Fuel Additive - Stabilizer ?

[stephenkatsea]

Our fuel today is crap. Some say it will only hold for 3 months. What additive are other inmates using to increase the life of their fuel? FWIW - I’ve been using the ethanol free 91 octane from Parker Oil. There’s a ton of fuel stabilizer products. Among the best seemed to be Sea Foam, Sta-Bil, Marvel Mystery Oil and a few others. Is anyone familiar with “Star Tron”? They claim it will make gas last up to 2 years. Hard to believe that. Have any inmates used Star Tron?

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Our fuel today is crap. Some say it will only hold for 3 months. What additive are other inmates using to increase the life of their fuel? FWIW - I’ve been using the ethanol free 91 octane from Parker Oil. There’s a ton of fuel stabilizer products. Among the best seemed to be Sea Foam, Sta-Bil, Marvel Mystery Oil and a few others. Is anyone familiar with “Star Tron”? They claim it will make gas last up to 2 years. Hard to believe that. Have any inmates used Star Tron?

Looks up Lake Speed Jr. on YouTube. He's an oil and fuel additive geek and has thoughts

 

[rivermobster]

Boat?

I've always used Sta-Bil, starts right up Every time.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Boat?

I've always used Sta-Bil, starts right up Every time.

Nothing special. Stock 454. Holley 4 brl carb. Unfortunately, the boat now sits unused for long periods. 6-9 months is not uncommon. Maybe I need a ‘miracle’ versus a fuel additive . . . . . . ?

 

[FENDERFAB]

i use this stuff in all my toys.

HIGHER OCTANE BOOSTER

Increases fuel mileage Raises pump octane 10 numbers & higher Tetraethyl lead substitute for added lubricity Cleans injectors, carburetors, and catalytic converters Catalytic converter and O2 sensor safe No MTBE Absorbs moisture in the fuel system Preserves gasoline up to 16 months Improves...

klotzlube.com

 

[MagicMan]

Star tron, works great no soot on my transom add to tank on every fill.

 

[Your ad here]

Non ethonal should by you more time than the 10% ethonal fuel.

 

[olduner]

This has worked for me for 6 months or more storage. Says up to a year in description.

Mercury Marine 12oz Quickstor Fuel Stabilizer Treatment 92-8M0047932​

​

​

Amazon.com

 

[Taboma]

i use this stuff in all my toys.

HIGHER OCTANE BOOSTER

Increases fuel mileage Raises pump octane 10 numbers & higher Tetraethyl lead substitute for added lubricity Cleans injectors, carburetors, and catalytic converters Catalytic converter and O2 sensor safe No MTBE Absorbs moisture in the fuel system Preserves gasoline up to 16 months Improves...

klotzlube.com

Raising Octane 10 numbers = 1 Octane Point at the pumps, so 91 = 92.

According to klotz, if you want to raise your pump octane points five points, such as 91 to 96, or 93 to 98, use 4 oz. per gallon of gas. There's a reasonable Klotz disclaimer that does caution that not all pump gas is of equal quality.
At about $ 59 gal from Amazon for one gallon, that's adds about $2.00 per gallon of gas.
Can't buy it in CA, wonder if anybody stocks it at Havasu ??

 

[RitcheyRch]

I've always used the red Sta-bil and never an issue.

 

[Taboma]

I've always used the red Sta-bil and never an issue.

That's what I've always used successfully for long term storage.
Apparently the Stab-bil 360 and Marine products offer additional benefits but are designed for more daily short term use and storage.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Looking for increased stored fuel longevity not necessarily increased octane. Star Tron claims to use an Enzyme Technology. Is it legit? Others don’t seem to mention this enzyme deal.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Sta-bil here. At the end of the year after the Dec Springs run. Never had an issue.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Raising Octane 10 numbers = 1 Octane Point at the pumps, so 91 = 92.

According to klotz, if you want to raise your pump octane points five points, such as 91 to 96, or 93 to 98, use 4 oz. per gallon of gas. There's a reasonable Klotz disclaimer that does caution that not all pump gas is of equal quality.
At about $ 59 gal from Amazon for one gallon, that's adds about $2.00 per gallon of gas.
Can't buy it in CA, wonder if anybody stocks it at Havasu ??

So a quibble.

I’ve heard that when octane booster products say it raises ”X” numbers, they aren’t whole numbers but decimal points.

Ie: Product Z raises octane 8 numbers. 87 is now 87.8.

There are few products, especially in auto parts stores that raise octane by whole numbers. There’s no way some little dinky few ounces will do what it claims.

