STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer???

[domer]

I just filled up my Caddy with a full tank of gas.  I live in Colorado and don't get to drive the car much year around because of the weather.  My question, Is STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer ok and safe to use in our old Cadillacs?  Probably  a dumb question but I just want to be sure.  Will the lead additive and the StA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer be ok if mixed in the same full tank of gas?

[35-709]

STA-BIL is fine with any gasoline and highly recommended if you don't plan on using and adding to that full tank within 3 months or less.  Not to be picky but the sale of "lead additives" is illegal (in the USA), what you are probably referring to is a "lead substitute".  No problem with the STA-BIL.
Geoff N.

[domer]

Thank you! Oh, and yes, I meant lead subsitute. Sorry about that. I usually pick the stuff up at my local auto parts store.

[D.Yaros]

Not to be picky but the sale of "lead additives" is illegal (in the USA), what you are probably referring to is a "lead substitute".
Geoff N.

Well, I would question the illegality reference.  Why, because I find lead "additive" (TEL) readily available throughout the country, including online.  In fact I have bought it by the case.  Also, racing fuel is available in my area (SE Wisconsin) at the pump.  It contains lead (TEL).

And yes, I do mix the lead additive and STA-BIL without a problem.

[35-709]

Yes, you can still buy fuel for racing with TEL in it, and lead is still used in the production of aviation gasoline (100 LL).  If you can legally buy TEL as a separate additive in this country I am sure that many here would like to know about it. 
Geoff N.

[lipper]

Just questioning why any of us would want to use anything with lead in it - we know it's poisonous so why would we want to give ammunition to any social engineers wanting to see our cars stay off the road?

[35-709]

Good point!
Geoff N.

[bill henry]

you can get a real tel lead additive here as seen in Hemmings http://www.maxlead2000.com/

[Otto Skorzeny]

I mentioned in another similar thread that TEL additive is available for marine use in gallon jugs.

[35-709]

you can get a real tel lead additive here as seen in Hemmings http://www.maxlead2000.com/

Thank you for the info and the link, Bill.  I have saved it in my Bookmarks to show those I am acquainted with that won't believe (like myself) that you can still legally buy TEL as a final consumer additive.
Geoff N.

[D.Yaros]

Just questioning why any of us would want to use anything with lead in it - we know it's poisonous so why would we want to give ammunition to any social engineers wanting to see our cars stay off the road?

As to "why would one want to use lead ... its poisonous?"  Gee, is not the carbon monoxide that comes from the tail pipe also poisonus?  Is not the paint on the body poisonous?  Is not motor oil at least toxic, if not poisonous?

It may be only a wives' tale, but I do believe the lead serves to lubricate the valves.  If it worked back in 1955, it will still work in 2010.

 

[lipper]

As to "why would one want to use lead ... its poisonous?"  Gee, is not the carbon monoxide that comes from the tail pipe also poisonus?  Is not the paint on the body poisonous?  Is not motor oil at least toxic, if not poisonous?

It may be only a wives' tale, but I do believe the lead serves to lubricate the valves.  If it worked back in 1955, it will still work in 2010.

 
You are absolutely correct about carbon monoxide etc; so why would we want to add to the list of toxins when we don't have to? It's been discussed on these forums ad infinitum that there are good alternatives to lead.

[bill henry]

 
You are absolutely correct about carbon monoxide etc; so why would we want to add to the list of toxins when we don't have to? It's been discussed on these forums ad infinitum that there are good alternatives to lead.

because we dont believe the EPA's BS

[Otto Skorzeny]

Right. They're the same nitwits that claim carbon,  a naturally occurring element that is also the building block of all life on earth, is a pollutant.

If it weren't for fear of the eco nut jobs vandalizing my car, I'd ride around with a bumper sticker saying, "My Carbon Footprint is Bigger Than Yours!"

[Bill Podany #19567]

I need a simple answer: does Stab-ill added to the fule tank regularly aid in maintaining the valves and engine components in  a 426 flathead V8 Cadillac or a 55 Eldorado 331 with dual carbs while the cars are sitting in my climate controlled garages?  I would appreciate insight on this topic.

Bill Podany
Knoxville, TN

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

Bill:

What Sta-Bil is supposed to do is retard the oxidation process of gasoline in storage.
When gasoline sits in your tank for longer than about 3 months, contact with air (oxidation)
can cause it to produce formation of gums and varnish which can clog your fuel system.

Sta-Bil supposedly can extend the life of your gasoline up to 15 months (they claim).  The claims include no added benefits for any internal engine components.

I've never used the stuff.  I've routinely let my cars sit over winter in my heated garage
and never have a problem starting them up in spring.  If you're going to put a car into prolonged storage (over a year) then there are a number of things that need to be done in addition to draining your gas tank -- and that's a whole 'nother article.

Mike

[D.Yaros]

I need a simple answer: does Stab-ill added to the fule tank regularly aid in maintaining the valves and engine components in  a 426 flathead V8 Cadillac or a 55 Eldorado 331 with dual carbs while the cars are sitting in my climate controlled garages?  I would appreciate insight on this topic.

Bill Podany
Knoxville, TN

Bill,

SIMPLE ANSWER = NO.
 
I am neither an engineer, nor an expert.  Perhaps that is why, as simple bloke I fail to understand how adding anything to a gas tank will do a darn thing in terms of "maintaining the valves and engine components?"  For any chemical to to that, it would have to be in the engine, not the gas tank, wouldn't it?

Are Sta-Bil and lead substitute possibly being confused, again here?  If so, know that Sta-Bil does nothing for maintaining the engine.

____
Otto,

I opened my mouth here on TEL and started the off-topic.  I will not stir the pot any more, other than to say I like your point of view!

[Otto Skorzeny]

Otto,

I opened my mouth here on TEL and started the off-topic.  I will not stir the pot any more, other than to say I like your point of view!

Hey, somebody's gotta stir it or the stuff will stick to the bottom!   =P

[Bill Podany #19567]

Gentleman,

Thanks for the insight, and I greatly appreciated Mike Jospehic's experience; as the chemical  expert. 

Bill Podany
Knoxville, TN

[50CADDY]

Nothing to do with gas but------Bill Henry---is that a Survivor clip playing under your name ?---I love that show. All I watch except for CNBC and Horsepower TV.