Stabil.... All that Stable?

[orezok]

Ethanol is hydroscopic.

(From Wikiedia) Hygroscopy is the ability of a substance to attract and hold water molecules from the surrounding environment through either absorption or adsorption with the absorbing or adsorbing material becoming physically 'changed,' somewhat: by an increase in volume, stickiness, or other physical characteristic of the material as water molecules become 'suspended' between the material's molecules in the process.

I believe that much of the damage done to small engines is from the absorbed water, not the ethanol it self.

 

[oldyellr]

Ethanol is hydroscopic.

That would be hygroscopic. So is methanol and isopropanol. That's why it's used as gas line antifreeze because it mixes with the condensation and keeps it liquid so it does not freeze. Winter gasoline contains alcohol for that reason. However, the reason gasoline now contains some percentage of ethanol in most states and provinces is because it, in part, replaces the function of tetra-ethyl lead for anti-knock properties. Also, it appeases the greenies, who think it's a good idea to raise the price of corn by using it for motor fuel.

 

[beppington]

I think ya'll can save your money.

From Mercury Marine (Ethanol Fuels FAQs | Storage & Maintenance MerCruiser FAQs | Mercury Marine)

What is phase separation, and how do I deal with it?

If significant amounts of water are present in a fuel tank with gasoline that contains ethanol, the water will be drawn into the fuel until the saturation point is reached for the three-component mixture of water + gasoline + ethanol. Beyond this level of water, phase separation could cause most of the ethanol and water to separate from the bulk fuel and drop to the bottom of the tank, leaving gasoline with a significantly reduced level of ethanol in the upper phase. If the lower phase of water and ethanol is large enough to reach the fuel inlet, it could be pumped directly to the engine and cause significant problems. Even if the ethanol water phase at the bottom of the tank is not drawn into the fuel inlet, the reduced ethanol level of the fuel reduces the octane rating by as much as 3 octane numbers, which could result in engine problems.

The level at which phase separation can occur is determined by a number of variables, including the amount of ethanol, the composition of the fuel, the temperature of the environment and the presence of contaminants. It is very important (A) that the system is inspected for significant quantities of water in the tank before using gasoline with ethanol and (B) to limit exposure of the fuel tank to excess water. If phase separation has occurred, it is necessary to completely remove all free water from the system and replace the fuel before continuing operation. Otherwise, engine problems could occur.

Is an additive available that can prevent phase separation?

There is no practical additive that can prevent phase separation from occurring. The only practical solution is to keep water from accumulating in the tank in the first place.

Are there any additives that can allow the phase-separated mixture to remix when added to the fuel tank?

No, the only way to avoid further problems is to remove the water, dispose of the depleted fuel, clean the tank and start with a fresh, dry load of fuel.

 

[sw03]

I use the marine since 2 years ago I used the normal red and had issues. Marine none...

 

[oldyellr]

Issues? Please elaborate.

 

[5030]

Maybe I can interject...

The original formula makes no mention anywhere (on the container) about compatability with alcohol laced fuels whereas, the marine (blue) formula does as well as the new red 'for ethanol fuel' Stabil.

I see they (Glod Eagle) is branching out. I saw a new blend of Stabil for 'cleaning injection and fuel systems' on the shelf at Menards on Friday.

 

[valley]

Well, just bought my first bottle of stabil, never used it before. Last winter the power went out and both generators acted badly. I still haven't worked on them, hope I can run something through to clean things up don't want to pull carbs, too much to do.

Can Stabil be put in older gas to bring it back?

So you say there are a few Stabils, there was only one where I bought this bottle, I saw no mention of ethanol?

 

[dlauffenburger]

+1 for Seafoam. I put some in every can of gas i get from my mower and weed eater and both engines start and run better. It does not perform the same function as Stabil but it does an excellent job of cleaning your fuel system.

 

[Ken45101]

Well, just bought my first bottle of stabil, never used it before. Last winter the power went out and both generators acted badly. I still haven't worked on them, hope I can run something through to clean things up don't want to pull carbs, too much to do.

Can Stabil be put in older gas to bring it back?

I don't believe Stabil will "bring back" bad gas. Just reduce the probability of fresh gas going bad. Notice the bottle says to put it into fresh gas.

I think Seafoam does a better job of cleaning gunked up carbs. Mix some in to the tank, agitate well, run it for a while to get the Seafoam into the carb, let it sit for a while for it to work, then run the engine some more.

I use Stabil whenever I get fresh gas for the small engines. When I have an engine not running right, I use Seafoam. Sometimes that fixes the problem.

Seafoam may also stabilize fresh gas, but I use them separately.

Ken

 

[5030]

I'm a Seafoam addict as well.... beats using tools and carb cleaner to eradicate gum and gunk inside the carbs left over from Obama ethanol.

I tend to put it in and run the bejesus out of the engine to blow everything out the exhaust.

I use the stuff on the cars too.