One of the few actual whole number products I am aware of is Torco Accelerator. But I need to pour a 32 ounce can in with 20 gallons of 87 to make 87 be 91.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Looking for increased stored fuel longevity not necessarily increased octane. Star Tron claims to use an Enzyme Technology. Is it legit? Others don’t seem to mention this enzyme deal.

Stabil Marine.

I used to just add it at the end of the season and run the boat once after adding it. Now I just add it at every fueling and now I don’t care when the season ends and I don’t have to plan ahead, it’s treated the whole year round.

Also Stabil claims you you can go longer than a year by doubling the amount added, though I just care about going from October to April, give it take a couple months.

 

[Brian]

I have great luck with lucas ethanol conditioner.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Getting straight info from the internet on this topic is like trying to get a straight answer out of Joe Biden. I do thank all for their input at RDP. For now, believe I’ll continue to run the ethanol free 91 octane. Sweeten it with some of the Star Tron. When I’m not going to run the boat for an extended period, I’ll top off the tanks with the e-free 91. Hope that should help minimize oxidation due to the decreased air gap in the tank. Plus add sufficient Star Tron to the topped off tanks and hope for the best. It was sure easier when I used the boat 7 days a week and fuel was a better quality and cheap.

 

[jetboatperformance]

If its over 3 months old its lawn mower gas

 

[FENDERFAB]

Raising Octane 10 numbers = 1 Octane Point at the pumps, so 91 = 92.

According to klotz, if you want to raise your pump octane points five points, such as 91 to 96, or 93 to 98, use 4 oz. per gallon of gas. There's a reasonable Klotz disclaimer that does caution that not all pump gas is of equal quality.
At about $ 59 gal from Amazon for one gallon, that's adds about $2.00 per gallon of gas.
Can't buy it in CA, wonder if anybody stocks it at Havasu ??

This is from their site!

"Octane Booster: 1 oz. of Octane Booster per gallon of gasoline will raise octane by 2 1/2 numbers.
Gasoline Stabilizer: Preserves gasoline during storage. Add 1 oz. of Octane Booster per gallon of gasoline for 6 to 8 months, or 2 oz. per gallon of gasoline for 12 to 16 months."


Mainly i use this for the stabilizer properties. I use 1 oz per gallon on my stuff so it ends up being about 50 cents per gallon. But the above reads 2.5 numbers from 1 oz per gallon, which would mean if your running 91, you would have approx 93.5 octane fuel right? Sorry im not super knowledgeable on octane/fuel ratings.

I do agree the non ethanol 91 octane fuel is the best option. I buy it in havasu when i am in town but cant find it local here in so cal.

 

[Taboma]

So a quibble.

I’ve heard that when octane booster products say it raises ”X” numbers, they aren’t whole numbers but decimal points.

Ie: Product Z raises octane 8 numbers. 87 is now 87.8.

There are few products, especially in auto parts stores that raise octane by whole numbers. There’s no way some little dinky few ounces will do what it claims.

One of the few actual whole number products I am aware of is Torco Accelerator. But I need to pour a 32 ounce can in with 20 gallons of 87 to make 87 be 91.

This is a response from Klotz that might clarify what their point system is relative to.

"I appreciate the question. What the octane booster will be is raise the Research Octane 10 numbers. Pump gas octane is calculated as M+R/2 which is Motor Octane + Research Octane / 2. So if you have 93 octane and you mix Klotz Octane Booster at 4oz. per gallon you can raise your fuel to approximately 98 octane. I say approximately because all fuel is different out of the pump, some are not as good or pure as others."

 

[Taboma]

This is from their site!

"Octane Booster: 1 oz. of Octane Booster per gallon of gasoline will raise octane by 2 1/2 numbers.
Gasoline Stabilizer: Preserves gasoline during storage. Add 1 oz. of Octane Booster per gallon of gasoline for 6 to 8 months, or 2 oz. per gallon of gasoline for 12 to 16 months."


Mainly i use this for the stabilizer properties. I use 1 oz per gallon on my stuff so it ends up being about 50 cents per gallon. But the above reads 2.5 numbers from 1 oz per gallon, which would mean if your running 91, you would have approx 93.5 octane fuel right? Sorry im not super knowledgeable on octane/fuel ratings.

I do agree the non ethanol 91 octane fuel is the best option. I buy it in havasu when i am in town but cant find it local here in so cal.

As I posted in response to another RDP poster --- From Klotz responding to an email question from a customer in a different forum.

"I appreciate the question. What the octane booster will be is raise the Research Octane 10 numbers. Pump gas octane is calculated as M+R/2 which is Motor Octane + Research Octane / 2. So if you have 93 octane and you mix Klotz Octane Booster at 4oz. per gallon you can raise your fuel to approximately 98 octane. I say approximately because all fuel is different out of the pump, some are not as good or pure as others."

