Customer Reviews

STA-BIL 22214 Fuel Stabilizer - 32 Fl oz.

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

33 years ago I moved to 3 acres, and had a whole set of gas engines to look after (mower, string mower, chain saws, rototiller, etc). No matter what I tried, more than half of them had to go in once a year to clean and adjust the carburetor before they would run after winter storage. I complained so loudly to the shop that worked on them, that the owner introduced me to Sta-bil... and I called the company and ordered a case (couldn't find it in the stores then)... even talked with the inventor (a trained chemist).
I use it by always adding a small amount (less than recommended) to every fuel can when it's filled, and a bit more to any gas tank that may remain unused for a while (like a mower in the winter). The only other thing I started doing religiously was to fill every gas tank through a filtered funnel (fine screen or felt). In the intervening 33 years, I've never had to rebuild another carburetor... and extraordinary result. Unlike most gas additives, this stuff works. Gums, glues condensates all have vanished... I still have four chain saws, two mowers, and other equipment used seasonally, and my biggest maintenance problem has vanished.
The inventor has retired, and sold to a group of investors, but as far as I can tell, the product is of the same quality.

While I am not petroleum scientist, I have had the opportunity to start vehicles that had been in storage for several months with and with STA-BIL. I was easily able to tell the difference. I first started using STA-BIL when I moved to the East Coast, leaving my Ford Explorer behind. The vehicle was in good condition but had 150k miles on the odometer, making me somewhat concerned about starting the vehicle when I returned and/or attempted to sell it. I gave STAB-BIL a try and was very pleased with its performance. In fact, it seems to work longer than the 3-6 months the manufacturer suggests. For nearly two years, I had the vehicle parked in my parents' driveway, much to their chagrin. If I recall, I only put 1-2 bottles in the tank the entire time. I never had a problem starting the vehicle. Ultimately, I was able to sell the Explorer because I had no problems starting and running the vehicle during my brief trips back home.

By contrast, a relative has a 1992 Mazda Miata with 35k miles, which is only used in the summer. The owner did not use fuel stabilizer until I purchased it for her. The last time I helped this person get the car started after being stored for four months, it chugged and sputtered for nearly 30 minutes. I would not have felt comfortable driving such a vehicle as it would have been likely to stall. I finally purchased STA-BIL as a stocking stuffer for Christmas '08 and put it into the Miata's gas tank myself. From what I understand, it has worked well. However, the real test will come in Spring 2010. I fairly confident it will work given my experience with my Explorer. Now, I recommend STAB-BIL to family members who are storing lawn and snow removal equipment. Consider STA-BIL a cost effective insurance policy along with simple tips below.

Other Storage Tips:

Over-inflate the tires to prevent flat spots
Start the car or equipment periodically in the off-season
Get an AC trickle charge or solar trickle starter for the battery
Get an oil change before storage
Consider insect repellants and/or covering air intakes if pests are a problem

I've used this for years and it really does work. I treat all my around the house gas (lawnmower, pressure washer, etc.) with it and my tools start on the first or second pull everytime. As another reviewer pointed out it also seems to somewhat revive / clean out gummed up and hard starting engines. It doesn't do this perfectly, but it does seem to have a slight effect.

I use this all summer and run the engines dry before storing in the winter. Before putting away for the winter I also use fogging oil (another great product) before storage. These two simple steps have saved me from lots of expense and aggravation.

Now for the note of caution: You need to carefully read the bottle and religiously follow the directions. Sta-bil keeps fuel fresh for awhile, but not forever. I believe--and I don't have the bottle right in front of me--that it will keep gas fresh for 3 or 4 months. So you can't fill up a 5 gallon can, add Sta-bil, and use that for several years. It just doesn't work that way. Also, the Sta-bil jug itself has a limited shelf life. It's good, once opened, for at most two years. Again, if you're a homeowner who doesn't plow through gas it doesn't make sense to buy a huge bottle. You're often better off buying smaller bottles.

Overall, fantastic product that really works. Sta-bil and fogging oil and starting fluid have made it so much easier for me to use small engine tools.

I have chain saws, lawn tractors, lawn mowers, 2 old Ford tractors, weed whips, 3 generators, a rototiller, and too many 10+ year old automobiles, all of which I use, but store at various times of the year.
I use STA-BIL in everything! (except my automobiles). I do use STA-BIL in my 1987 carburated Jeep Wrangler though. I take that air cleaner off, and choke the engine out by adding STA-BIL through the carburator ( keeps gum out of carburator).
Best price I have found for STA-BIL is at WALMART!

Now... If I could just buy gasoline without ETHANOL, I would be a happy camper.

Product with a good reputation frequently referenced in auto restoration publications. Using it my car which has had limited driving for the past 6 months without problems. Dispensing small quantities (1 oz increments) and adding directly to the gas tank from the container is very easy; only wish it were as easy to measure and dispense larger quantities (4 oz increments or more) from the container.

If you haven't been using Stabil, using it on an old engine might clog it with freed gums.

I've had no problems using Stabil on new engines, but an old engine quickly started running rough because way too rich (unfortunately not adjustable) with it, suggesting a carb. venturi clogging problem.

One anecdotal case.

I generally like to keep 20 gallons of gasoline safely stored in my garage for emergencies and household use. This product has an effective automatic measuring design that doesn't spill and allows you to get the proper mixture into your fuel container without any guesswork. I've stored gasoline with this product for up to a year without any significant breakdown of the gas and with the ability to run it in my autos and lawn equipment.

Was having problems with a 10 year old 2 cycle Stihl weed wacker, saw on internet where new gas was causing problems with older engines and Stihl outdoor equipment, seem liked engine was getting starved for fuel and started stalling, then hard to start, started using this product and problems disappeared. Now use a little in every tank of gas and all equipment runs like new. Will continue to use in everything, this product really works!

I have used this product for years to keep my gas fresh. I add it to my generator, lawn mower and boat tanks. Great for gas storage and is reasonably priced, it does as advertised.

Sta-Bil is the best thing that ever happened to a gasoline engine. I don't know how many poor b------- like me can't get their mowers, trimmers, outboard engines, etc. started after the winter but I finally gave up completely and went to electric tools. I don't have to tell many of you how much fun dragging that *#*!!*# power cord around is.
During all the years (30 or more) my Dad and I suffered $50.00, &100.00 or more annual springtime service bills not one person, particularly not the repair shops, ever told us about this simple, inexpensive answer to the problem. (Satan will have a special place for them I hope.) I know it sounds too good to be true but it really is. All you have to do is add a small amount (directions on the bottle) to your fuel tanks in the fall and son of a gun, the thing will start right up when spring comes.

Vic Musick