Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Attention Forum Users: On the 28th of December 2023 at 9:00am Central Time, we will be taking the forums down for maintenance while we prepare the new forums for your use. Please click here for more information.

Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
Quebec Bob

09-26-2005 05:49:08




Report to Moderator

I am going to only use my big tractor this winter and put my gas Massey 50 up on blocks in an unheated but dry part of the barn. I'd like to know whether it is better to completely drain the gas tank or keep it full and use a modern gas stabilizer in the full tank. Awhile back, a friend recommended the gas stabilizer to me for chain saw and lawn mower gas that sits around some and I have used it with success. I'm thinking that to use it for the winter would avoid potential rust problems in the tank. Any thoughts?

[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
Leland

09-26-2005 20:22:43




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Quebec Bob, 09-26-2005 05:49:08  
Seafoam is much better than stabil but make sure you run engine a while to get the product into carb before storing for season . And fill tank as full as you can after shutting it off for the season .



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Bus Driver

09-26-2005 17:05:13




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Quebec Bob, 09-26-2005 05:49:08  
Perhaps some other person already mentioned this, but heat is the main cause of gasoline aging. Your gasoline will age very slowly in cold weather. My mowers sit in NC USA from Nov 1 to April 1 in unheated storage with full tanks and start fine in April. Stabil is a good product, based on my limited use of it. But I use it only in warm weather.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Ray

09-26-2005 14:40:02




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Quebec Bob, 09-26-2005 05:49:08  
You really don't need to do anything,your worrying about nothing.I've had tractors for over 40 years with no storage problems.Why would you put it up on blocks? Tires are made to use and set.If your going to store it for 5 years that probably wouldn't be a bad idea,but for just a few months a waste of time.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
thejdman01

09-26-2005 14:54:48




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Ray, 09-26-2005 14:40:02  
i just want to add the huge thing with tires is keep them out of the sun and INFLATED. if properly inflated and they dont leak blocks arent needed. the problem comes in when they are flat over a long period they will crack and the sun doesnt help. if you have a known leak even if slow then i would block them up.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
thejdman01

09-26-2005 13:16:30




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Quebec Bob, 09-26-2005 05:49:08  
will agree to the full tank and stabil and/or sea foam. i also like to add a bit of isapropal alcohol(sp) known as heat or isoheat. with some of the gas evaporating and you not being able to get it 100 percent full and with the crazy illinois temp swings you bound to get some condensation and i like to add some of that just to keep the freezing down and the condensation a place to go absorbed and not separated out. ethenol in gas will do almost the same as heat but i still like to add some for my piece of mind.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
dr.sportster

09-26-2005 13:07:24




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Quebec Bob, 09-26-2005 05:49:08  
The only thing is you have to run some into the float bowl also.Another thing is how long is your winter.October to end of April Canadian winter or late November to early March winter.Ive had good luck storing untill this last spring when I got a gummed up Mickey Rooney jap carb on my 69 Sportster but I suspect I forgot any Stabil.I keep tanks full with minimum air space for the rust prevention.I have no battery maintenance program but I need one.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Rickstir

09-26-2005 10:53:52




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Quebec Bob, 09-26-2005 05:49:08  
Full tank and Stabil in my Jubilee, JD mower, Troybuilt tiller, and wheeled line trimer. Never had a problem. I have 1 day of hogging on the Jubilee, probably third weekend in Oct. and then she will get greased and Stabiled, put up in the barn with the battery pulled and the front end up on stands. I pull the battery in the JD, and keep them both in the heated house garage, on wood.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
TomTX

09-26-2005 10:48:32




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Quebec Bob, 09-26-2005 05:49:08  
Full tank of fuel. If gas, add Stabil. If diesel, add APS desiel fuel additive. I am 64 years old, and have not cleaned, worked on, or removed or cleaned a carb or gas tank or a injection pump or cleaned injectors in over 30 years. That is using 3 chain saws, leaf blower, string trimmer, pressure washer, generator/welder, riding mower, walk behind mower, 2 tractors. Brands run Stihl, Poulan, Honda, B & S, HomeLite, MF, New Holland, McCullough, Echo, and others. I treat every drop of gasoline with Stabil, and every drop of diesel fuel additive, the kind that increases cetane by 6 numbers, prevents gelling, removes moisture, cleans injectors, etc. Others will say my system is overkill, but I don't have time to be fiddling with preventable work.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
John T

09-26-2005 10:05:57




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Quebec Bob, 09-26-2005 05:49:08  
Quebec, a tank full of gas reduces the amount of oxygen that could otherwise come into contact and oxidize with (rust) the metal PLUSSSSS SS it reduces the amount of condensation that can form in the tank and become water contributing even more to rust formation.

FULL TANK IS BETTER THEN LEAVING IT EMPTY, PERIOD

HOWEVER, thats NOT the end of the story.

Its true gas can gum n varnish up and that can mess thigns up. THEREFORE the addition of gas stabilizer is a must when letting her set with a tank full.

IN ADDITION its good to coat steel or cast iron with say a protective film of oil which reduces oxygen contact and oxidation (rust) right????? ?