That equates to 1.25 Pump Points per OZ, not 2.5

 

[FENDERFAB]

As I posted in response to another poster --- From Klotz responding to an email RFI.

"I appreciate the question. What the octane booster will be is raise the Research Octane 10 numbers. Pump gas octane is calculated as M+R/2 which is Motor Octane + Research Octane / 2. So if you have 93 octane and you mix Klotz Octane Booster at 4oz. per gallon you can raise your fuel to approximately 98 octane. I say approximately because all fuel is different out of the pump, some are not as good or pure as others."

Got it thanks for the clarification!

 

[Taboma]

Got it thanks for the clarification!

I'd love to run it in my Hennessey Camaro, but I can't buy it in CA. Not sure if anybody carries it in Lake Havasu, Autozone doesn't seem to carry it.
I've read that Torco makes a worthy competitor, but haven't checked CA availability.

 

[yard dog]

Sea Foam marine pro , claims that will stabilize fuel up to two years . Have use it with great success for stabilizing fuel and also add the recommended amount at each fill up . One can will treat up to 30 gallons of fuel .

 

[DaveH]

or, just do the right thing, and run the boat to near empty on your last trip, and save the $$ on the snake oil. this is assuming you store the boat in a dry climate.

 

[OCMerrill]

I wish I can find 87 Non-Ethanol in Parker. I understand there are a few places in Havasu but that's a haul.

Not much anything will protect you from Ethanol. I normally mix Parker Oil's 91 and then move the boat to the Ethanol's 87 pump to reduce the content of that crap down to 5%.

My boat requires 87.

 

[LU1682]

Star Tron is a great product and I would highly recommend. I would think of it more as an enzyme additive that combats moisture in the fuel rather than a fuel life extender. Fuel is meant to be used and when the trip is over, the tanks should be near empty. If you fuel up at the dock, you are going to get moisture in your tank. Same holds true for the winter if your boat sits for an extended time without use Star Tron keeps the moisture out of your fuel system- Period. I run a bottle in every tank, every trip and have never had any fuel issues. My engine builder tuned me on to it many years ago and I have never been dissapointed.

 

[stephenkatsea]

I’ve spoken about Star Tron with Chuck, from Chuck’s Carburetor in LHC. Chuck is an old school guy who’s very interesting. Like many of us, he’s a So Cal transplant. He laughs when he talks about Star Tron. He says because he recommends that stuff, it’s cost him a lot of work - customers no longer need their carbs rebuilt.

Seems there’s an apparent difference between Octane Boosting and Fuel Stabilization - 2 different products?

 

[rivermobster]

Nothing special. Stock 454. Holley 4 brl carb. Unfortunately, the boat now sits unused for long periods. 6-9 months is not uncommon. Maybe I need a ‘miracle’ versus a fuel additive . . . . . . ?

What happens on Holly's, even with additive, is that the accelator pumps turn to stone.

Non alky fuel usually fixes that though.

 

[rivermobster]

I’ve spoken about Star Tron with Chuck, from Chuck’s Carburetor in LHC. Chuck is an old school guy who’s very interesting. Like many of us, he’s a So Cal transplant. He laughs when he talks about Star Tron. He says because he recommends that stuff, it’s cost him a lot of work - customers no longer need their carbs rebuilt.

Seems there’s an apparent difference between Octane Boosting and Fuel Stabilization - 2 different products?

Completely different products.

 

[ltbaney1]

I use star tron with every tank and i use the non ethanol from Parker oil. cheap insurance.

 

[CommanderLee]

In 20 plus years of boat ownership I think I have added StaBil one time. Not that I don't believe in it or anything but that I always forget. I do tend to run the fuel way down at the end of the season and most weekends. Knock on wood never had an issue because of bad fuel. Maybe I have just been extremely lucky?

 

[2Driver]

Like a lot of automotive snake oils, they do something but nothing to the level of what you are buying it to do.

If I was storing a boat Id go the distance and fill up with non ethanol and run some through before storing.

The project farm guy did a video on it if you trust his methods

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

I'd love to run it in my Hennessey Camaro, but I can't buy it in CA. Not sure if anybody carries it in Lake Havasu, Autozone doesn't seem to carry it.
I've read that Torco makes a worthy competitor, but haven't checked CA availability.

Torco Accelerator is available in CA. I’ve purchased it from both Summit and Amazon and they ship to CA.

Torco’s Accelerator is unleaded so I guess CA isn’t freaking out yet.

 

[77charger]

Never done the stabilizer shit in anything I own. My boat sat for 8 months had a few gallons of gas in it. Added a few more hit the lake.

