Most ethanol-free gas users don’t know the answer to that question, and it depends on each one’s definition of the safe side.
Some users believe it’s safe to add the stabilizer—just in case. Meanwhile, others leave it out, convinced that they don’t need to pay the extra amount of money.
Well, we’re here to give you an answer once and for all!
Does Non-Ethanol Gas Need Stabilizer?
Yes, when you’re storing it for a long time. The shelf life of non-ethanol gas isn’t that long. During the offseason, you may want to add a fuel stabilizer to extend its life expectancy.
On the other hand, if you’re only storing it for a couple of weeks or months, you don’t need to add a stabilizer. Non-ethanol gas doesn’t attract much water like its counterpart, ethanol-based gas. That’s because there isn’t any alcohol in its formula.
As a result, it doesn’t need a layer of protection unless you’re storing it for six months or more.
Why Does Non-Ethanol Gas Need a Stabilizer?
Non-ethanol gas doesn’t have alcohol, so it doesn’t attract water. Why do you need a stabilizer for it, then?
You don’t need to add a stabilizer to non-ethanol gas, but be ready to throw it out after a few months of storage. Adding a stabilizer can raise its life expectancy up to two or three years, which is almost four times longer.
If you’re storing it for more than six months, throwing in a stabilizer to the formula will definitely be a wise choice. Engines that get stored for that long will likely be leaf blowers or weed eaters. Most users store these during the winter months, and they’re out of use.
If you don’t want to add a stabilizer, you can store your equipment with empty tanks. As for the fuel, you can burn it off in the carburetor. Using stabilizers is the easier choice, though, and it’ll keep the gas usable.
What Are Stabilizers?
Stabilizers added to non-ethanol gas serve as layers of protection for the fuel. They’re only necessary for the engines that aren’t regularly used.
Gas starts to spoil after some time being stored. If it’s ethanol-based, it’ll start showing signs of spoilage after only two weeks of storage. As a result, it’ll no longer be eligible to use.
While most people think spoilage occurs because of the moisture, it doesn’t happen that way. Yes, moisture is responsible for spoiling the gas, but the ethanol in the gas is the one that attracts it.
That’s why non-ethanol gas doesn’t spoil fast. Because it doesn’t attract water due to the lack of alcohol in its formula.
Water gets attracted to the gas in a lot of ways. It can come as a result of condensation, and it may be already within the tank. Mostly, it comes from the outside atmosphere. The stabilizer prevents it from getting to the gas, thereby extending its shelf life and preserving the engine’s durability.
How Non-Ethanol Gas Stabilizers Work
Stabilizers work on keeping the water away from the gas’s surface. At the same time, they keep it from evaporating, so you can get the most use out of it. Their course of action involves bonding with the moisture particles in the air before the gas does. In a way, they work on attracting the water instead of the gas.
Why Non-Ethanol Gas Is the Best Choice for Small Engines
Ethanol-based gas isn’t the best choice for small engines, such as lawnmowers, and that’s for a lot of reasons. It has a lot of hazardous side effects due to sitting in the tank for long without being burned off.
For starters, ethanol is a corrosive material, partially because of its water-absorbing capabilities. Therefore, it can easily damage the engine’s parts. On top of that, it burns hot under direct sunlight, which may cause the engine to overheat.
The fact that ethanol absorbs water also means that it’ll make it harder to start the lawnmower if it’s been sitting for long. That’s when the stabilizers come in.
Lastly, the water that ethanol absorbs interferes with the fuel’s two-cycle oil. As a result, it doesn’t allow for proper lubrication, thereby increasing the engine’s chance of damage.
Using Non-Ethanol Gas Without Using Stabilizers
If you don’t prefer to use stabilizers for your non-ethanol gas, there are some precautions you can take to keep it safe for usage. That’s if you’re storing it for six months or less. We already established that you’re going to need a stabilizer for any time more than that.
You’ll be able to store the gas safely, thanks to its lack of alcohol, which means it won’t absorb any potentially-dangerous moisture.
Still, you’ll want to store it in an air-tight container that’s not subject to direct sunlight to avoid overheating or burning. Additionally, you need to keep the tank 15 or more meters away from spark sources. It should be stored at room temperature, too. If you store it correctly and within a safe period of time, you’ll be able to use it again easily.
Remember that water isn’t the only potential source of damage. Temperature changes and direct heat can also mean bad news for your gas tank.
One more precaution to take before reusing non-ethanol gas is blending it with the oil two weeks before you start using the engine. Don’t attempt to do it before two weeks because the mix won’t be as efficient.
The gas will be okay, but the oil will eventually lose its lubrication power and viscosity. So, blend them only two weeks before.
Closing Thoughts
Non-ethanol gas is the obvious better choice for small engines, but it comes with its share of issues. If you’re planning to store your weed remover or lawnmower for a long time, you’ll likely need to get a stabilizer to keep the gas usable.
Fuel stabilizers are the safer option, and they extend your gas’ shelf life for up to two years, which is totally worth the effort and the money.