Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

[enginesilo]

Does anyone use Stabilizer in their boat on a regular basis during the season? I just got a new boat this season and it has a 21+ Gallon tank. After 5 or 6 outings I thought it was close to empty and turns out it still had 11+ gallons in the tank. So my question is, if I am going to keep gas in my boat which may last a good 2+ months, should I be using stabilizer in my gas on a regular basis? I know that they say gas with the additives goes bad after a few short weeks so you shouldn't let it sit too much.

Anyone think that the gas will be fine, or should I be using stabilizer? Would hate for the engine to get all gummed up inside.

 

[Uraijit]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

Generally a couple of months to empty a tank won't be a problem. If it were me, I'd just try to top off the tank every couple of weeks, after using it, so that you've always got some fresh gas in the mix.

A little Sea Foam couldn't hurt though...

 

[Maclin]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

My boat is stored two hours away at the lake so I treat mine at each fill. I never know when a planned outing will be missed so I act like each time is the last of the season. I never notice any performance hit at all, the boat runs the same each time.

 

[109jb]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

Personally, I only use stabil in the last tank of the season. Been doing it that way in all my stuff, boats, lawnmowers, ATV's, snowmobiles, snow blowers, etc., for many many years. I have never had any fuel system problems on any of those items. Sometimes they sit for a while between uses, but I have had no problems. The only things I have that I treat every time are my portable generator, and my pressure washer, because these two items are used very infrequently lately (Maybe twice a year). I will say though that if you are concerned about it, treat every tank. I'm just not concerned about how I've been doing it. Oh, I do run some sea foam through in the beginning of every season too.

 

[rndn]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

I use the new Stabil at each fill up. It's a small price to pay for ease of mind. The issues you could have and the costs to fix them far outway the expense of using Stabil each time. I have a 40 gallon tank in my boat so it takes a while for the fuel to cycyle through because I top it off every time I go out.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

I run Seafoam in every tank of fuel for my boats, plus an annual decarb with it. At the end of the season, I top up my tank, and add Stabil as well.

 

[flargin]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

Our mechanic actually suggested to use Stabil all season on our outboards.

 

[haskindm]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

With the increased use of ethanol in gasoline, many are recomending the use of stabilizers at all times. I am keeping it in mine.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

I have a 92 gallon main tank and a 47 gallon reserve tank and the only time I use any type of Stabilizer is during winter layup. Otherwise I just top off the tanks after each outing and have never had a problem until late fall when we get temp extremes.

In late fall my fuel gets a little cloudy and I'll start to pick up condensation in the Racor.

Now I'm not an additive guy but after catching water in my Racor five trips in a row I decided what the heck and tried using Startron. I added it per the instructions and have not detected a drop of water since.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

I used to use it every tank but have moved to just the last fill before stow it away. You can use it every time. It wont hurt anything. Do what makes you feel better. I would NOT put a tank away without using it.

 

[dave11]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

Now that we have gone to an ethanol mix, I put some (a little, not the suggested amount) Stabil in when I put in gas. We are able to use the boat all year.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

I only use it if I know it's not going to be used for long time, as in many months and that's only if I remember to do it. 40+ years no issues, ethanol or not.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

Stabil in every tank.

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

End of season.

 

[jerdogg1]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

Was told by an outboard mechanic that for peace of mind he adds some SeaFoam to every tank to stabilize fuel and to keep the carbs clean.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

I have a 14 gallon tank in the MFG with Evinrude using VRO. I just siphon the tank dry for the winter. Use the gas in the tractor, snowthrower, etc.

The Bayliner has a 9 gal and 6 gal tank that is pre-mix. That gas I run in the tractor after diluting 50/50 with fresh gas. No problems. No smoke.

I would rather siphon out the gas and use it than try to keep it fresh for 6 months or so. And contrary to popular belief, I have never had any condensation in my empty fuel tanks.

 

[enginesilo]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

Sounds like using Stabilizer all season is common. I will probably throw some in since my tank is great on gas. To all who are debating on a 3.0L Mercruiser I/O in relation to speed and power, I would buy one again. Pulls the boat with a full house along just fine

 

[flargin]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

So you can always solve water in the gas problems the way these guys did: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_10238020

They were dumping 400 gallons of Diesel into a storm drain...

Don't they know this stuff is worth more than gold!

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Do you use STABILIZER in your Gas during the season?

I add Seafoam any time I add gas to my 40gal tank.