Mines a carbuerated motor so when it sits more than 2 weeks I just use a shot of starting fluid or drop some gas in carb fires right up. Never had an issue.

Generator can sit for a few months too but I’ll fire it up once a month runs a few minutes put away. Same deal it ain’t full tank either.

 

[Nosocks]

Like a lot of automotive snake oils, they do something but nothing to the level of what you are buying it to do.

If I was storing a boat Id go the distance and fill up with non ethanol and run some through before storing.

The project farm guy did a video on it if you trust his methods

I read the title and went to find this video. You beat me to it.

I was planning to start filling with non-ethanol in september/october to get rid of the ethanol.

Side note, are there any other locations besides the south-side maverick that have non-ethanol in havasu? Anything near the island?

 

[stephenkatsea]

I read the title and went to find this video. You beat me to it.

I was planning to start filling with non-ethanol in september/october to get rid of the ethanol.

Side note, are there any other locations besides the south-side maverick that have non-ethanol in havasu? Anything near the island?

Parker Oil and Campbell Cove each have ethanol free 91 octane.

 

[2Driver]

Pure-gas.org - ethanol-free gasoline in the U.S. and Canada

Pure-gas.org is the definitive web site listing stations that sell pure gasoline in the U.S. and Canada.

www.pure-gas.org

 

[575cat]

I like Lucas products

 

[Mikes56]

If the engine is fuel injected, it doesn’t seem like you need any fuel preservative.

I use the red Stabil in my Honda 1000 and my toy hauler fuel station. The gas in the fuel station is 2-3 years old and my onboard generator starts and runs well.

 

[Jay Dub]

Our fuel today is crap. Some say it will only hold for 3 months. What additive are other inmates using to increase the life of their fuel? FWIW - I’ve been using the ethanol free 91 octane from Parker Oil. There’s a ton of fuel stabilizer products. Among the best seemed to be Sea Foam, Sta-Bil, Marvel Mystery Oil and a few others. Is anyone familiar with “Star Tron”? They claim it will make gas last up to 2 years. Hard to believe that. Have any inmates used Star Tron?

I use ethanol free 91 from Parker oil and add Sea Foam when the boat may sit for extended periods. no issues

 

[TexasJet]

StaBil marine formula. I use it in the Baja and all gas powered motors like lawn mower, chainsaw etc. Used it for years and very satisfied.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Unlike the other fuel treatments, from what I understand, Star Tron uses an enzyme to treat the fuel. The ship I last ran for many years had a large diesel capacity, about 182,000 US gallons. There were times a tank of fuel would develop what my engineers called “tapioca”. It did look a bit like tapioca. When that occurred my guys would add, what they called ‘some bugs’ to the tank to eat up tapioca. It worked. Makes me wonder if those ‘bugs’ were a form of what is now sold as Star Tron?

 

[thetub]

Unlike the other fuel treatments, from what I understand, Star Tron uses an enzyme to treat the fuel. The ship I last ran for many years had a large diesel capacity, about 182,000 US gallons. There were times a tank of fuel would develop what my engineers called “tapioca”. It did look a bit like tapioca. When that occurred my guys would add, what they called ‘some bugs’ to the tank to eat up tapioca. It worked. Makes me wonder if those ‘bugs’ were a form of what is now sold as Star Tron?

thats what i read that startron came from more of fleet diesel tanker stuff ??? same concept

i use stabil and startron combined dont know if thats good or bad so far so good....

the lucas ethanol stuff i dont like too much it seems to not work and always ends up with that green shit from the coloring they use leaking from carbs..

 

[HST4ME]

Marine sta bil. Sea foam is garbage and degrades the elements in paper filters like water seperators

 

[Nanu/Nanu]

I use the crap out of startron. I buy the small bottles and just dump the whole thing in my boat or toy hauler tanks. I havent had a gummed up carb on any of my quads or bad gas for the the last 4 years. You can call it snake oil however i was constantly fighting carburetor issues with the bikes or dealing with bad gas. I dont think startron makes a product that doesnt work well.

 

[dirtriderjrf]

I always use ethanol free gas and add Yamaha Yamalube Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner Plus my last trip out.

 

[sczagurs]

Safeguard Ethanol Fuel Conditioner

Shop Lucas Oil Products now at GetLucasOil.com

www.lucasoilcenter.com

 

[Good Stuff]

I started to use Stabil Marine for the last two off seasons. I just run treated fuel for my last trip and then it sits 5-6 months. The first few seasons with it I would just run down to 1/4 tanks or so and then fill up when I drop it off for service and didn’t have issues that way either.