Forum Discussion

profdant139's avatar
profdant139
Explorer II
Nov 27, 2019

Stabil or Seafoam for long term gas can storage?

First, I can't believe that this is the first time this question has been posed, but my search of the archives came up empty?!

Anyway, which of these two products (Sta-bil or Seafoam) is better for storing gas for a long time in a can? And how long is too long?

Thanks in advance!

69 Replies

  • wopachop wrote:
    Star Tron is my favorite.


    X2 for Star Tron.

    I took two generators to a small engine shop about 4 years ago to get the carburetors replaced on both of them. They sold Star Tron, Stabil, Seafoam and about three or four other brands. They highly recommended the Star Tron over all the others. I've been using it ever since and haven't had any more problems in any of my small engines.
  • A search for stabil resulted in 42 posts; some of which are responses to this post.
    The Goldeagle website states a `2 year life from the time the can is opened. Old sta-bil is OK to use but may not be as effective.'
    For our snow blower we use the gas/oil mixture from Ace. Since we typically go thru a few cans in a season storage does not seem to be a problem.
    Our lawn mower is electric.
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer III
    hands down to seafoam over the regular red stabil. Although the marine stabil seems to have much better results than the red stabil.

    I and a few others have had units plug up with stabil and a good dose of seafoam unplugged them. Since then I've had no troubles using sea foam alone.
  • Yeah, ethanol. Sigh. I live in Calif, and it is very hard to find non-ethanol gas.

    And this is for storage in a plastic gas can -- I would never leave gas for a long time in the generator itself. (I used to do that -- it took me many trips to the shop to realize I had to drain the carb after "exercising" the generator.)
  • I always had good luck with Stabil, although I do think the seafoam is a good product. Just as important, is to make sure you get premium, NON ETHANOL gas. Its the ethanol that causes much of the problems. Before they started putting ethanol in gas, it would last years with no help. Now if you leave a lawn mower or other small engine over the winter without stabilizer, you will need to remover the carb and clean it.
  • I had used Sta-bil for many years but over time It seemed to gum up things, could no longer keep treated fuel in my power tools (lawn mower, generator). Switched over to Seafoam and no more problems. my power lawn mower sits from late October til March and the Seafoam treated fuel is just fine, still starts on 2nd or 3rd pull after priming. I'm sure each product provides some treatment, just what I don't know.
    This is my opinion and I'm sure others will have there's.

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