I'm embarrassed to ask this, but I have heard differing opinions.
I put Stabil in my tank before putting my Fiero to bed for the Winter. Should I run the tank low on fuel so there's less gas to go bad or fill it? If I should fill it, how much Stabil should I add?
I'd keep it full to prevent moisture condensation which after setting can rust the inside of the tank.. You may want to add some gas antifreeze to the tank to "absorb" some of any moisture along with the Stabil for ethanol fuels.
On the day you plan to put the car away for winter go to your local gas station. Take a long narrow funnel and a bottle of Stabil. Remove gas cap, insert funnel, add 5 ounces of Stabil, remove funnel, fill gas tank. Take car to wherever it will be stored, change the oil+filter and it is now ready to sit for the winter.
YES, Tank Full w/ "Stabil". I usually disconnect a vacuum line and put it in some Light Weight Oil, let the car run until it's puffing a little smoke, then shut it off. This puts an oily "Film" on the rings, cylinder walls, valves, & guides. it can sit for a VERY long time that way. If Parked on concrete, put it up on jack stands to prevent flat spots on tires.
Parked on ground/grass can rot the tires and is illegal in many areas.
Whatever chemicals in the dirt/grass affect rubber life.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
I'd keep it full to prevent moisture condensation which after setting can rust the inside of the tank.. You may want to add some gas antifreeze to the tank to "absorb" some of any moisture along with the Stabil for ethanol fuels.
Agree with putting in Stabil, but todays gasoline, at least in this area is already 10% alcohol. Gasoline anti-freeze is basically methyl alcohol. I am not certain that there is a need for more alcohol in the gas so I will simply, ask is more alcohol better?
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Powerlog manifold, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
In my case first, I never let a vehicle set without driving at least around the block every few weeks. ' IF ' I do have to set a car all winter, I run it till its out of gas and quits. Then I pour in just a few gallons of gas with Stabil added and just crank it till it restarts, runs a minute and shut it back off. Im done. Worked fine for 30 years. Last thing I want in spring is fighting with a car and a tankful of bad gas. Another reason not to park your car on gravel or grass for extended time is it causes massive chassis rust...especially if you use a car cover. Ive never had a gas tank rust inside except when it had lots of gas left in it. Empty tanks dont rust inside...only the outside. I leave the steel gas cans for my lawn equipment empty all winter...yet to see any rust inside them. Just my opinion, do what you feel.
just to add, most newer cars all have plastic gas tanks that never will rust
[This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 09-22-2013).]
Clean it up. Fill the tank full...use Stabil. Fresh oil and filter, drive 10 miles, then store.
I agree, a full tank is Good, and an added bonus would be Stabil (both would be best). If you have time,save this link (below) and read it at your leisure. https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/088012.html