STA-BIL gas additive

-
4spdragtop

4spdragtop

FABO Gold Member
FABO Gold Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2009
Messages
43,087
Reaction score
27,718
Location
Ontario Parts Unknown
Hi all, between Seafoam and STA-BIL Marine 360, that is what I've been adding to the premium gas for our cuda. I also used the same STA-BIL for my Mercury outboard as well as snowblower lawnmower etc.
Stuff can get pricey, $16 for approx a cup.
So i was going to buy off Amazon and was reading on STA-BIL site that there is "different" stuff for automotive.
They have a gallon for approx $150, so would be nice to continue using that version for everything.
Anyone know of downsides??
Thanks
Steve
@S'cuder @mpgmike
STA-BIL Fuel Stabiliser - Home
 
I've been using the regular sta-bil for gas for years. I treat anything that's not going to get used up in the next six months. It is good stuff.
 
Yep no squawking here Zach, I just refuse to pay $16 +tax for 236 ml. So was looking at bigger options on Amazon. Then I discovered it doesn't list "automotive"for the Marine 360.
Wondering if it's "detrimental" in automotive use? I do use it in every gas can and tank full.
halfafish said:
I've been using the regular sta-bil for gas for years. I treat anything that's not going to get used up in the next six months. It is good stuff.
Click to expand...

Screenshot_20250413_023510_Samsung Internet.jpg
 
i use the marine stuff in everything. lawn mowers, cars, motor home...etc.. never a problem.. i was told years ago that the marine stuff was better.
 
I have a friend with a lawn care business. He uses 2 cycle oil as a fuel additive for all his small engines.

His equipment all starts right up on the next season.


☆☆☆☆☆
 
Thanks that's what I have heard as well Joe, been using it for quite a few years. I wasn't sure if long term use was would be detrimental?
I think I'll keep on keeping on using it. In everything lol.
abodyjoe said:
i use the marine stuff in everything. lawn mowers, cars, motor home...etc.. never a problem.. i was told years ago that the marine stuff was better.
Click to expand...
 
Hey Steve

I store all of my seasonal stuff dry. Never had an issue. I use Sea Foam in my "emergency fuel" and rotate it every 6 months.
 
Always seemed like a gimmick to me.

I run the fuel out of the carburetor of anything I'm going to leave for more than about 6 months or so, and I've never had a problem.

- Eric
 
gimmik. lol.

my generators are always full with gas thats stabilizer treated. no time to get fresh fuel when they are needed.
 
My generator's got gas in it that's been in there for a couple of years.
I start it up twice a year, warm it up, then close the fuel tap and run the gas out of the float bowl. No problems.
It's been long enough since a real power failure (knock wood) that I'll probably drain the gas out this spring, replace it with fresh, and use it in the lawn tractor (1970 Cub Cadet).

I DO use EtOH-free gas, which I know is not available everywhere, and that probably helps as well.

Seriously, though, I think it's a gimmick, just like Lucas oil additives and "transmission reconditioner."
Show me someone who's got two identical pieces of equipment, uses EtOH-free gas in both, stores them side by side, uses them the same amount, puts Sta-Bil in one and not in the other, and has problems with only the non-StaBil unit, and then we can talk.
Any comparisons of "I used in in my snowblower one year, and didn't use it in my lawnmower another year, and the lawnmower had a problem" have no validity.

- Eric
 
FWIW, I just use the basic in all the stuff that sits around a lot. New in '08, I've had a clean float bowl on the boat Holley 2300 both times I've serviced it.
Fuel sits in there over the layup months.

May 1, 2015............

1744554906613.jpeg

1744555002270.jpeg



June 3, 2021. Had to replace the gaskets this time.......

1744555655562.jpeg

1744555735891.jpeg


Mower, snow thrower, generator all get the Stabil.
 
Gas goes bad, whether it has ethanol in it or not. The ethanol is tough on aluminum. It leaves a mess I'm sure we've all seen. Sometimes, unrepairable. Mostly in small engine stuff, because they have aluminum carbs (mostly).
When I worked on small engines, it didn't matter if a stabilizer was used or not. Eventually, carbs clogged up, or, if caught early. the gas just lost it's volatility and a flush would fix it.
All of my equipment gets Stabil, and once in a while, a carb needs to be rebuilt because crap built up. But any product, designed for the purpose, definitely helps a LOT.
 
I guess my "concern" was running the Stabil Marine 360 in an automotive as I have been in the cuda as it doesn't show in chart above "good for automotive ". So far no issues, so I'll order the gallon of Marine and save $$.
Thanks folks
 
Check to be sure Stabil doesn't have a shelf life. I don't see it mentioned on the bottle I have, but I kinda remember hearing about it some time ago. It would be hard to use a gallon quick enough.

I've used Marine for years, no (big) problem.
 
Last edited:
There are home made recipes online. I have used:
-4 parts diesel
-3 parts naptha
-2 parts Iso Heet

I always wanted to see how long it would keep gas fresh compared to other products, but never did. So I use it as a maintenance in my Duster and 87 Mustang. Never a problem.
But, I never had any trouble with gas in cars, as long as I drive them some.
 
I checked their website and I'm pretty sure it says 2 years. Between Weedeater, mower, snowblower, 2 gens, boat cuda and Ram and the gas cans it'll get used lol.
SpeedThrills said:
Check to be sure Stabil doesn't have a shelf life. I don't see it mentioned on the bottle I have, but I kinda remember hearing about it some time ago. It would be hard to use a gallon quick enough.

I've used Marine for years, no (big) problem.
Click to expand...
 
I've always used Sta-Bil in the last tank of the season on my small engines, then turn the fuel shut off and let it run dry. Have never needed fresh fuel for the next season start up. I did notice that the bottle label recently changed to say "storage" on it. Hope they haven't changed anything!
 
Amazon dropped it off today. Label says good for 2 years after opening. Small container beside it is $18/240 ml, $143/1 gallon. So half the cost per ml. I may not go thru all of it, but thankfully fuel has "dropped" to $1.14/litre here..

20250416_210950.jpg


20250416_211004.jpg
 
Last edited:
I have used Sta-bil and Seafoam for years. I used some Sta-bil yesterday in one of the snow blowers. They start first pull next season.
 
I have zero complaints with either SF or SB. It got my curiosity up as to why it doesn't say "automotive" for Marine 360, altho I've been using it for a while in everything year round. Looks like i have another 2 years worth lol.
 
Just be careful you don't fill your tank, add Stabil and then have the weather warm up and expand the fuel. If it runs down your paint it is bad news
 
4spdragtop said:
I have zero complaints with either SF or SB. It got my curiosity up as to why it doesn't say "automotive" for Marine 360, altho I've been using it for a while in everything year round. Looks like i have another 2 years worth lol.
Click to expand...
I use "Marine" for automotive and small engines. I don't think it is relevant. But, I've gotten I trouble before by thinking. :rolleyes:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top