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.

STORAGESTA-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.

PROTECTIONSTA-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.

MARINEMarine Formula STA-BIL® Ethanol Treatment

STA-BIL 360°® Marine™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 FUELDiesel Formula STA-BIL®

STA-BIL Diesel Family ShotDue 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.

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28 Comments
  • Can you use Marine 360 in automobiles and lawn mower also 2 cycle engines weed eaters and chain saws.

    • Yes!

  • I have been using sta bil at each fill up in all my power equipment.since there is a 360 now should I switch to it. Thanks

  • Is Sta-bil Marine only used with marine gas?

    • Hello! No, you can use STA-BIL 360 Marine in any type of fuel. You can use this in your small engines and vehicles as well!

  • Is there any harm in adding both the STA-BIL® Marine Formula and the Mercury Marine Quickleen Engine and Fuel System Cleaner to the fuel at the same time?

    • Hi, Robert. It is perfectly OK to add STA-BIL with other additives. We just recommend to make use the recommended dosage amount. If you have any other questions please contact our Consumer Support Team at producttechsupport@goldeagle.com.

  • do I need both Sta-bil 360 and Storage for long term storage of Ethanol fuels?

    • No. STA-BIL 360 Protection and STA-BIL 360 Marine both have the ability to keep fuel stabilized for at least 12 months. However, if you are looking to store beyond this time –up to 24 months, and are looking to protect your fuel system against ethanol-related issues, you can always add STA-BIL Storage. You can use the recommended amount for each formula as doubling the dosage is safe. Hope this is useful! If there are any questions, please feel free to contact Consumer Support at producttechsupport@goldeagle.com. Thanks for the question!

  • I don’t have gas that sits for longer than 12-months. Can I just put the 360 treatment in the gas can, or does it really need to be mixed in the equipment’s gas tank at fill-up? If you shouldn’t put 360 in the can, is it recommended to use sta-bil storage in the can, and then add the 360 to the equipment tank when you fill up with the gas that already has sta-bil storage?

    • Hi. You can always add STA-BIL 360 to a gas can. It does not have to go directly into the equipment’s gas tank. That will keep the fuel fresh for at least 12 months. Hope this helps. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact us at producttechsupport@goldeagle.com. Thanks for the question!

  • Can I add STA-BIL 360 to old gas in my lawn mower or do I need to pour out the bad gas from the mower and start anew?

    • Hi. If the fuel has already gone past its shelf life, it is best to drain it and start fresh since the fuel cannot be revitalized. This will prevent starting issues, rough idling, and sediment formation. Don’t forget to add STA-BIL® as soon as you get the fuel to keep it as fresh as possible for at least 12 months! If there are any questions, please feel free to contact us at producttechsupport@goldeagle.com. Thanks for the question.

  • what is the difference between “Sta-bil Storage” and “Sta-bil 360”. I am storing two vehicles for six (6) months-over the winter in eastern Washington, where the temps can get into the single digits. They will be stored in a non-heated garage. I bought Sta-bil Storage at WalMart. I did not see Sta-bil 360 on the shelf.

    • Hi. While all STA-BIL Brand formulas prevent fuel from going stale, they are specifically formulated to focus on certain issues.

      STA-BIL Storage is mainly a long-term stabilizer. It is designed to keep fuel fresh up to 24 months and the dosage is 1oz per 2.5 gallons of fuel.

      STA-BIL 360 Protection keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, provides protection against ethanol-related issues such as corrosion and additional water and has a fuel system cleaner to keep engines operating at its best. Its recommended dosage is 1oz per 5 gallons.

      Lastly, STA-BIL 360 Marine also keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months and protects against corrosion. However, it has an actual water remover that works best in fuel systems that are in an overly humid environment. It is perfectly suited for boats, jet skis and sea doos. Its dosage is 1oz per 10 gallons.

      Hope this is helpful. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact us at producttechsupport@goldeagle.com. Thanks for the question!

  • Can I add 360 stabil to my tank if I already put in regular

    • Yes, you sure can! All I would recommend is trying to stick to the recommended dosage amounts for both formulas. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact us at producttechsupport@goldeagle.com. Thanks for the question!

  • Can Sta-bil 360 be used in gas stored for generators & snow throwers? I used the storage version before, but it was not available, so i bought the 360 thinking it could be used.

    • Sure! In fact, STA-BIL® 360 Protection will not only keep the fuel fresh for at least 12 months, but also add a level of protection against corrosion and condensation issues -especially if you are using ethanol-blended fuel. Hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any questions.

  • What is the difference between the different references: 22214, 22208, 22207 and 22205 ?

    • They’re all just different sizes of our STA-BIL Storage product. Let us know if you have any other questions!

  • Thank you.
    What is the shelf-life of an un-opened container of storage and of 360 ?

    • Hi. Although all of our formulas have the ability to keep fuel fresh, they all tackle specific situations. STA-BIL® Storage is formulated to keep fuel fresh for an extended period of time -up to 24 months. STA-BIL 360® Protection™ is meant to provide protection against corrosion while adding extra power and fuel economy to a vehicle or small engine. STA-BIL360® Marine™ is more focused on water management. Both 360 formulas will keep fuel fresh up to 12 months. Hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any questions.

      • Sorry, but my questions was about the shelf life of the products as manufactured in their original sealed (un-opened) containers: e.g. if I get a bottle of additive, how long can I keep it before I need open it and start to use it ?

  • STA-BIL Marine “contains a higher concentration of anti-corrosion and rust inhibitors and cleaners”. Is it better than STA-BIL PROTECTION for my car and generator? Is there a drawback?

    • STA-BIL 360 Protection is specifically formulated to improve performance in small engine equipment and automotibiles. While it is fine to use STA-BIL 360 Marine in these applications, it is rather designed to handle heavy condensation in marine environments.

  • what is the difference between Sta-Bil Marine and Sta-Bil 360 Marine stabilizers? And Can either of these be used in diesel fuel? Thanks.

  • Which formula do you recommend for use in a plug-in hybrid vehicle? Internal combustion engine will be used infrequently, because most travel will be done under electric power, and it’s possible a tank may last for 4 to 6 months. Can’t figure out if this counts as “storage.” Thank you!