Fuel stabilizer - serious test!

[Mikep328]

I get a bit annoyed at internet "experts" that test something in a way that has little to do with its actual use and then make pronouncements based on that.  In this case, Stabil (and similar products) is a fuel stabilizer.  The TEST of it is simple, can it "stabilize" or "preserve" (or whatever the proper term is) fuel so that it will still function properly after extended storage.  With three vehicles sitting with fuel in the tanks for five years (none more than half full) and starting/running with no issue, clearly Stabil does what it is supposed to do - even better than Stabil claims (up to two years).  As I have said before, I'm sure other similar products will do the same but Stabil is the only one I have used.

[royhall]

Just be grateful that you are still alive. When you play with petrol, the vapour given off can penetrate your clothing. If the liquid petrol catches it will just burn, but the vapour ignites instantly with a "whoosh". The flame from the vapour shoots up past your face and you gasp in shock, breathing in the flames. Goodnight cruel world.

It was an egg cup full outside and down wind. I'm hardly going to end up in a fireball I'm not an idiot. It was done simply to prove that it was the fuel at fault . As for people getting slightly annoyed at so called internet experts, it's just an opinion. Everybody is entitled to an opinion right or wrong. So please try not to be annoyed. Moan over.

[exvalvesetdabbler]

After a winter rest, I always have to empty the 'cat wee' from the float bowls on the 400/4 , even when using miller oils ethanol protection /stabiliser.  Starts so much easier with fresher fuel in the bowls.  I think with traditional carbs the stuff just evaporates and the 'cat wee' is the non volatile portion we are left with.  Seems to be quite corrosive as well.  My son's modern Yamaha starts up at the first attempt and he doesn't add anything to his fuel.

I have in the past flushed out the carbs with white spirit with a dash of oil and left them sitting with that in over winter.  even after draining that out in spring the bike still smells like an old tractor until is burned through a bowl full of fuel.

Regards Dave

[Seabeowner]

Drained the tank and took most of the fuel out of the carbs on my K3 with pd carbs. Put about a gallon in from a couple of containers I store outside. One lot 4 months old the other lot at least 5 months. Started 2nd kick and ticked over fine after a couple of minutes. Finally getting to love the pds!