Home Repair forum - Using Stab-Oil Gas Stabilizer Correctly In Mower Over The Winter ?

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Using Stab-Oil Gas Stabilizer Correctly In Mower Over The Winter ?

Robert11

2005-08-30, 9:21 am

Hello:

I have a few outdoor tools like a lawnmower, weed-wacker, etc. that I will
be putting away for
the winter before long. Usually, I try to run out all the gas, and go thru
the agony of trying to get them going again in the Spring. I am a believer
in running-out all the gas; not storing it in the tool, even with a
stabilizer agent, until next year.

Obviously, there is a very small amount of residual gas left, probably, in
the carb. or elsewhere.

Was wondering if after I do the running-out the gas bit, I should put in a
teaspoon or so of the Stab-Oil (I think that's the correct name ?) in the
gas filler, and pull it the starter a few times to distribute it.

I guess my main worry is: is this product too caustic or concentrated to do
this safely without damaging the gaskets, etc.?

Or, must it really me mixed with the gas in the proportion they suggest ?

Thanks,
Bob

Noozer

2005-08-30, 10:21 am

"Robert11" <rgsros@notme.com> wrote in message
news:6fSdncHD5a0X2oneRVn-qQ@comcast.com...
> Hello:
>
> I have a few outdoor tools like a lawnmower, weed-wacker, etc. that I will
> be putting away for
> the winter before long. Usually, I try to run out all the gas, and go
thru
> the agony of trying to get them going again in the Spring. I am a
believer
> in running-out all the gas; not storing it in the tool, even with a
> stabilizer agent, until next year.\

Don't empty the tank... Add the Stab-Oil and then fill the tank to the top.
If the tank is full there won't be room for condensation to form and make
starting a pain.

Red Cloud©

2005-08-30, 10:21 am

On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 07:48:26 -0400, "Robert11" <rgsros@notme.com>
wrote:

>Hello:
>
>I have a few outdoor tools like a lawnmower, weed-wacker, etc. that I will
>be putting away for
>the winter before long. Usually, I try to run out all the gas, and go thru
>the agony of trying to get them going again in the Spring. I am a believer
>in running-out all the gas; not storing it in the tool, even with a
>stabilizer agent, until next year.
>
>Obviously, there is a very small amount of residual gas left, probably, in
>the carb. or elsewhere.
>
>Was wondering if after I do the running-out the gas bit, I should put in a
>teaspoon or so of the Stab-Oil (I think that's the correct name ?) in the
>gas filler, and pull it the starter a few times to distribute it.
>
>I guess my main worry is: is this product too caustic or concentrated to do
>this safely without damaging the gaskets, etc.?
>
>Or, must it really me mixed with the gas in the proportion they suggest ?
>
>Thanks,
>Bob
>

Sta-bil must be mixed with fresh gas. Once gas is stale, sta-bil won't
revive it. Your practice of running the tool dry is also the wrong
thing to do, as seals will dry out, and metal parts will be more
likely to corrode. The system works - stop fighting it!

rusty redcloud

L. M. Rappaport

2005-08-30, 10:21 am

On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 12:18:27 GMT, "Noozer" <dont.spam@me.here> wrote
(with possible editing):

>
>"Robert11" <rgsros@notme.com> wrote in message
>news:6fSdncHD5a0X2oneRVn-qQ@comcast.com...
>thru
>believer
>
>Don't empty the tank... Add the Stab-Oil and then fill the tank to the top.
>If the tank is full there won't be room for condensation to form and make
>starting a pain.

Ditto. I've been doing exactly that for over 30 years and never had
trouble starting in the Spring.
--

Larry
Email to rapp at lmr dot com

Jack

2005-08-30, 11:21 am

Whether to store full w/ Stabil or bone dry is an age old question,
however my understanding is that manufacturers are now leaning towards
recomending storing with full tanks/Stabil. The benefit is that
rubber/etc seals will not dry out and crack with gas in it.

I tend to put stabil in every tank I use from mid-summer on.. so
whenever I stop running the mower it will have stabilized gas in it..
then just need to top off and store.

C & M

2005-08-30, 12:21 pm

THe product is Sta-Bil and it only requires about an ounce per 2.5 gallons.
Just follow
the directions on the easy-to-use, bottle with the measureing spout. A
teaspoon in a
tankful is probably way too much. After filling with the stabilized fuel,
run the engine
for a couple of minutes to completly circulate the stuff. Good to go!

"Robert11" <rgsros@notme.com> wrote in message
news:6fSdncHD5a0X2oneRVn-qQ@comcast.com...
> Hello:
>
<SNIP>
> Was wondering if after I do the running-out the gas bit, I should put in a
> teaspoon or so of the Stab-Oil (I think that's the correct name ?) in the
> gas filler, and pull it the starter a few times to distribute it.
>
<SNIP>
> Thanks,
> Bob
>
>

BocesLib@gmail.com

2005-08-31, 2:21 am

Depends how you like to store stuff. When going in for long term
storage I usually run it to the end (with the choke) unit it cuts out
with stabil. I then drain the carb of any trace amounts of gas. I
pull the plug, clean it and spray a motor fog into the cylinder. Pull
it over a few times, put the plug back in. Spray any exposed metals
with a nice protective lubricant. Open the gas tank and let it
evaporate the little gas left. If its an older tank and made of steel
I spray the same protectant in the inside of the tank and put the cap
on. If its a 4 cycle motor its a good time to drain and replace the
oil too. Old oil tends to be acidic and can cause issues with the
seals later on.

That would be about it.

I never had a problem with any of my power equipment related to fuel.
I've got
2 4cycle snow blowers, 2 2 cycle snowblowers, 2 mowers (4 and 2 cycle),
1 4 cycle edger, 1 echo weedwacker, 1 honda generator, 2 spare honda 4
cycle motors, 1 honda powerwasher, 1 billy goat vacume. I know I know,
it sounds like a small engine repair shop, but I have allot to take
care of

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