winters are more likely to cause gelling and gunk, so a winter formula will stabilize fuel by fighting those tendencies. Storage-specific formulas are better for long-term storage in any setting.
Treat Rate
Regardless of which of the best fuel stabilizers you choose, each will have its own treat rate. This rate explains the amount of fuel one bottle or serving of stabilizer can treat.
Each manufacturer is different, but some concentrated formulas use the bottle’s cap as a measurement guide for the stabilizer. Other stabilizers might include measurement marks on the side of the bottle. The directions will indicate how much fuel each of those measurements will treat, often allowing one bottle to treat up to 80 gallons or more of fuel.
If you’d prefer not to deal with ratios and measurements, there are products that use more straightforward treat rates, such as half a bottle of stabilizer for 5 gallons of fuel, and so on.
Longevity
Knowing how long a product will stabilize fuel could be a deciding factor when choosing the best fuel stabilizer. For engines such as those in emergency generators, a tank of fuel can sit unused for quite a long time. Some of the best fuel stabilizers will keep fuel fresh for up to 24 months, making them ideal for generators, equipment at vacation homes, or even some classic cars that might sit in storage for a while.
Keep in mind that if the fuel isn’t already fresh, a stabilizer won’t have the same effect. In those cases, it’s best to run the engine with the older fuel or drain it and put fresh fuel in the tank.
Our Top Picks
Whether it’s for storing a boat or keeping a can of gasoline fresh over the winter, the following list of the best fuel stabilizers includes an option for just about every situation. Be sure to keep the above-mentioned considerations in mind when choosing among these top-rated products.
STA-BIL (22214) Storage Fuel Stabilizer, 32 fl. oz.
For an all-around fuel stabilizer that offers plenty of flexibility, be sure to check out STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer. This 32-ounce bottle of stabilizer will treat up to 80 gallons of fuel, allowing users to stretch their fuel-saving budget a bit further. And, by keeping fuel fresh for up to 24 months, it’s a logical choice for generators or lawn equipment at vacation homes or cabins. This fuel stabilizer works with different types of gasoline engines, whether it’s two-stroke or four-stroke. Mixing this stabilizer is simple as well; each bottle offers a filler stem to measure the proper amount of stabilizer without fiddling with bottle caps or funnels.
Lucas Oil 10303 Fuel Stabilizer. 1 Quart
Gearheads and motorsports fans are familiar with Lucas Oil, as the company has a sponsored vehicle in nearly every race. This fuel stabilizer is part of the brand’s lineup. The stabilizer works for different gasoline fuel systems, including two- and four-stroke engines. It prevents fuel degradation and the harmful effects of ethanol on a fuel system, like rust and corrosion. This versatile product also cleans and lubricates fuel pumps, carburetors, and injectors. The 32-ounce bottle of fuel stabilizer requires a relatively high concentration, at 1 ounce to 1 gallon of fuel, which makes it slightly more expensive than some other products.
Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment Concentrate
If you aim to stretch a fuel-stabilizing buck, reach for Star Tron’s Enzyme Fuel Treatment Concentrate. This formula is highly concentrated, so one bottle will treat 256 gallons of gas: the breakdown is 1 ounce per 16 gallons. It stabilizes and maintains gasoline performance for up to two years in different engines, including two-stroke engines like chainsaws and some ATVs. This fuel stabilizer is ideal for anyone with lots of toys and equipment, as the 16-ounce bottle really does go far. However, Star Tron recommends an initial treatment of twice the strength. After the initial treatment, reduce it to the standard ratio.
Yamaha ACC-FSTAB-PL-32 Fuel Stabilizer Conditioner
When it comes to yard equipment, keeping two- and four-stroke fuels straight can be enough of a challenge. Trying to find a fuel stabilizer to work with each of those fuels is even more difficult. Instead of storing several fuel stabilizers, this option from Yamaha can handle them all. For both two- and four-stroke engines, it will stabilize the fuel in the gas tank and help prevent build-up and gunk. The stabilizer also works to reduce the effects of corrosion by displacing water. And, with a ratio of 1 ounce to 3 gallons, a single 32-ounce bottle will treat up to 96 gallons of fuel, which is a lot of fuel for the small engines found in yard equipment.
