Petrol stabilisers for over-wintering...

[SDR]

Af'noon all,

I'm reliably informed that unleaded petrol deteriorates over time, and I'm looking for advice on an appropriate additive that will preserve my tank-full over the winter months while she's sat on blocks. Any ideas, relative merits, points to consider?

Does the additive have any discernable impact on performance/running (positive or negative), or is this another attractive opportunity to spend a hill of money on something with no tangible effect whatsoever?!

All thoughts welcome - thanks!

Steve

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[gonfishing]

I have never had any problems with slightly old petrol, even on my last boat which was fitted with an outboard, and left for months at a time never gave me a moments problems, just check for water, and save your'e money as additives are not needed IMHO

julian

<hr width=100% size=1>If it can, It will.

 

[BarryH]

Theres various products on the market. Names such as Sta-Bil and Fuelset spring to mind. But if your leaving the boat over winter and not using it, nothing works better than draining the tank and running it in the car.
Leave the tank ventilated though to minimise condensation.

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[Dave_Knowles]

I tend to agree with gonfishing. My boat was left for over a year and started wiothout problems. The reason it was not used though was because I wrongly thought that the petrol had gone off but found eventually it was the electrics at fault. I wander therefore if we worry far too mauch about fuel addatives and its usable life.

<hr width=100% size=1>Take care.

Dave

Dave Knowles
Southampton - UK

http://www.MyCleopatra.co.uk

 

[TonyBrooks]

I agree. The bigest problem with old petrol, is that the more volatile fractions evaporate away over time, giving poor cold starting.

There is a world of difference between half a pint left overwinter in a motor mower or chain saw and the several (many) gallons in your tank.

I do not see how additives can stop the evaporation, although concivably they may inhibit rust. In any cas ethe rate of evaporation in winter is far less than in summer.

I do not think I would get involved in with draining petrol from a boat's fuel tank unless I could do it with an electric, car petroil pump, via the filler, and with everything ouitside the hull.

Tony Brooks

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[BarryH]

I wouldn't even use a car's leccy petrol pump. Much better to use the readily available syphon pumps. On the few occasions that I've winterised the boat and left petrol in the tanks. I've always had rough running problems the next spring. If petrol is to be left in the tanks then I'd fill them up. The less air left in there the reduced risk of condensation. Water in the system is a bugger to get rid of.

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[kingfisher]

Pure petrol should be OK..

It's the pre-mixed stuff that goes bad. So don't use old mixed petrol and two-stroke oil.

<hr width=100% size=1>Group of people on the pontoon: skipper is the one with the toolbox.
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