Fuel Stabilizers - Fuel Additives - Fuel Cleaners

Fuel Stabilizers, Fuel Additives, and Fuel Cleaners - Resources & Information

Marine fuel additives are chemical compounds that are added to marine fuels (such as gasoline or diesel) in order to improve the performance, efficiency, and/or lifespan of marine engines and other fuel-burning equipment. There are many different types of marine fuel additives available, each with its own set of specific benefits and intended uses.

PartsVu offers a complete selection of Fuel Stabilizers, Fuel Additives, & Fuel Cleaners  from OEM manufacturers and trusted aftermarket suppliers. Whether you need a 2 stroke fuel system cleaner, diesel fuel antifreeze additive, fuel cleaner mulitpacks, and more, PartsVu has what you need to get the job done. 

Need help servicing your outboard engine? PartsVu regularly publishes helpful how-to guides and other valuable maintenance information to help boaters service their outboard engines. Browse the PartsVu Xchange, our outboard maintenance blog, for a wide range of relevant topics and review the FAQ section below, covering everything you need to know about maintaining your boat in confidence.

Fuel Stabilizers - Fuel Additives - Fuel Cleaners FAQ

What should I know about Fuel Stabilizers, Fuel Additives, and Fuel Cleaners?

Some of the most common types of marine fuel additives include:

• Detergents: These additives help to clean and maintain the fuel system by removing deposits and other contaminants that can build up over time.
• Stabilizers: These additives help to keep fuels fresh and prevent degradation over time, which can help to extend the shelf life of stored fuels.
• Lubricants: Some marine fuel additives contain lubricants that can help to protect and extend the life of fuel pumps, injectors, and other fuel system components.
• Corrosion inhibitors: These additives help to prevent corrosion in fuel tanks and other fuel system components, which can help to extend the life of these components.
• Octane boosters: These additives can help to increase the octane rating of fuels, which can help to improve the performance and efficiency of engines.

Overall, marine fuel additives can be used to improve the performance, efficiency, and lifespan of marine engines and other fuel-burning equipment. It is important to choose the right type of marine fuel additive for your specific needs and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.

How much stabilizer per gallon of gas?

The amount of boat fuel stabilizer that needs to be added to each gallon of marine fuel varies based on the formulation of the product. For instance, Star Tron Stabilizer+ Fuel Storage 1 oz. treats 5 gallons, whereas Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner Plus requires 1 oz. for 3 gallons (and for storage over 2 months, it requires 1 oz. to every 1 gallon of fresh gasoline.).

How long can you store gas with stabilizer?

To answer how long can gas be stored with stabilizer, the truth is that it depends. Here’s why:

First, the length of time that marine fuel (such as gasoline or diesel) can be stored with fuel stabilizer for boats will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of fuel and the specific fuel stabilizer being used. In general, fuel stabilizers can help to extend the shelf life of stored fuels by preventing degradation over time. However, the exact amount of time that fuel can be stored will depend on the specific formulation of the fuel stabilizer and other factors. For example, Stabil Fuel Stabiliser guarantees fuel storage up to 24 months

As a general rule, it is generally recommended to use marine fuel within a few months of purchase to ensure optimal performance and prevent degradation. Fuel stabilizers can help to extend the shelf life of fuel beyond this time frame, but the exact length of time will depend on the specific product being used and the storage conditions. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and storage of fuel stabilizers and stored fuels to ensure optimal performance and to prevent problems such as engine damage or reduced efficiency.

How long is gasoline stable?

Gasoline is generally stable for three to six months, while diesel fuel can last up to a year before it begins to degrade. However, fuels with high ethanol conten can lose combustibility in just one to three months due to oxidation and evaporation.

What’s the best fuel treatment for water in gas?

There are several fuel treatments available that are designed to help remove water from gasoline and prevent water contamination in fuel systems. These fuel treatments can be particularly useful for marine engines that may be exposed to water or humid environments. Some common fuel treatments for water in gasoline include:

• Fuel drying agents: These additives are designed to absorb water from gasoline and help to prevent water contamination in fuel systems. Fuel drying agents can be particularly effective at removing small amounts of water from gasoline and preventing further water contamination.
• Fuel stabilizers: Fuel stabilizers can help to prevent fuel degradation over time and can also help to absorb small amounts of water from gasoline. Fuel stabilizers are typically added to fuel before storage to help extend the shelf life of the fuel and prevent problems such as water contamination.
• Fuel system cleaners: These additives are designed to clean and maintain fuel systems by removing deposits and other contaminants that can build up over time. Fuel system cleaners may also help to remove small amounts of water from gasoline and prevent water contamination.