STA-BIL 360 Marine Ethanol Treatment and Fuel
Moisture can destroy a fuel system, so it makes sense that a boat’s fuel system is particularly susceptible to rust and corrosion. STA-BIL’s 360 Marine Ethanol Treatment treats the entire system with a protective coating, minimizing the negative effects of water and ethanol. It also boasts water-removal properties to keep fuel pure. This formula will keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, making it more likely to achieve better fuel mileage—a real benefit considering how pricey gas is at marinas. One ounce from this 32-ounce bottle is enough to treat 10 gallons of gasoline, and although it’s specially formulated for boats, this product can be used in most gasoline tanks and jugs.
STA-BIL (22254) Diesel Fuel Stabilizer
For anyone who rides a classic diesel tractor for yard maintenance, it’s probably source of pride and joy. And owners of this equipment are also no doubt acutely aware of what cold weather can do to diesel fuel. Adding STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer to a diesel fuel tank will help avoid the gel, sludge, and sediment buildups that cause clogged fuel filters and hard starts. This product follows the STA-BIL 1:10 ratio of ounces of stabilizer to gallons of fuel, so this 32-ounce bottle will treat several pieces of equipment, including diesel generators and vehicles. Be aware, however, that this product is strictly for diesel engines; don’t use it in a gasoline fuel system, where it’s bound to cause poor performance or damage.
Tips for Using Fuel Stabilizer
When using a fuel stabilizer, it’s always best to start with a fresh tank of gas. This applies to vehicles and yard equipment as well as fuel tanks. If fuel is already past its prime, a fuel stabilizer won’t make much difference.
To move the fuel stabilizer through the rest of the system, run the engine for a while after adding it. This helps the stabilizer work its way into the system, removing gunk and preventing build-up and moisture in the fuel lines and carburetor or injectors.
It’s very important not to use diesel fuel stabilizers in gasoline fuel systems. Diesel ignites at much higher temperatures than gasoline and so do its appropriate additives. The fuel stabilizer won’t ignite in a gasoline engine, but it could create quite a bit of smoke and also can damage the motor.
The Advantages of Owning the Best Fuel Stabilizer
After storing a piece of equipment, car, boat, or another fuel-burning machine, it can be very difficult to start the engine. This is because the quality of the fuel degrades over time. With the best fuel stabilizer in the tank, the gasoline should stay much fresher and provide a quick and easy start.
The best fuel stabilizers can actually save money and hassle. Instead of discarding a tank of old fuel or running low-quality fuel through a system, the best fuel stabilizer helps avoid this situation altogether.
Some people only take their classic cars out once a year to keep up with the state inspection. With old fuel in the tank, there’s a good chance they’ll have a hard time passing the emissions test. The best fuel stabilizers can keep the fuel tank fresh and actually lower emissions, allowing you to:
FAQs
If you still have some lingering questions about the best fuel stabilizers, this section is for you. It’s a collection of the most frequently asked questions about fuel stabilizers. Be sure to check for an answer to your question below.
Q: How does fuel stabilizer work?
Oxygen and moisture are the enemies of gasoline or diesel fuel. A fuel stabilizer works by preventing the oxidation and chemical breakdown that occurs inside a fuel tank or fuel system.
Q: Are all fuel stabilizers the same?
No. There are many differences between the fuel type, the engine type, and the specific formula. Be sure to purchase a fuel stabilizer that works for your fuel and engine type.
Q: Is fuel treatment the same as fuel stabilizer?
Many fuel treatments contain fuel stabilizers, but not all of them. Fuel stabilizers help improve the lifespan of the fuel, while fuel treatments clean up the fuel system and improve performance.
Q: Can you use too much fuel stabilizer?
Yes, depending on the product. Always follow the directions on the fuel stabilizer bottle. Otherwise, you could dilute the fuel too much and cause detonation issues in the engine.
Q: How long does fuel stabilizer last in fuel?
While gasoline stays fresh for a few months, some of the best formulas can last up to 24 months.
Conclusion
The products discussed above are all very beneficial both to the fuel and engine. They perform well as advertised and helps consumers to work with peace of mind. However, for our top pick, we chose the Star Tron fuel stabilizer. It is one of the stabilizers available in the market that significantly increases the fuel’s shelf life. It is very concentrated, making it very economical.
This product has a unique enzyme technology that works in a wide range of engines. It eliminates ethanol-induced problems in the engine, and as a result, the engine’s performance improved drastically. This product is an excellent investment. The initial cost may be high, but you can be spared from several visits to repair shops, hence saving a lot more in the long run.