fuel stabilizer. We fight aging!
How does a gasoline stabilizer work?
Gasoline, despite its rather stable structure, is subject to chemical transformations. Under normal conditions, without heating and in the absence of catalysts for chemical reactions, gasoline is guaranteed to be stored without critical changes in composition for about 1 year. It is impossible to name the exact shelf life of gasoline, since this type of fuel itself is a mixture of light hydrocarbon fractions. And the differences are so significant that from a purely chemical point of view, gasoline, for example, grade AI-95, can have a structural composition that differs by 30-50%, depending on the production technology and purpose.
Gasoline stabilizers are fuel inhibitors. Their main purpose is to slow down oxidative processes.
The fact is that even under normal conditions, gasoline is gradually oxidized. This happens due to interaction with air, which contains oxygen. Gasoline oxides most often turn into sediment, solid ballast, which is a useless substance. In addition, oxidized hydrocarbons can paralyze the power system. Excessive amount of sediment in the fuel system will lead to disruption of its operation or complete failure.
Another useful quality of fuel stabilizers is the ability to clean the carburetor and engine working surfaces (valves, pistons, annular grooves, etc.). However, this property of gasoline stabilizers is less pronounced.
Popular brands
There are many fuel stabilizers on the market today from various manufacturers. Consider only a few of the most common compositions.
- Gasoline Stabilizer от Liqui Moly. Perhaps the most famous tool produced by the German manufacturer of auto chemicals. The cost for 250 ml is on average 700 rubles. The recommended dosage is 25 ml per 5 liters of fuel. One bottle is enough for 50 liters of gasoline. It is poured together with the next batch of gasoline into the fuel tank. It becomes effective after 10 minutes of operation of the equipment, when gasoline with an additive completely fills the entire fuel system. Allows the fuel to retain its working properties for 3 years from the date of use of the additive. It has mild cleaning properties, that is, with a slightly contaminated piston group, it will help to clean pistons, candles and rings from carbon deposits.
- Briggs & Stratton Fuel Fit. A branded product from a major manufacturer of small-capacity air-cooled engines from the USA. The Fuel Fit stabilizer will keep gasoline for 3 years from the date of use. Just like a similar composition from Liquid Moli, it will help eliminate non-critical soot. Eliminates the formation of sediment in the carburetor float chamber and fuel filter.
- Fuel Stabilizer by Motul. French brand traditionally used for motorcycles. A fairly common remedy in Western countries. Used by motorcyclists and owners of seasonal equipment (petrol trimmers, lawn mowers, chainsaws) to save fuel during the winter downtime. Able to keep the working properties of gasoline guaranteed for 2 years. One bottle is mixed for 200 liters of fuel (or 100 liters if increased protection is required). However, the price of this composition is relatively high: on average, from 1100 to 1300 rubles per 250 ml.
As practice has shown, for most cases, that is, for seasonal storage for 4-6 months of gasoline equipment and tools, any of the above means will do.
Reviews car owners
Many gas tool owners appreciate fuel stabilizers. A chainsaw left in the country with fuel in the tank will require cleaning the carburetor after 2 years. The fuel stabilizer, with the correct dosage and observance of other instructions, allows you to revive the mothballed equipment with gasoline left in the tank without any problems.
However, precedents are known when the fuel stabilizer did not work. This usually happens when using gasoline, which is already nearing the end of its expiration date. For example, after refueling not at a gas station, but from a canister, old stocks that have already been stored for more than a year.
It is also important to leave the equipment for storage in the position indicated by the manufacturer in the instruction manual. Otherwise, gasoline can get in excess both into the cylinder and fill the float chamber and jet system above the permissible level. On modern serviceable carburetors, this usually does not happen. However, on outdated equipment and in the presence of any defects, this is a very likely scenario.
