Thanks to all of you who suggested fuel stabilizer last winter. 0 problems after sitting since Feb with out being run.
Terry
Matt
My simple approach is to not let ethanol-laced gas sit in any equipment for more than few months.
Matt
I had carb problems with my old Honda fourtrax (2000)... because it sits in my garage for extended periods... Adding seafoam was like freaking magic..... cleaned it right out
I fire up my leaf blower once a year doing this and it has yet to not start after 10 years, seafoam has oils in it. We have 30 acres of forest and due to limbs and blow downs I keep all three chainsaws full of gas and oil at all times, I have never had a problem doing this.
Between dirt bikes, snowmobiles, chainsaws and snow blowers I run non-E when I can and stabilize to reduce headaches.
I disagree. Any fuel that remains in the carb bowl, fuel pump, or fuel lines evaporates long before the storage period is over. So that fuel isn't protecting anything. Heck, the carb bowl in my old CJ evaporates dry in a matter of days.
The one and only time I used Seafoam in the crankcase of a older vehicle, that rig began leaking oil out of every orifice on the engine shortly afterwards. It may work well in fuel, but I'd never use it in oil again.
The nearest non-ethanol pump to me is over an hour away, so it's not practical for me. So, instead I simply try to never let fuel sit in my equipment for long periods of time. Like I said, I have a 30 year old Craftsman lawnmower that I run dry every fall before storing it. Every spring it fires right back up. The only maintenance I've ever done on it is clean the air filter and sharpen the blade.
I'm not sure this needs to be a debate. There's a few ways to skin this cat, and none of them are better or worse than the other.
Matt
Remember, Seafoam is a cleaning solvent, not a lubricant.
Matt
Excellent point GG.
After experiencing a few problems with hoses on leaf blowers and chain saws cracking and rotting after sitting all winter - even with fresh gas in them, I resolved that I wouldn't let any of my small engines sit with a "winter blend" gas in them.
I believe the reformulated winter gasoline, with the additional ether compounds like MTBE, ETBE (ethyl tertiary butyl ether) and ethanol which increases the evaporation rate for gas in cold weather, as well as who knows what else causes those hoses and gaskets to fail prematurely.
I drain the tanks and run the engines till they stop, ensuring the hoses are empty, and haven't had a problem for several years.
Thanks. I've actually done a fair bit of research on Seafoam. The actual ingrediants are:
50% light hydrocarbon oil (pale oil) - also known as machine oil. It's often used for lubricating bits for machine work.
30% petroleum naphtha - is commonly used to dilute heavy oils to move it thru pipelines.
10% isopropyl alcohol - also known as "rubbing alcohol" , is a cleaning solvent that evaporates very quickly.
10% water - no explanation necessary.
So, it's basically watery oil with a small amount of cleaning solvent. Perhaps you've heard the term "Mexican tune up", which involves dribbling water into the intake of a running engine. It's an old mechanics trick that basically steam cleans the carbon buildup in the combustion chambers, pistons, and valves. The same thing happens when a head gaskets fails and leaks coolant into a combustion chamber. Seafoam does the same thing.
You may have also noticed that even the Seafoam marketing video I posted supports the idea that Seafoam isn't advised if you keep fresh gas in your equipment.
Matt
"" video I posted supports the idea that Seafoam isn't advised if you keep fresh gas in your equipment.""
Sorry pontificator, googling one you tube video does not make you an expert, no matter how much you wish it to be so.
The you tube clearly states use it every 2500 to 5000 miles, on their website it states
For cars and trucks driven regularly, put 1 to 2 cans of Sea Foam in your fuel tank every 2,000 to 5,000 miles. For engine equipment used regularly, add 1 (one) ounce of Sea Foam per gallon to a fresh tank fill every 3 months or sooner. If you won’t completely use up a tank or container of fuel in 30 days, make sure you add 1 (one) ounce of Sea Foam per gallon when you add fresh fuel to the tank/container.
It's states on the can and website it will stabilize fuel for up to TWO years.
