Marine Sta-bil

[Sweetwater]

Is the marine sta-bil really different than the regular sta-bil (or just marketing hype)? Anyone use it? Recommendations?

I primarily ask because I had problems this year with my 115HP Yamaha 4-stroke. I had to replace the fuel vapor separator which is a fairly cheap part but a lot of labor to get to. The marina said that the E10 fuel was causing deposits to get into the FVS despite having the Racor filter. They recommended that I use the yammy fuel injector cleaner during the season (but not during storage). I was wondering if marine sta-bil was the way to go for storage.

[Mr. Sandman]

When I had my yami 4 stroke (225) I used...nothing in the fuel except yami ring free. I kept the tank full in the winter (except for one winter). I had racors but the yard removed them and put the yami version of a their filter. (Both were 10 micron and water sep filters but the racor you could drain on the fly and had the plastic bowl so you could see if there was any crap in there or not. The yami is a plain cart., So I just changed it out every 50-70 hours. (and kept a spare on board just in case).

With today's gas, I will tell you that I don't understand the theory of stabil or any other product...they are basically and alcohol that absorbs water...but ethanol is an alcohol that does that as well, and today's fuel has already got 10% ethanol...so tell me again why do I need to put more alcohol in the gas?

The ring free is IMO an amazing product. I works so well and you notice improved running within a tank. The thing starts and runs so smooth at idle it is worth every penny. Also the first time you use it a lot of black %$%$%$%$ will come out of the exhaust but wow, it runs better than brand new... The mechanic recommend it and I tried it and it worked so well I used it every tank...(It adds about $20 per 100 gals to the cost of gassing up.) That was the only thing I put in the tank.

Also, I think stabil products are not needed as you are not storing this thing for years...just a few months. Jan-april...what is the big deal?

Overall, I would do whatever the engine manufacturer advises you do to uphold their warranty.

[BassyiusMaximus]

I use the Marine Formula StaBil. Have been for the past 2 seasons. It is only about $20 for 32 oz and with a 1oz-5 gallon ratio, one can treat 160 gallons, cheap money for some insurance.