Sta-bil fuel additive?
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Cottage Grove, Oregon
Sta-bil fuel additive?
I just bought my first Harley, a 2009 Sportster 1200 custom and have a question regarding gasoline. I was told that I should use only premium, which I was planning on, and that I needed to add Marine-grade Sta-bil in each tank of gasoline. If I don't do it, the ethanol in the gas will hurt the engine. Anyone here have any opinions on this? From doing a search, it appears that most riders just put in Premium and ride. I don't want to hurt my motor, but I don't want to add something everytime if it's not really needed. Thanks.
Stan
Stan
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Indy area
The modern vehicles are good to go with 10% ethanol. Early on there were some of the fuel-handling parts which needed to be upgraded to handle it, but that has been many years ago now.
The ethanol acts as both an oxygenate and an octane enhancer, but it also contains fewer BTUs than the gasoline it displaces. In combination with less heat (which is pretty much what drives the piston down) being generated and a closed-loop EFI detecting the slightly excess oxygen in the exhaust, you'll experience around 6% less miles per gallon when using it. I don't mind using it but will avoid it if possible since it doesn't usually cost that 6% less at the pump, thus increasing my operating expenses.
I understand that modern "gas" only has a shelf-life of about 30 days. It's really only when you start hitting that amount of time having it in your tank that you should consider adding some sort of stabilizer.
The ethanol acts as both an oxygenate and an octane enhancer, but it also contains fewer BTUs than the gasoline it displaces. In combination with less heat (which is pretty much what drives the piston down) being generated and a closed-loop EFI detecting the slightly excess oxygen in the exhaust, you'll experience around 6% less miles per gallon when using it. I don't mind using it but will avoid it if possible since it doesn't usually cost that 6% less at the pump, thus increasing my operating expenses.
I understand that modern "gas" only has a shelf-life of about 30 days. It's really only when you start hitting that amount of time having it in your tank that you should consider adding some sort of stabilizer.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,998
Likes: 655
From: bklyn,ny
try these
An ounce of Marvel Mystery Oil won't hurt or you can try this www.fuelmagic.net formerly sold as duralt. Also check www.toptiergas.com. Sta-bil is needed for long term storageonly.
Last edited by bklynbob; Sep 10, 2008 at 04:44 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Cottage Grove, Oregon
Thanks, for the info. I was told that mechanics all over the country were increasingly complaining about engine problems due to corrosion caused by the ethanol that they add to gasoline. It sounds to me like this is something that was occurring a few years ago and is no longer a problem. Is the ounce of Marvel Mystery Oil, fuelmagic, or toptiergas, put in everytime you fill up or only ever so often? From reading the sites, it appears like it's supposed to be put in everytime. I don't know for sure, but I think I'll probably just take my chances and put in Premium every time and ride.
Stan
Stan
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
Just put gas in and ride. No need for Marvel Mystery Oil or any other miracle in a can. Sure, some guys swear by it and say they put it in every tank and never had a problem, so it must work. However, far more of us don't use anything and have never had any problems, either.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Use stabil for winter storage only as said before. I clean my fuel system with techron or redline s-1 twice a year to keep the injectors clean. Works well and all you need is 3 oz to 1 full tank of fuel.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Cottage Grove, Oregon
Thanks for the info
After reading the replies to my original post, I feel I have a better understanding. Maybe wrong, but at least more informed. 
My current plans are to use Premium gas, unless I have no choice, and to probably use Techron once or twice a year, which seems to make sense, to keep the injectors clean.
Stan
My current plans are to use Premium gas, unless I have no choice, and to probably use Techron once or twice a year, which seems to make sense, to keep the injectors clean. Stan
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
