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FUEL STABILIZER - USE IT OR NOT

Monday January 26th, 2009 - 7:04PM

Gasoline is made of unstable organic compounds which deteriorate and change into other compounds over time. Oxygen is the main cause of gasoline deterioration. Refineries add oxygen inhibitors to the fuel to stabilize it for three (3) months. However, it usually takes that long for fuel to reach the consumers.

Many consumers may not seal the container after refuling, or purchase more fuel than can be used in a month. Some think fuel stabilizer is the answer. Fuel stablizer is primarly an oxygen inhibitor, and the correct amount is very important. Some think "if 1 oz is good, 6 oz is better. WRONG. If you decide to use a stablizer, please, use the recommended amount. Too much is as bad as not enough. The best practice is to purchase only the amount you can use in a 30 day period, drain all fuel from the system if the equipment is going to be inactive for longer than 30 days. (See the previous tip on cleaning the fuel system).

With introduction of alcohol (Ethanol) to fuels, we see more water in fuel than ever before. Keep in mind, alcohol will attract water. With the humidity here in the south, guess where some of that humidity will show up? That's right, in your fuel tanks and gas cans. Remember to always reseal gas cans and don't keep fuel longer than thirty (30) days.

Also remember, alcohol does have some undersiable effects. It acts as a solvent and can counteract the lubricating properties of two-cycle oil. Since two-cycle engines depend on the oil in the fuel mixture for lubrication, it's important to pay special attention to "pre-mixed" fuels. Remember, 30 days. Alway "remix" the fuel with each use by shaking the fuel container. Please keep the seals in place on your can. We don't want gasoline all over you or the enviroment.

Best solution is to drain all fuels from equipment and don't purchase more fuel than you intend to use in a 30 day period.

If you don't have the desire to clean your fuel systems, bring your equipment to THE FIXIT SHOP and we can do it for you. The old saying is so true. Pay me now, or pay me later.
Either way, if you don't take care of your equipment, it will cost you in the long run.

If you have any questions about how to clean fuel from you equipment, just call and I'll explaine how to go about it.