I recently had a conversation with a small engine repair shop about ethanol in the gas and the use of stabilizer additives. I was not surprised when they said to use them, but was surprised at how quickly they said the gas deteriorates. In their experience about four weeks is the period before just gas deteriorates and about half of that for two cycle gas that has the oil added to it. They suggested keeping small quantities of gas so that it is not left sitting for so long and using additives to stabilize the fuel.

Now I am wondering about the situation with a car that does not see a lot of miles. Has anyone heard anything about recommendations for cars? Are the fuel stabilizers safe to use in a car with a catalytic converter?

What a mess! The gas mileage of the 10% ethanol gas is notably poorer than the gas before the ethanol scam.

Any info or thoughts?

 

I don't feel gas breaks down that quickly myself and here is why,I have a Corvette that I rarely drive ,it will sit for months with out moving and then When I do drive it to a Car show or maybe out to dinner it only drive it a few miles,I do add seafoam about once a year to keep sensors clean but that is all ,I have never had a problem and I know the gas has been in my tank for at least a year.Also I bought 5 gallons of gas for my lawn mower two years ago and I am still using it with no problem. As for the ethanol,I stay away from it in small motors it can cause problems and I don't want the stuff in my cars,it does cause a drop in mileage. I only use Shell or BP gas.

 

nice post.

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bucwheat,

Thanks for commenting on your experience.

I think that part of the difference in the experience of the small engine group is that those engines were never intended to run on the stuff we are forced to buy and have may have trouble with it even when it is "fresh". I don't know where you are getting gas for your lawn mower, but all of the gas in my area has been the 10% ethanol for quite some time.

I have used BG 44K as a cleaner on a regular basis in my Accord. I know it is supposed to clean the injectors, the back side of the intake valves and even the combustion chamber to some extent, but I do not know if BG claims that it will keep oxygen sensors clean. I will have to look into that. Perhaps I should try some seafoam. Everyone speaks glowingly of it.

I am aware of some Naval personnel who park their vehicles in a storage unit, jack it up and put the car on jack stands to take a load off the tires and put a fuel stabilizer in the gas tank during deployments at sea. I am not sure whether that practice is required to protect things or simply an abundance of caution.

I do wish the feds would get the ethanol out of the gas though.

Cheers

 

I agree,we have many gas stations here in Georgia that sell non ethanol and some stations feel the need to charge more for it,most all the Shell stations here sell non E and so do the BP stations.