sta-bil

[ccat123]

Is sta-bil fuel stabilizer safe to use it tractors? What about a fuel additive for diesel? I run about 5to10gallons a month, thanks for any and all help.

 

[Keybal]

I use it all of the time for both gas and diesel.

When you read the instructions, it tells how much to use for each type of fuel. I know that you use less for diesel, but I can't remember the exact proporations.

 

[ccsial]

I use Power service year around in the diesels and StaBil for gas engines in the winter when I don't run them. Don't keep StaBil too long as it starts to crystilize and can plug the carb. I learned this the hard way.

 

[Highbeam]

Oh good, I thought I was the only one with sta-bil crystals. Something in sta-bil forms these little rocks and it is like pouring sand into your fuel.

 

[dholly]

Uhuh, how long before it went bad on you? I bot a big jug two years ago thinking it would keep for a long time. Tsk...

 

[plaindave]

So does the Sta-bil crystalize when it is mixed in the fuel? Or is it when it is concentrated before mixing? I hadn't heard of this before.

 

[Bird]

So does the Sta-bil crystalize when it is mixed in the fuel? Or is it when it is concentrated before mixing? I hadn't heard of this before.

I hadn't heard of that before either. I know I've kept some for over a year and still used it with no problems. So I don't know how long it would keep.

 

[Ob1kubota]

I'm like Bird I've used it since the seventies before it got it's name today. It's even in products like two cycle oils ( Homelite Premium ) I opened a bottle that had set on the self for over twenty years and used it with no problem. I think some fuel additives in unleaded gasoline cause crystals but not sal-bil. Plain old gum and varnish gets to your small naturally asperated air cooled engines. First I've heard this complaint. For Diesel Fuel I use Power Service supplement for a cetane boost, CFPP reduction and disperes water too.
At a 32 Ounces per 100 gallons it's great year around lubrication for your pump and injectors. 32 0zs should last you for several seasons. This stuff works down to 36 degrees F with not heat to you filter system.

 

[FamilyFarm]

I've always used Stanadyne in my Ford diesel trucks, but only consistently in winter to keep from gelling (while we lived where that was an issue). I've only added it once or twice to the BX. We lived down south the last 4 years where it rarely freezes.
Is the Power Service similar to Stanadyne? Last time I tried to find Stanadyne, there was a shortage. I am currently well stocked, but may need to find something different. Is the Power Service easy to find? I'm assuming it's a good additive for any diesel? Currently, I have two diesel tractors and a Ford van with the diesel.
Thanks!
Terry

 

[circlelake]

SeaFoam has been a popular product here in Mn. Sold cases of it 30-40 years ago when working in the Auto parts industry. The old mechanics I talk to say it still is as good as product as any. Good for fuel additive and for storage, Crankcase additive and carb cleaner. Rough engine just put it in the gas for a liquid tuneup. My son had a rough idle and check engine lite on his Tahoe and mechanic said injector(s) need to be replaced. Seafoam took care of the problem. Amazing stuff.
Ethenol blend is the real culprit here. No Lubricant. My father used to mix a little diesel fuel in his gas Motorhome for lubricating the upper engine parts.
Tom

 

[Ob1kubota]

Terry I buy it right off the shelf at WalMart. Stanadyne is the exact same thing just uses different buzz words on the bottle. Stanadyne is also at WalMart on occasion and about the same price. You're going to need it in the older 7.3s after July until LSD is used up. The ULSD ( green dye diesel) will cause problems because the ash is being removed for EPA 2007 teir III compliance. Ash and sulfur in the ash act as lubricant to your injectors and HP injection pump. Over the road Class Eight operators sneak a pint of ATF in a full tank of the green stuff to stay out of the shop. This will end on the 2008 chassis models because of the new exhaust filter system and change again in 2010 to a wet bath mixture scrubbing soot. All of the above is much more technical than I have discribed in laymans terms. I'm sure some of the Piled Higher and Deeper guys will have something to say about my simplicity.

 

[Highbeam]

I bought the quart sized sta-bil from walmart and used it only in gasoline jugs of premium fuel. The sta-bil formed crystals in the sta-bil jug after just about one year. The sta-bil jug was opened at regular intervals during that year when I refilled my single 5 gallon gasoline jug. I tried shaking it up to dissolve them but no go. They are dark red to maroon, nearly round, and about the size of several ball points pen balls. They sink to the bottom of the jug but do not stick to the bottom. I only ever open the small measuring spout and not the large kneck pour spout.

I have no idea whether the crystals dissolve in the gasoline since I tried to avoid getting them in the gas can and tossed out the last ounce or so. Probably a teaspoon of crystals.

At least check for them.

 

[FamilyFarm]

I've never seen Stanadyne around here in a WalMart. I have always ordered it from Diesel Injection Service in Texas. I'll look closer to see if it is stocked in the Walmarts here, or maybe just get the Power Service if they have it.
Thanks, Terry

 

[Ob1kubota]

Hey Highbean use a paint strainer and filter out some of the crystals, dry and crush them, do they turn white once dried?

 

[ccsial]

I bought a large bottle of StaBil. I think it was about 4 years when it plugged my pressure washer with crystals. Now I get a new bottle every fall. Hopefully they don't sit around the stores too long. I don't think it will go bad in the fuel since it is so diluted.

 

[MrJimi]

Everything I pour in my fuel tanks I alway run thru a paint strainer and my sta-bil does also crystallize? it does it, in its own container and I see no shelf life warning??
I bought the big one at wally world for our generators? I wonder if it crystallizes in the gas tank also? this could cause some serious problems with our engines?
Jim

 

[ccsial]

Straining StaBil is a dang good idea. I'm going to do that too. I'd hope that once it is very diluted in the gas there wouldn't be a problem.

I was thinking of trying to E-mail the mfg of StaBil and ask about it. (assuming I can find an address)

 

[midlf]

If you use 5-10 gal a month and buy it 5 gals at a time you do not need to worry about having to add stabilizer to your fuel. You are consuming it too fast for it to go bad. I use Sta-bil in gas as I have variable usage and it may take me 6 months to use up the 5 gallon can.

 

[ccsial]

I buy 100 gallons of diesel and put in Power service when I fill my storage tank. I use StaBil in my pressure washer, boat, mowers, and motorcycles before I store them for winter.

 

[bandit67]

Wow, I wonder if the Stabil has a different formula now? I had a bottle on the shelf for 3 or 4 years, and never found any crystals in it. I even used it at that point to help unclog a carb on a trail bike because I forgot to add the Stabil to the fuel before storing it. I'll keep a close eye on my newer bottle, though.

As for the diesel fuel additives, Stanadyne is great, but harder to find. Power Service just got pulled from our local Walmart's shelves, supposedly because the EPA said it doesn't meet current specs. But I found it in stock at Napa, and they said they haven't gotten any notices from corporate about having to pull it. I just recently got a bottle of SoyShield from my local Schaeffer rep, so I'm going to try that out.

I recommend that EVERYONE use a diesel lubricity additive from here on out, as the new ULS diesel fuels are so low in lubricity, and have no lubricity additives required to be added back in, that we are going to see more and more damage to diesel engines in time.

So either add diesel additive, or start using a biodiesel blend to protect your engines.