Can you use too much diesel additive?

It is possible to use too much diesel additive in marine engines, and doing so can potentially cause problems. Diesel additives are designed to be added to diesel fuel in small amounts to improve the performance, efficiency, or lifespan of marine engines and other diesel-powered equipment. However, adding too much diesel additive can potentially cause issues such as:

• Poor engine performance: Using too much diesel additive can potentially cause problems with engine performance, such as reduced power or acceleration.
• Increased fuel consumption: Overuse of diesel additives can potentially cause increased fuel consumption, which can reduce the efficiency of the engine.
• Engine damage: In some cases, using too much diesel additive can potentially cause damage to the engine or other fuel system components.

Overall, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use when adding diesel additives to your marine engine, which will vary depending on the specific product being used.

Is winterizing my outboard important?

While it’s always a bit more fun to pull out your boat than to put it away, properly winterizing your outboard engine should be mandatory for all experienced boaters. Winterizing helps avoid engine damage and will facilitate a smoother start to the beginning of next season - after all, no one wants to wait to get back on the water!

There are several important steps you should take when storing your MerCruiser outboard lower unit to ensure that it’s properly winterized.

1. Flush Your Engine - Thoroughly flush your MerCruiser engine to remove any salt buildup if you are a saltwater boater, or accumulated mud and grime if you are a freshwater boater. Failure to remove this debris from your MerCruiser lower unit leads to corrosion in the engine. And if you’re a saltwater boater, leftover salt crystals in the lower unit can act like sandpaper to your internal engine components.
2. Stabilize Your Fuel System - Fuel starts to go bad within 30 days of sitting in your fuel system. It is vital to use a fuel stabilizer when your boat will be sitting unused for more than two or three months. Adding the amount of fuel stabilizer directed on the product’s packaging to your fuel—for instance, 1 ounce of Mercury Quickstor Fuel Stabilizer for every 5 gallons of marine fuel ensures proper winterization for more than 3 months. 
3. Fog Your Engine - Fogging oil is a wax-based oil that coats the engine to prevent corrosion.
4. Change Out the Lower Unit Oil - It’s recommended by marine mechanics to change your gear lube before storage to make sure that there is no water in the lower unit’s oil. Any water in the oil could freeze, expand, and crack your lower unit. Additionally, old oil is more likely to gum up oil passages and corrode components due to changes in its chemical composition through regular use. Last, consult your owners manual for which oil is appropriate for your engine.
5. Disconnect Your Battery - Disconnect your battery and spray CRC Marine Battery Terminal Cleaner on your battery terminals.

What is the problem with ethanol in marine fuel?

As a general rule, avoid marine fuel with ethanol or high-ethanol content (anything above 10% ethanol) whenever possible.

Ethanol attracts water and moisture from the air through the fuel tank vent system. This happens due to a process called “phase separation.” When this moisture accumulates at the bottom of the fuel tank or throughout the fuel system, the engine’s performance is dramatically reduced, corrosion forms through oxidizing internal components, and dilutes the gasoline.

To prevent phase separation, boaters have a few methods:

• Install a 10-micron water-separating fuel filter between the fuel tank and the boat engine to keep water and other contaminants out.
• Use a fuel stabilizer in every tank of fuel, either when storing the boat long-term or between fill-ups.

Can you use regular gas in boats?

The answer to this question is both yes and no:

• Yes, you can use the same gasoline as a car in your boat engines; however, this fuel must be E10 or ethanol-free gasoline. E15 or gasoline with higher levels of ethanol is not recommended.
• Marine fuel for smaller outboard or 2-stroke outboard engines often requires a gasoline and oil mixture, which requires knowing the right ratios.

Above all, make sure that you pay attention to what is available at the pump. Using the wrong gasoline – even in a pinch – can lead to serious damage and performance issues, all of which can be avoided by using appropriate fuel. Last, if you don’t trust a gas station’s gas or it’s not clearly labeled, avoid using it at all.