Accessing fuel stabilizers

[doitmyself]

Sparked by Kestas' recent fuel storage thread and epolk's bad gas disposal thread in the General Auto Topics area, I am hoping to elicit some educated discussion about FUEL STABILIZERS (not other fuel additives).

My fuel suppliers say their gas/diesel contain the essential additives and none are required under "normal" use. Testimonials claiming "x" brand has worked for me are about as useful as my 90 yr, old grandfather saying "5 beers and a pack of cigs daily has worked out fine me".....so save those, please.

To date, I have studied:
Stabil: http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/index.htm

Startron/Soltron: http://mystarbrite.com/startron/content/view/100/136/lang,en/

PRI: http://www.priproducts.com/default.htm

I know Schaeffers is a big player in additives and would like to hear from Salesrep, but it might be too hard to order in small quantities.

Each company puts their own spin on their product, but I am most enamored by the "Test Data" link on the PRI site which includes "independant lab testing" showing their product better than the others (including Stabil/startron). PRI really pulls out all the stops in their presentation and imply that they are a big industrial supplier vs. consumer level for the others.

All brands make some pretty wild claims (PRI can reclaim old fuel?). Any chemists here to help decipher this quest for the best? Calling Terry Dyson?????

Thanks everyone.

 

[MolaKule]

Most of these stabilizers use a series of anti-oxidants, solvents, some PEA, some biocide, and dispersants in 2-3 cSt base oil.

LCD's FP series has anti-oxidants as well including some extra goodies.

 

[jarmstrong]

i have been using FP-60 in all my gas and I have yet to have a fuel problem with stuff sitting. my dad uses stabil and he has had all sorts or problems with fuel sitting. I finally talked him into FP-60 and gave him some.

not very scientific but I'm happy

 

[doitmyself]

Thanks guys,

FP came to mind after my edit time elapsed. I have been using FP for the past 2 years in my auto, but I didn't consider it that much for it's long term stabilizing ability that would apply to the many ag. and outdoor machines I manage. I will investigate more.

 

[Ross]

I have a 1988 pontiac fiero gt that I store during the winter for about 6 months out of the year the car is not driven. I use FP and no other stabilizers and have never had an issue in the spring. Also use it in my lawnmower and weedeater with no issues.