What are the Differences Among STA-BIL® Products?

Classic car storage and maintenance often requires the use of fuel stabilizer products. Such products are designed to preserve the life of fuel, which can “go bad” in as little as 30 days when not in constant use. “Bad” or “stale” fuel results in varnish, gum, and corrosion occurring in fuel lines and engines causing engine damage. Automotive experts recommend the use of a fuel stabilizer at “every fill-up” on any infrequently-used engines.

STORAGE – STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer

The most popular product of its kind is STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer, and it is guaranteed to keep fuel fresh for up to 24 months. Exactly how fresh the stabilizer will keep fuel depends on the type and quality of gasoline used and the way it is stored.

STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer is specifically designed for storing fuel rather than for use at fill-ups. Since Classic cars are often stored for 30 days or more depending on frequency of car shows and similar events, they require a stabilizer to keep fuel from causing engine damage. Use STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer in classic cars or any vehicles or equipment that are used infrequently to prevent fuel from causing corrosion and gum/varnish formation. The stabilizer works with all types of gasoline, including ethanol blends. Please be advised that adding more stabilizer to long-stored fuel that has already been mixed with the liquid will neither prolong nor improve the life of fuel.

STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer works in all 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines, as well as 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8 cylinder engines. Although this product is used for preservation of fuel in stationary vehicles, other fuel treatments are required for daily-use vehicles, and marine vehicles.

PROTECTION – STA-BIL 360°® PROTECTION™

This new product is designed for use during every fill-up for all gasoline automotive and small engines to protect against the harmful effects of ethanol. Ethanol attracts water, deteriorates the fuel faster, corrodes metal and can damage rubber and plastic parts.  Because of this, the need for corrosion protection and a powerful fuel system cleaner is more important than ever before.  As with the STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer and the Marine Formula STA-BIL®, the ethanol treatment will keep fuel fresh for short-term storage or infrequent use but the STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer is still recommended for any extended storage.

MARINE – Marine Formula STA-BIL® Ethanol Treatment

The STA-BIL® Marine Formula has been specifically formulated to be used in a harsh, humid environment for marine engines, such as boats, jet skis and even snow blowers. It contains a higher concentration of anti-corrosion and rust inhibitors and cleaners for effective use in these environments. Also, it is still usable in all 2 and 4-cycle gasoline equipment; it is safe for use in any engine that requires ethanol-blended gas. If planning on using a marine vehicle for the season on a daily or almost-daily basis, 1 ounce of marine formula per every 10 gallons of fuel used is recommended.

The Marine Formula STA-BIL® does not contain any additives that will damage fuel lines, injectors, or the fuel tank, nor will it damage the engine. Over-treatment up to 3x the recommended dose is safe, and will not harm the engine. Designed for daily use, the formula protects marine vehicles from wear and tear resulting from Ethanol-blended fuels, such as water attraction and subsequent corrosion, and fuel system clogs due to loosened deposits. As with the STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer, the STA-BIL® Marine Formula keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months and protects against corrosion and gum and varnish formation, with the proper dosage.

DIESEL FUEL – Diesel Formula STA-BIL®

Due to the differences between diesel fuel and gasoline fuel, using the same stabilizer in a diesel boat engine that is used in a gasoline engine is not recommended. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations regarding diesel fuel has resulted in more specialized additives, another reason why different additives are needed for different engines.

Diesel Formula STA-BIL® is designed to work with engines requiring diesel fuels only, including the new Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuels (ULSD) which now contain reduced sulfur content as mandated by the EPA. The formula can also be used for Bio-Diesel and other Low Sulfur Diesel blends. Less sulfur means less lubrication and more need for protection of diesel engines. Diesel Formula STA-BIL® is designed to protect diesel engines against such wear and tear, specifically fuel darkening, and sludge and sediment formation. The formula contains high concentrations of detergents and other lubricating agents that keep diesel engines running efficiently.

In addition to regular use at fill-ups, the diesel formula protects stationary diesel engines for long periods of time. Water attraction is greater during these sedentary times due to moisture in the air, which can result in algae, fungus, and bacterial growth inside diesel tanks. Such growth can cause the entire system to clog, which will result in poorly-functioning diesel engines. Bacteria require water, diesel and oxygen to grow.  Diesel Formula STA-BIL® allows for water to be taken out of the equation which helps prevent bacterial growth. The elimination of water also reduces the risk of corrosion. Vehicles and equipment that do not run on diesel fuel require a different STA-BIL® Branded product.