fuel stabilizer

suprz wrote:
Do folks have a preference? I've always used seafoam. On my small engines.. (weed whacker, lawn mower, snowblower etc) I will be starting the RV every month during storage, and hopefully moving it a few feet forward and backward and of course exercising the generator at the same time.

I have used Stabil for 22 years on autos, motorcycles and generators that are parked, and never run from November to April. It has never failed me yet.

mbopp wrote:
All my small engines get E0 (non-ethanol) gas. After I drain the tank and run the carb dry, I put some 2-stroke mix in the tank, run it through the carb, then drain the tank and run the carb dry again. The 2-stroke oil 1) has stabilizer in it and 2) I figure it keeps the carb gaskets from drying out.

I had to tear down and clean son-in-laws weedwacker carb this spring after he let it sit all winter with E10 in it. Coincidence?

I also go with non-ethanol gas and 2-stroke oil mix.The 2-stroke oil has good quality stabilizers already in it.I had an old chain saw sitting in my garage for about 5 years without being used.I noticed it one day and tried starting it,to my surprise two pulls and it started right up.

Gas with two stoke oil in it will last longer than straight gas before it gunks up the fuel system. I use Marine Sta-bil in everything I have. I shy away from Seafoam, as it contains some alcohol. No need to increase the alcohol content of the E10 gas around here.

suprz wrote:
I will be starting the RV every month during storage, and hopefully moving it a few feet forward and backward . .

The worst thing you can do is start an engine and only run it for a short time before shutting it down. The engine will not burn off all the water and acids that are generated during a cold start and the initial run up to operating temperature. The exhaust system will rust out sooner too. You absolutely need the oil to come up to operating temperature. Water is a by product of the combustion process and doesn't get burned off unless everything gets good and hot.

The old time rule is that short trips of less then 5 miles are hardest on a vehicle. I believe that to be true. My last vehicle (Honda Element) had 185,000 miles on it when I traded it and it was running like a top. Never did anything to it but basic maintenance. But I drove 30 highway miles each way to work every day.

Just my .02

Tim

I've always used Sta-Bil.

GoPackGo wrote:

suprz wrote:
I will be starting the RV every month during storage, and hopefully moving it a few feet forward and backward . .

The worst thing you can do is start an engine and only run it for a short time before shutting it down. The engine will not burn off all the water and acids that are generated during a cold start and the initial run up to operating temperature. The exhaust system will rust out sooner too. You absolutely need the oil to come up to operating temperature. Water is a by product of the combustion process and doesn't get burned off unless everything gets good and hot.

The old time rule is that short trips of less then 5 miles are hardest on a vehicle. I believe that to be true. My last vehicle (Honda Element) had 185,000 miles on it when I traded it and it was running like a top. Never did anything to it but basic maintenance. But I drove 30 highway miles each way to work every day.

Just my .02

Tim

I wish I could drive it in the winter, and I will IF the ground isn't too soft from rain or snow melt, but it's kind of hard to drive it out of my yard with 2 - 3 feet of snow in front of it. Hopefully this year won't be like last year

My point is that you're better off just leaving it alone for the winter. Boats are in the same category. They get winterized in late fall and sit all winter. Then they get started up in the spring and they're fine.

We use Seafoam EVERY time we refill our Honda, you never know when will be the next time the generator gets used. In four years I have NEVER had an issue starting the Honda. I also try very hard to use ONLY non-reformulated gas in it as well, so far so good.

Dan

GoPackGo wrote:
My point is that you're better off just leaving it alone for the winter. Boats are in the same category. They get winterized in late fall and sit all winter. Then they get started up in the spring and they're fine.

I agree. If it can't be operated under load for long enough to get the engine oil up to temp, then it is much better to not start it at all.

RJCorazza wrote:

GoPackGo wrote:
My point is that you're better off just leaving it alone for the winter. Boats are in the same category. They get winterized in late fall and sit all winter. Then they get started up in the spring and they're fine.

I agree. If it can't be operated under load for long enough to get the engine oil up to temp, then it is much better to not start it at all.

X3... Just let it sit. Won't hurt a thing. Better than just running it for a short time. Otherwise it will build up moisture and won't get hot enough to cook it out..Very tough on exhaust systems as well.

B.O.