we parked our 2000 Itasca Suncruiser (gas, not diesel) in it's storage lot back in late fall 2012. before I did that I added the appropriate amount of StaBil to the 75-gallons of gas I had in the tank. I always fill the tank at the end of the year to minimize condensation.well...flash forward a year and the MH is still in the storage yard. life really got in the way this year and apart from running the engine a bit and one very short drive the MH has not been used at all this year. it's just the way things are. my question...do I add another round of StaBil to the tank or not? nope...not gonna be any opportunity to take the Banana Boat out on a trip before the snow flies in order to use up the gas that's on board. given the facts what should I do to protect the MH engine?

Put an ad on craigslist for free gas and let them siphon it out. Then run it out of fuel. Then buy about 4 quarts of small engine premixed fuel at an auto parts store and run it through the system. The premix is not gasoline based.

rk911 wrote:we parked our 2000 Itasca Suncruiser (gas, not diesel) in it's storage lot back in late fall 2012. before I did that I added the appropriate amount of StaBil to the 75-gallons of gas I had in the tank. I always fill the tank at the end of the year to minimize condensation.well...flash forward a year and the MH is still in the storage yard. life really got in the way this year and apart from running the engine a bit and one very short drive the MH has not been used at all this year. it's just the way things are. my question...do I add another round of StaBil to the tank or not? nope...not gonna be any opportunity to take the Banana Boat out on a trip before the snow flies in order to use up the gas that's on board. given the facts what should I do to protect the MH engine?I know what you mean. Mine sat for over two years (way to much going on) never started it or the generator. Used it last year and this year without one problem. Never added any more stabil to the gas.

It really is best to drive it every so often. I've seen ring and pinion axle gears rust on the portion that is not submersed in oil. Also hard on bearings and seals. I know its not what you want to hear but sitting is the worse thing for mechanical stuff that depends on rotation for lubrication.

when I traded my winnie off most of the gas in it had to be 5 years old, with stabil and seafoam ODing. probably was running on 50-50 additives. :) ran just fine to the dealers.bumpy

I would add some more and I would try to drive it every month or two....as per Sta-bil's website:STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer is America’s top selling fuel stabilizer. Stored fuel can go bad in as little as 30-60 days causing gum, varnish and corrosion to build up in the fuel lines and engine. STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months during storage, eliminating the need to drain fuel. Ensures quick, easy starts after storage. Effective in all gasoline, including Ethanol blends.

Add More Stabil for a Second Year? | Good Sam Community

jpwiggo
Explorer
Aug 30, 2013
GAS is different now than it was just two years ago.

I called Staybill as I had a similar issue, they put a tech on the phone with me who told me that modern gas breaks down and even Staybil can't stop it. They used to be able to keep gas fresh for two years, but now they only claim one year. The ethanol breaks down it's that simple.

If you can get the gas out that would be best. But if you put a little extra staybil in there and run it a bit - you should be good for a few months beyond a year. For sure get all that gas out of there within 2 years.
rk911
Explorer
Aug 30, 2013
Daveinet wrote:
I wish I had more time before I leave this weekend to go to Badlands in Attica, I'd take it before I go. If you are serious, I could plan to come back Tuesday with an empty tank. I take trips all season long, so my fuel never sits. Is it easy to get a hose down inside the tank? I have a collection of small automotive fuel pumps, so I really could pump it out. It may take a couple of hours to pump as these pumps are rated 35 GPH.

hmmmmmm.
schlep1967
Nomad
Aug 30, 2013
There you go. Now if Daveinet would offer $3 a gallon both of you would make out alright.
Daveinet
Explorer
Aug 30, 2013
I wish I had more time before I leave this weekend to go to Badlands in Attica, I'd take it before I go. If you are serious, I could plan to come back Tuesday with an empty tank. I take trips all season long, so my fuel never sits. Is it easy to get a hose down inside the tank? I have a collection of small automotive fuel pumps, so I really could pump it out. It may take a couple of hours to pump as these pumps are rated 35 GPH.
rk911
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013
Daveinet wrote:
On second thought, you are only a few miles from me, would you like me to completely empty your tank? :) I could take 80 gallons in one large gulp.

make ya a deal you can't refuse. :)
Daveinet
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013
On second thought, you are only a few miles from me, would you like me to completely empty your tank? :) I could take 80 gallons in one large gulp.
J-Rooster
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013
Rich, I agree with Ronnie from Fla. post! I would add another bottle of StaBil! Just as long as it's keeping the gas from varnishing up, which it is doing everything will be O.K. As you know from my posts until I retired I was fighting a blood disease along with driving over the road I was getting so tired it was rough to go anywhere. And my driving partner bought a new 5th wheel, kept in 2 years and sold it after having it out twice? He said he was just too tired on his off time to go anywhere and just wanted to rest at home!
schlep1967
Nomad
Aug 29, 2013
When your car needs gas park it next to the rv and siphon from the rv tank into the car. Take the gas cans for the mower also. When you get the RV down to an 1/8 of tank drive it to the gas station and fill it with fresh gas and stabil. If you need to speed up the process ask the neighbors if they will burn some of it for you in their vehicles. Might get some donations to help refill the tank.
Daveinet
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013
We had an Honda 50 that we put Sta-bil in 20 years ago. Since it was only ridden when we were visiting my in-laws, it was running on the same tank of fuel for at least 15 years. Never added more sta-bil, and the bike always started and ran, till it had an electrical failure.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Aug 29, 2013
I can't see where driving the coach makes any difference whatsoever to the fuel. The fuel is still as old as when you bought it. It is still going to degrade unless you add some stabilizer. You can add some new fuel, which may help, but fuel stabilizer is designed to keep the fuel from breaking down sooner than it would without anything added.
Here is a link to questions about Sta-bil. Sta-bil FAQ