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Know-How Notes: How To Use Fuel Stabilizer

STA-BIL® fuel stabilizer

STA-BIL® Fuel StabilizerGasoline has a shelf-life. Within a few months, untreated gas fades in potency and can gum up the internals of the fuel system. Within 6 months, stored fuel can completely varnish the carburetor, requiring cleaning in order to get the engine running again. When your engine is in long-term storage, it is important to use a fuel stabilizer.

STA-BIL® Storage is formulated to protect the fuel from deteriorating for up to 24 months, meaning that the fuel will remain at full strength and not varnish or gum up the internals of your engine. This eliminates the need to drain your fuel before storing the engine. It also protects ethanol blends as well.

The shelf life of STA-BIL®​ is 2 years after it has been opened. If the color of the liquid turns very dark red or brown, it should be replaced as the effectiveness has been lost.

Using STA-BIL® fuel stabilizer is easy, simply pour it into the gas tank and then run the engine for a few minutes to distribute the treated fuel into the rest if the fuel system. Your engine will remain fresh for up to 24 months with one treatment of STA-BIL® Storage.

Pull the cap on the small spout and remove the seal.
Pull the cap on the small spout and remove the seal.

The bottle is unique to STA-BIL® fuel stabilizer, as you might notice. There are two spouts, one is normal, and one is long and skinny. This is the measurement spout. Uncap the spout, squeeze the bottle until the fluid reaches the line you need, and then pour out that metered dose. STA-BIL® should be added at 1-ounce per 2.5 gallons of fuel for proper protection.

Leave the large cap tight, and then squeeze the bottle slowly to fill the dispenser to the level you need.
Leave the large cap tight, and then squeeze the bottle slowly to fill the dispenser to the level you need.

 

Next, pour STA-BIL® into the gas tank and replace the gas cap.
Next, pour STA-BIL® into the gas tank and replace the gas cap. Don’t worry, we wiped up the little bit that spilled.

With your fuel properly treated, you can rest assured that your engine will start up when you need it, even after a long hard winter. Whether you are storing a lawnmower, motorcycle, snowmobile, classic car, or generator, STA-BIL® will ensure the fuel stays at full strength.

The last step is to fire up the engine to distribute the stabilized fuel. Now you are ready for up to 24 months of storage.
The last step is to fire up the engine to distribute the stabilized fuel. Now you are ready for up to 24 months of storage.

Check out all the chemical products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on fuel stabilizer, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Jefferson Bryant View All

A life-long gearhead, Jefferson Bryant spends more time in the shop than anywhere else. His career began in the car audio industry as a shop manager, eventually working his way into a position at Rockford Fosgate as a product designer. In 2003, he began writing tech articles for magazines, and has been working as an automotive journalist ever since. His work has been featured in Car Craft, Hot Rod, Rod & Custom, Truckin’, Mopar Muscle, and many more. Jefferson has also written 4 books and produced countless videos. Jefferson operates Red Dirt Rodz, his personal garage studio, where all of his magazine articles and tech videos are produced.

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