After years since we sold our old generator I went out and bought one yesterday in anticipation of the TS reaking havoc in Pinehurst. It has rained virtually every day for the past couple of weeks and over the next 72 hours we could get over 7 additional inches… with 30+ mph winds so these skinny pine trees around here could be a problem…

Anyway, I bought a small 2000 watt generator and am breaking it in this am. The instructions specify to use a gasoline stabilizer so I’m wondering what the SF braintrust recommends. Is Stabil still the best to use?

Thanks.

I’m. Huge fan of Lucas Oil products. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with anything from Lucas.

A mom & pop small engine repair shop told me to never buy Stabil. All I ever use in my Yamaha generator is non-ethanol gasoline, which for me doesn't seem to require any gas stabilizer. I replace the gas annually, anyway.

Startron best, Seafoam is good too. I've never had problems with Stabil either. Techtron is another good one but Startron will keep gas fresh and engine running smooth.

I've used Seafoam for many years and like it.

I've been using mostly Stabil, with occasional Seafoam, in small motors, a boat and PWCs for 20-30 years with good effect.

Due to construction we never put our boat in during 2023, so it was sitting with full tank of 93 octane fuel and Stabil from October 2022 to May 2024 when I started it up on the first try. This is an MPI 350 I/O setup. Ran half of that tank out before refilling, all good.

I use Stabil on ATV's and chainsaws. I have noticed that it works better in sealed gas cans than it does with vented tanks. Non ethanol fuel is rare around here, I try and keep the fuel in the tanks as low as possible when not in use.

Startron or Stabil both work well, I'm using Startron at the recommendation of member CAPhil who has a shop and uses/sells the stuff.

Fired mine up this weekend, cranked right up on the first pull. Put Startron in it at the end of the season last year.

http://www.starbrite.com/item/...on-gasoline-additive

I have a shiny new nickel and I'm willing to bet it; any standard brand name fuel stabilizer will do the job for you, just as virtually any brand of "damn grease" (as recommended by Bruce Gray) will be fine for lubricating your classic P-series SIG pistol. I believe that member 4MUL8TR (going from memory, did I spell that correctly?) has some expertise in that field, formulating (!) lubricants and related products. Will be interested to see what he has to say, if he pops into this thread.

Re fuel stabilizer, I buy whatever's on sale at the auto supply store.

I use Sta-bil, but the best “stabilizer” money can buy is ethanol free fuel.

Been using Stabil Marine for years (the blue stuff). I buy whatever gas is at the pump and pay no attention to ethanol content. (so long as its not above 10%). I've used 2 year old gas with this stuff with zero problems. I do store in sealed gas cans though.

StarTron works really well, had an old shovelhead treated with StarTron that sat for 5 years, was shocked to see it start and run good after sitting that long. It's inexpensive, available everywhere and works fantastic.

I use startron in both of my boats and all small engines. They also only get real gas. I don't know if it's helped since I don't have two of everything that would get used side-by-side to compare, but I had fuel that was 2 seasons old in our house boat and it ran fine.

I’m a firm believer in the Stabil Marine, the blue one mentioned above. Used it in my boats, lawn and garden equipment, and never had an issue. Even after eight months of storage, everything fired right up and ran great.

^^^^^^ What he said.

Ethanol free gas--very hard to find. Shell is the only station I know of that sells ethanol free gas. Typically for vehicles -- I use ethanol free gas with Stabil for Winter/summer storage. For Chain saw or generator--I empty the gas so the rubber gaskets don't gum up. I found ethanol free gas in quart size sealed cans for those storm related emergencies. Filling up the NATO green gas cans always gets a "not approved" from the gas station attendant.

I should have noted that Marine is what I use regardless. Our boat is filled on water with supposedly ethanol free, but just in case.....

For land-based items definitely!

This list of ethanol free stations used to be pretty current, not sure how often updated.

Linky

I use Stabil in my HF Predator 3500 generator and its never given me any problems.

quote:

Originally posted by Copefree:
I use Stabil in my HF Predator 3500 generator and it’s never given me any problems.

First, thanks guys for all the recommendations.
I went to the local hardware store and all they had was Stabil so that’s what I’m using in my HF Predator generator for now.

Chevron has recently developed Techron Marine, which serves as not only a stabilizer, but a fuel system cleaner as well. A primary active ingredient is PEA, per ethyl amine, recognized for its ability to clean up and keep fuel deposits at bay. Standard Techron has the research and reputation I respect, so I started using their Marine product about a year ago. West Marine is where I last bought it.