Fuel stabiliser

[Robotstar5]

Never used fuel stabiliser before so after the flail mower shenanigans decided to try some fuel stabiliser, the measuring "pod" has 10 ml moulded into it (badly) highlighted with a black marker, have I filled it to the right level?

 

[fizzy]

You must have - any excess would run back down the spout.

 

[BrokenBiker]

Yes, difficult to overfill.

Keep main cap tight, filling cap loose, squeeze until its above the top of that pipe then when you release any excess will run back down into the main bottle.

 

[knighty]

I use the same stuff... I'm never that accurate with it, just toss a glug in the tank, it's always worked

never sure exactly how much is in the tank so hard to judge how much is needed anyway

 

[fizzy]

I tend to run the machine dry before storage - close the fuel tap and just keep using it until the fuel in the carb has gone. I usually give it a few shakes until it stops running completely!

 

[Robotstar5]

I tend to run the machine dry before storage - close the fuel tap and just keep using it until the fuel in the carb has gone. I usually give it a few shakes until it stops running completely!

I do the same, but this year I found the main jet blocked on the flail mower when I came to start it

 

[fizzy]

I do the same, but this year I found the main jet blocked on the flail mower when I came to start it

I also use super unleaded now - not so much ethanol.

 

[Beanwood]

I'm thinking about the same 'keep it empty' principle, but doing the last fill and 'running out' on Aspen.

 

[harveyp6]

I also use super unleaded now - not so much ethanol.

It was the case that Esso E5 super unleaded had zero ethanol in it, and I've not seen anything recently to say that has changed. I used it in my CRK honda.

 

[addjunkie]

I use this stuff in my 4 stroke stuff…

Pardon our interruption...

And for the occasional use chain saw and strimmer Iuse the Sthil version of Aspen.

Not had any issues, whacker started first pull after about 6 months

 

[Robotstar5]

It was the case that Esso E5 super unleaded had zero ethanol in it, and I've not seen anything recently to say that has changed. I used it in my CRK honda.

It used to be, but that stopped a couple of years ago

 

[harveyp6]

It used to be, but that stopped a couple of years ago

That wasn't very widely publicised then...

 

[Robotstar5]

That wasn't very widely publicised then...

They always marketed it as E5 but had 0 Ethanol in, I still have a few litres left.

 

[harveyp6]

They always marketed it as E5 but had 0 Ethanol in, I still have a few litres left.

I know, they were compelled to, 5% is a maximum, regardless of whether it contains less, but initially ESSO made a big play of it being ethanol free. Never mind, knowing it's just the same as everywhere else now means I can save myself a few precious pennies, ESSO is always amongst the most expensive.

 

[Jackimus]

I've thought about using stabiliser for the car, it does go some time between runs, but thankfully not long enough to be a problem yet.

If I'm remembering I think petrol is good in the tank up to about six months?

 

[Farside]

I dose the genset and power washer with both Sta-Bil Marine (when I can get it) and that B&S Fuel Fit, depending on what's available. Been doing it a few years now and nothing's failed to start due to clogged jets.
Might be elephant footprints in the butter fridge, of course.

 

[Turbo]

Was thinking of adding something to the generator to leave it ready to use.
What works out cheaper - aspen type fuel or a stabiliser?

 

[Greeves246]

If you want to check if the petrol contains ethanol, it is easy enough. I use a measuring cylinder but any clear glass will do. I add 100cc of petrol, add 20cc water and shake . Leave for a few hours. The water takes in the ethanol and if it was 10% ethanol the water will now be 30cc and the petrol 90cc. Some people put a measure of water in a 5 lt can of petrol, shake, leave overnight and siphon off the petrol from above the water, giving effectively ethanol free petrol. I once found the local Shell garage with 10% ethanol in the V Power petrol that should have been max 5% or 0% at the time. The Esso Super was ethanol free but they won’t guarantee that anymore.

 

[Tom O]

Anyone know where to find those bottles?

 

[Robotstar5]

Was thinking of adding something to the generator to leave it ready to use.
What works out cheaper - aspen type fuel or a stabiliser?

The B&S stabiliser was £10 and treats 25 litres, Aspen fuel is about £25 for 5 litres.