Fuel Stabilizer, is it all snake oil?

[Forrest]

Found this video quite interesting. If true, I've been duped and had.

 

[Mike Rocket]

Found this video quite interesting. If true, I've been duped and had.

I use Lucas fuel stabiliser and have done for years. No problems yet.

 

[atomsplitter]

Interesting. Answers the question of why ethanol fuel sucks (unless you like water based octane boost).

 

[Gregger]

This has been discussed before. Project Farm takes the time to show what ethanol based gasoline does to carburetors. His review also shows how ineffective fuel stabilizers can be in protecting our fuel systems. It looks like the best solution is to use non ethanol gasoline when storing or drain the tank and fuel system completely.

Personally, when I park my ride for the winter I fill it with Shell non ethanol gasoline (only available in premium grade in Canada) and don't add any stabilizer.

 

[Claviger]

Exactly what I do now Gregger, recently found an Ethanol free 92 octane pump with a single line so no more remnants of 87/89 left in the tube from the last person, yay.

The only thing I sometimes add to my fuel, unlike most of the snake oil fuel additives it actually works but is not a stabilizer:

 

[Dr.D]

I’ve used Stabil for years and in my ignorance I’ve been lucky. Now that I’ve been enlightened I’m sure all my bikes will gum up and rust out.

 

[Ishrub]

I think I must be having a thing for Bruce lately!

But he does cover it all and I learnt quite a bit especially about the history and fixes for low octane in fuel.
Convinced me to use top grade fuel with additives for vehicles not in great daily use or for storage while you can economise with standard fuel for immediate use if it suits.

 

[Jagster]

But he does cover it all and I learnt quite a bit especially about the history and fixes for low octane in fuel.
Convinced me to use top grade fuel with additives for vehicles not in great daily use or for storage while you can economise with standard fuel for immediate use if it suits.

I agree with all of your statement.
I started using this stuff since last spring after a relative (who has very many vintage bikes and cars which he uses and some he races) gave me a bottle to try as he said it 'really works' ....'wonderful stuff'....'here, try it'...... So I am, but I don't know for sure if it does anything.

 

[Dr.D]

Who snake oil is bad? I use it every year but my bikes rarely sit longer than two months withou use.

 

[Joesmoe]

Testing has conclusively shown, that fuel "stabilizer" is no better than STP (that used to be big enough to sponsor the Indy 500), and Geritol for "iron poor blood".

Gasoline is an organic compound subject to oxidation (going stale). Stabil (and the like) do nothing against that.

The only "treatment" I have ever found to be effective is draining the fuel system before putting a machine into storage.