Sea Foam / Stable Gas Treatment question

[rmrc51]

I was talking to a friend who hasn't ridden his bike in quite a long time. (And to make matters worse, he has an Indian. I'd kill to have that bike!) He mentioned that he uses Stable for his fuel but the question arose as to just how long you can keep the same gas even if it is treated with Stable, Sea Foam or any other fuel treatment. Any ideas??

[9Ball]

the main benefit your friend will have is the tank won't develop rust spots inside since it has been kept full.

If the gas sat for greater than 6 months to a year, then I would recommend siphoning out as much of the old gas as possible or draining the tank if that is easier, draining the carb, and refilling with fresh gas before trying to start up the bike.

He can put the old gas in his wife's car for disposal.....

[Robert]

I have seen 2 years with no problems but I think it  could even be longer

[fuzzy2bucks]

My 20 year experience with STABIL is that is has to be used absolutely correctly to work right without causing deposits.  STABIL requires that the tank must be  completely be topped off, or there will be a mixing of oxygen with the fuel causing deposits to form.

Sea Foam to the best of my knowledge and 5 years of experience does not require that the tank be topped off.  I have heard of cases where a bike sat for 7 years and Sea Foam brought the bike back to life.  Sea Foam does not just keep the gas fresh, but it apparently disolves deposits.  It has been used since just after WWII in the Marine industry, but wasn't discovered for use in other applications until much later.

It is always better to top off a tank because it helps protectcs the tank from forming rust.

[JetDriver]

Like fuzzy2bucks, I find Seafoam to be a better product than Stabil.  For twelve years now, I put Seafoam in the gas in the winter and let the bike sit till spring (I don't drain the bowls).  It's never failed me.  I mix Seafoam in my leafblower and chainsaw gas, and they sometimes will sit for a year without being used- no problems.  Can't say the same for Stabil.  Seafoam not only dissolves and cleans out established gunk, but, I think, is a much better fuel stabilizer than Stabil.

[Printer Mike]

Almost 2 years in a boat that sat in a boathouse. Engine started and ran like no time had passed.... I was relived and pleasantly surprised.

Oops... used Stabil.

[JetDriver]

Have to admit, Printer Mike, you got me.  Had to smile when I saw your "got'cha."  I certainly can't argue with success, but I've had a bottle of unused Stabil sit on a shelf in the garage and turn dark red and thicker looking in less time than you had it in your boat.  I'll still ride with ya though....

[John U.]

Stabil has a fairly new Marine Stabil product. It's a greenish blue color and works very well for me. I didn't like the red stuff either.