2 year old Diesel Stabilzer

[sailcapt340]

How long do you keep or continue to use Diesel Fuel Stabilizers? Biocide and Stabilizer versus the small amount we all need in our fuel tanks each year, is it good to use 2 year old or more in our tanks?
Does it loose its effectiveness and do harm in the process?
I ask because I have a bottle of each coming up on 3 years old (+ ?). Never had an issue with my fuel in the past and don’t want to start one.

 

[dlochner]

Good question, I hadn't thought about it. I use the bottle until it is empty. So far no issues.

 

[Davidasailor26]

Pretty sure what I’m using is about 10 years old. Still looks just fine and my engine is still running. Never really considered whether it goes bad.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Good question, I hadn't thought about it. I use the bottle until it is empty. So far no issues.

+1

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

At least 10+ years for Biobor JF. Their website contains no shelf life I can find.

 

[DArcy]

So you are asking if you need stabilizer for your fuel stabilizer

 

[dlochner]

So you are asking if you need stabilizer for your fuel stabilizer

That's a slippery slope. However it does ensure an endless market opportunity. How do I buy in?

 

[jssailem]

I buy the Pint not the gallon container. I store it where the temp is moderate not in the sun or engine space. I check that the contents look pretty much the same as when I purchased it. Likely I have the container in the boat for 2-3 years.

If it fails to work on my fuel (start to get clogged filter) then I get a new bottle.

So far no reportable issues.

When I get my engine back, rebuilt and in my boat, then I'll be experimenting with a new product to see if it exhibits the properties it claims.
FuelRight.
When I have tested the product for a while I'll report back to you.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

So you are asking if you need stabilizer for your fuel stabilizer

If the marketers see this, you'll see a whole new product array on the shelves next summer.

"Step right up folks and get yourself a brand new, shiny bottle of our third generation stabilizer, stabilizer, stabilizer. Like putting one coat on top of another. You'll never get cold. Buy two bottles and only pay for three ! Its like getting a fourth one for twice the price ! For today and today only ! Ya can't go wrong ! "

 

[sailcapt340]

Thank you all for your responses. All what I did expect to hear back. But never hurts to ask.

 

[jssailem]

All what I did expect to hear back. But never hurts to ask.

A wise Captain knows when he hears good information even when he hears the thoughts he already possessed.

 

[sail sfbay]

If you have an unopened bottle of STA-BIL, it will be good for up to five years. Then once you open the bottle we recommend using within two years for best results. However, after the two years you may still use the product as a fuel system cleaner as long as there is no sediment or flakes. After the two years the product will no longer be effective for storage purposes and we recommend a fresh new bottle. STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer Shelf Life | Gold Eagle Co

 

[rgranger]

So you are asking if you need stabilizer for your fuel stabilizer

I want in on that..

Know of any good venture capitalists ...

 

[Richard19068]

Hammonds Fuel Additives, Inc.
Biobor®JF is the original, industry standard microbicide used to kill and prevent microbial contamination in fuels such as diesel, jet fuel and heating oil. .............Storage & Handling: Containers should be kept closed to atmosphere and protected from water contamination. It is a violation of Hammonds quality standards and EPA regulations to remove Biobor JF from its original packaging. Please refer to the Safety Data Sheet for specific safety, handling and storage information. Shelf life is 3 years from date of manufacture.


Doesn't say if that is before or after it is opened.

 

[jnorten]

Huh, really interesting. I'm still using the bottle that came with my boat four years ago. HOWEVER, I fuel up at a dock with ValveTech certified fuel which SUPPOSEDLY has at least a biocide treatment in it if not a stabilizer too.

 

[sail sfbay]

Nice post on ValveTech certified fuel (information may be found here: Marine Fuels (valvtect.com) ..........suggest checking whether it contains BioGuard Plus 6, which contains BioGuard7, a microbiocide to prevent biological growth.

 

[sailcapt340]

Well it’s been used. So I don’t need a stabilizer for my stabilizer. But it was a valid point you made.

I/we have a somewhat unique situation here. It all started 21 years ago. I had some Prop Paint left in the spray can (enough to do another prop) and offered it to the man next to my boat when he grunted S/## I forgot my prop paint.
That started a give and take system between 4 of us that year. One of us had one thing we all needed and shared.
We went in the water, summer went on and each were left with the others product. (Stabilizer, biocide, prop paint, depth sounder paint) until next season.
And this has been going on through the years, and evolved into Last man with an empty bottle buys the next one. We been friends ever since. Strange community we boat owners have.

Well this year I have the almost empty 3 year old bottle of stabilizer and don’t want to really pass it on to another if it‘s questionable.
So the group of us agreed, lets use it up.
Next spring we‘ll start the process again.

 

[rgranger]

Well it’s been used. So I don’t need a stabilizer for my stabilizer. But it was a valid point you made.

I/we have a somewhat unique situation here. It all started 21 years ago. I had some Prop Paint left in the spray can (enough to do another prop) and offered it to the man next to my boat when he grunted S/## I forgot my prop paint.
That started a give and take system between 4 of us that year. One of us had one thing we all needed and shared.
We went in the water, summer went on and each were left with the others product. (Stabilizer, biocide, prop paint, depth sounder paint) until next season.
And this has been going on through the years, and evolved into Last man with an empty bottle buys the next one. We been friends ever since. Strange community we boat owners have.

Well this year I have the almost empty 3 year old bottle of stabilizer and don’t want to really pass it on to another if it‘s questionable.
So the group of us agreed, lets use it up.
Next spring we‘ll start the process again.