THEREFORE I add a small can of low ash two cycle oil to my tank full of gas being of the opinion it can leave a light oil residue that coats and prevents rust cuz oxygen cant come in contact as much.

I often, after the gas n 2 cycle oil is well mixed and ran through the engine n carb, then drain the carb for long periods of storage. That way the oil film can prevent rust PLUS theres less gas to gum up n possibly varnish the carb.

I sayyyyy y Full tank of gas,,,,, ,,,with Sta Bil and Two Cycle oil added,,,,, ,run her to mix n coat things,,,,, ,,,, drain the carb and leave the mag or distributor with the points OPEN

IS BEST WAY TO STORE TRACTORS

Until convinced otherwise,,,,,Thats my story n Im stickin to it lol

John T, retired electrical engineer in Indiana

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Rod in Smiths Falls, ON,

09-26-2005 10:05:05




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Quebec Bob, 09-26-2005 05:49:08  
Our generator has been sitting since the ice storm with just Stabil added to high test. When I drained it this summer to change the gas the fuel smelled and burned fine. That's what, five years?



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Red Dave

09-26-2005 07:03:14




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Quebec Bob, 09-26-2005 05:49:08  
I've been filling tanks and using Stabil for quite a few years now without any problems in the spring.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Jonfarmer

09-26-2005 06:36:16




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Quebec Bob, 09-26-2005 05:49:08  
I have never used fuel stabilizers. When we put stuff away for the winter, we fill up the tanks with 89 octane gas, everything starts easier that way, come spring I can start up everything like it hadn't been sitting at all. Where you start getting in trouble is when something sits longer than that.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
buickanddeere

09-26-2005 10:38:14




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Jonfarmer, 09-26-2005 06:36:16  
89 octane gasoline is harder toignite that 87 octane. What is needed is an additive package/fuel blend that done't break down as fast. And limit the amout of deteriation by lowering the temperature, humidity and oxygen exposure.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Jonfarmer

09-26-2005 12:45:00




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to buickanddeere, 09-26-2005 10:38:14  
89 octane keeps better than 87. It takes longer to deteriorate.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
buickanddeere

09-26-2005 15:52:47




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Jonfarmer, 09-26-2005 12:45:00  
The manufacture/blender of the gasoline base stock would have to upgrade the additive package to something with longer storage qualities. As for the storage capability of the 87 or 89 octane basestock, THERE ISN"T ANY DIFFERENCE. I"m amazed the number of people who run a machine that doesn"t suffer detonation with 87 octane. Yet they are certain that power and mileage improves in that same machine with 89 or 91 octane. Now if your purchase a name brand 87 or 89 octane gasoline and compare it to Bargain Bobs no name brand 87/98 octane across the street for 5 cents a gallon less. Then certainly the name brand 89 octane will have a superior additive/storage package than the bargain 87 octane.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Tony C.

09-26-2005 07:09:23




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Jonfarmer, 09-26-2005 06:36:16  
I agree that if it is just for the winter and you start using the machine again in the spring you will get away with it; I have never had a problem. I think the rust problems became worse several years ago when MTBE was added to gasoline in our region of the country. I have one engine that we sometimes wouldn't use until later in the summer and it would have rust in the carb bowl. MTBE oxygenated the fuel, so I guess it is logical that it could casue rust.

Well, now they're using 10% ethanol and we'll see if that is better or worse in storage.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
alan bane

09-26-2005 06:17:18




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Quebec Bob, 09-26-2005 05:49:08  
An empty tank causes condensation and this causes rust in the tank.It's best to fill the tank and use stabilizers.I use SEA FOAM in mine and it seems to work well.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
RustyFarmall

09-26-2005 06:21:02




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to alan bane, 09-26-2005 06:17:18  
I agree with the full tank. Emptying the tank will cause grief next spring.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Farmer in the (WI) Dells

09-26-2005 06:27:09




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to RustyFarmall, 09-26-2005 06:21:02  
I agree with Alan and Rusty. I also like Sea Foam over Stabil.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
RustyFarmall

09-26-2005 06:47:11




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Farmer in the (WI) Dells, 09-26-2005 06:27:09  
Quite a few years ago I had several neighbors ask me to get their lawnmowers and garden tillers running when spring rolled around. They all made a point of telling me how they had been sure to drain the gas tanks before putting them up for the winter. I found each and every gas tank and carburetor to be covered with white flaky, powdery substance on the inside, and had to remove and clean all of them. My own lawnmower had been put away with a full tank, it started up like it had been used just yesterday.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Illinois Boy

09-26-2005 06:46:53




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Farmer in the (WI) Dells, 09-26-2005 06:27:09  
Full tank....



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
UncleTom

09-26-2005 15:57:25




Report to Moderator
 Re: Winter storage: Empty tank or use stabilizer in reply to Illinois Boy, 09-26-2005 06:46:53  
I agree with FULL TANK and stabilzer and or sea foam. Especialy on 2 strokes or any carb with diaphrahms. I have seen them stored dry and run out of fuel. The pumper carbs can dry up and stick the little flapper valves to the carb body. It is then a rebuild time. I never have to fix my carbs when left full.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy