June 7, 2023
Small engines such as ATVs, lawnmowers, snowblowers, gas-powered generators, pressure washers, pumps, portable machines, and other non-road vehicle engines are often left in the storage room after being used. Some owners are not even aware that without using fuel stabilizers, the fuel left in the tanks of these machines for more than 30 days deteriorates and loses its efficiency. It will eventually cause damage to the machine itself.
While there are non-ethanol gasoline options that can be used to avoid this problem, the reality is, most people still use the regular fuel for these small engines. The engine fuel is made of several chemical elements and some of it will vaporize when left sitting for quite some time. To keep it clean and efficient, it needs other chemical compounds such as fuel stabilizers to lessen the oxidation process. A high-grade quality fuel stabilizer can keep the fuel fresh even after years of just storing them.
Whether for handheld portable machines or those non-road vehicle engines, it does not hurt to ensure that when you need to use them, the engines will start and run properly. Make it a habit to put fuel stabilizer in it.
Advantages in Using Fuel Stabilizer
Before we see the advantages of using a fuel stabilizer, it is important to remember that it is not a magic pill and will not improve any fuel that already went bad or was damaged. It is also not for everyday use, and it is an unnecessary additive if you are not going to store the fuel for more than a month. Fuel stabilizers also have a shelf life, but obviously, it is a lot longer than your regular fuel.
- Cleans The Fuel System: Storing the fuel for a long time makes it vulnerable to bacteria buildup, and these impurities would eventually render the engine useless. Adding the fuel stabilizer would help prevent any changes in the fuel chemical makeup, and therefore, save the owners costly fuel system cleanup or replacement.
- Saves The Fuel Stored: With the fuel stabilizer, there is no reason to remove the fuel left in the tank or replace the filters as this additive will keep it clean and fresh as if it has been newly pumped from the gasoline station.
- Eliminate Ignition Problems or Cold Starts: When the engine sits for quite a while, it does not start easily as the fuel went bad, but with the fuel stabilizer keeping it clean, you can do away with this problem.
- Improve Engine Condition: Fuel stabilizer would prevent the fuel system from corroding, thereby maintaining its top condition.
Highly Recommended Fuel Stabilizer for Small Engines
1) PRI Fuel Stabilizer For Gasoline
To make your 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines protected throughout their storage time, the PRI Fuel Stabilizer for Gasoline is an ideal fuel additive for that. It comes in a super concentrated solution that makes the 32 fl. oz or 946 ml the perfect amount to treat around 512 gallons of gasoline.
Just like most fuel stabilizers, it can handle any E-10 gasoline problems. It also prevents any chemical impurity buildup, which means it reduces the chance of damaging the fuel system of the engine. The presence of this fuel additive will guarantee fresh and clean fuel even after years of being in storage.
Avoid costly fuel system replacement or cleaning up fuel filters and fuel line with no assurance that the engine will fire up again. Get into the habit of putting one fluid ounce of this fuel stabilizer for a gallon treatment and expect the fuel to remain good enough for a year.
This is considered an ideal solution for small engines with E10 problems and it can also rejuvenate fuel left in the cars that have not been used for weeks. It provides an easy, smooth ride for cars after minutes of using PRI Fuel Stabilizer.
2) Briggs & Stratton 100119A
For gasoline-dependent small engines such as water pumps, pressure washers, snowblowers, and other garden portable machines, this is one of the most suitable fuel stabilizers.
Over the years, Briggs and Stratton have perfected the fuel additive solution that can provide Triple Antioxidant Protection for both 2-cycle and 4-cycle gas motors. The company has been known to produce high-grade concentrated fuel stabilizers. A 16 fl. oz. (473 ml) bottle can easily treat 80 gallons of fuel. The treatment has been known to last for three years. Do the math and know you will save more money and fuel at the same time. Just be sure not to use it for diesel fuel, as it is exclusively made to treat gasoline only.
3) Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment
This fuel stabilizer is the perfect solution for preventing most ethanol problems from occurring in the fuel tank. There is no need to worry about your small engines again after leaving them in your storage to be used for the next season. It is also a money saver as it comes in a highly concentrated formula that just one 16 fl. oz container, it can aptly protect 250 gallons of gasoline. No need to experience ignition problems after leaving the engine for quite some time.
The Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment has been known to last for two years and was proven to have no harmful effects on the engine and the environment. It doesn’t matter what type of gasoline was used because even the sub-standard ones can be rejuvenated by this fuel additive and keep the fuel clean from impurities such as gums and carbon deposits.
It is best to use with 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines. As it cleans up the fuel system, it also helps in reducing emissions and upgrades motor efficiency.
4) Yamaha ACC-FSTAB-PL-32 Fuel Stabilizer For Cars & Generator
This is an alcohol-free fuel additive that does not only work as a fuel stabilizer but also helps in conditioning the fuel system of the small and big engines. Yamaha has always been a reputable company that produces high-grade automotive products.
Yamaha ACC-FSTAB-PL-32 Fuel Stabilizer for Cars & Generator, also known as Yamalube, do wonders in preventing the fuel system from any corrosive effects caused by the ethanol-enriched fuel. Storing of fuel in your non-road engines such as lawnmowers, snowblowers, or even tractors can be done without worrying about fuel oxidation or any gum buildup.
Many benefits to using this product include preventing any icing from occurring in the carburetor, so there is no chance of freezing the fuel line. Its chemical makeup helps in absorbing the water in the fuel system, thereby extending the spark plug life. Yamalube is not as affordable as other fuel additives, but the protection it gives to the engine is worth the extra money spent. It is best not to use other products to fully enjoy its efficiency.
5) STA-BIL Fuel Treatments, Ethanol, 10 Oz. (22264)
This is another great solution for ethanol-related fuel problems. It shares common preventive measures with other fuel stabilizers in the industry, such as eliminating chances for any icing issue and possible bacteria buildup that would eventually lead to a corrosive fuel system rendering the engine defective.
What makes the STA-BIL Fuel Treatments, Ethanol, 10 Oz, different from other fuel additives, is that it also offers protection even above the fuel line. When used, it leaves a coating on the metal parts of the fuel system, including fuel lines, combustion chamber, filters, and fuel injectors.
It also uses the STA-BIL Vapor Technology that can eliminate water to avoid the possibility of corrosion. While many use this for their vehicles, it is also perfect for small engines such as lawnmowers, water pumps, and non-road motors. This fuel stabilizer guarantees that the fuel stored in the fuel tank will remain fresh for a year. Expect to have your machine up and running when you need it. It can treat both ethanol and non-ethanol blended fuels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Small Engine’s Fuel Stabilizer Exclusively Used for Storing Fuels?
Generally, a fuel stabilizer is normally used for storing fuels, particularly those that would be left sitting for more than 30 days but it can also be used for regular care and maintenance. However, be sure to buy the type of fuel stabilizer that is appropriate for the type of application that you need them for. If unsure, it is best to ask for help as well as read the label and follow the instructions found at the back of the container.
It is important to remember that some fuel stabilizers can be used each time you fill up the tank but some of them are exclusively for long storage purposes. Spending a few minutes on reading and asking for help prevents you from making a costly and irreversible mistake.
When Is The Best Time To Use Fuel Stabilizer?
Fuel could go bad and deteriorate if left sitting in the tank for so long. If you are planning to leave the engine with fuel on the tank for more than a month, it is best to add a fuel stabilizer. Make this a habit.
You can also use this each time you have the tank filled up. This will make your engine run cleaner and smoother, thereby making it more powerful. Just use the right type of fuel stabilizer for it.
Final Thoughts
Most people would disregard these fuel stabilizers and would think that it is one huge money-making scheme from automotive shops. However, this is one important product, especially for people who use small gas-powered engines seasonally or with a gap of more than 30 days. Prevention is better than cure. Always remember that fuel deteriorates and can render your engine unusable. Avoid costly repairs or replacement by using a fuel stabilizer.