Winter storage and fuel stabilizers: Snake oil?

[WARP TEN]

Originally Posted by Marc Haibeck

I have not seen evidence that Sta-Bil is necessary.

Back in the '60's fuel had a short shelf life. It could start turning into gum in as little a four months. Today I don't see any sign of gum formation in fuel that is two years old.

I think that it is not necessary to do anything with fuel that is to be stored for a year. After two years it's a good idea to drain the fuel and install fresh fuel.

Keep the fuel tank filled to the top to suppress water condensation.

Personally, I remove the fuel from seasonal equipment and store it dry. Just siphon out the fuel. Then run the motor until it runs out of gas.

I agree on Sta-Bil. I have not used any fuel stabilizer in my 13 years with HIL KING and my two winters with Warp Ten. I just fill the tank to minimize condensation, keep it on a battery tender and try to run it once a month or two. Never any adverse effects that I can recall. Never had any mouse problems although Warp Ten shows one small nibble on a spark plug cap from before I owned it. Of late I have begun keeping 60 psi in the tires to prevent flat spotting on the advice of a local restorer who also stores many exotic cars (including many of Michael Jordan's). Surprising how round the tires look on a very small contact patch! --Bob