Topic: Top it off?
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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Every winter in the past I have always topped off the gas tank on my '79 and added some fuel stabilizer.
|UPDATED|1/4/2014 9:33:44 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
I start it every 10 days or so and let it run a good 15 - 20 minutes.
This year I got busy and never topped it off. Now it's at the half way mark and I have not added any stabilizer. I still continue to start it just as often.
I believe the tank on a '79 has a rubber bladder. If this is true then is it really necessary to fill it up for winter storage?
P.S. I store it in an unheated, detached garage.
Kevin
|UPDATED|1/4/2014 9:33:44 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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Carson City, NV - USA
Joined: 12/4/2013
Posts: 239
Vette(s): Numbers matching 1972 350 4 speed, silver pewter body with blue interior
Living in snow country for the last 20 years I've picked up a few tips. One is to top off your tank and or try and not let it drop below half full. The reason I've always heard was to reduce the amount of water contamination from condensation. Funny, the only water contamination I've encountered was in the California bay area...where its pretty warm. I'll toss a bottle of gas dryer (grain alcohol) mid winter in my daily driver. I have been warned off on the fuel stabilizers...they are safe for small engines and I have used them for that many times with great results. My dad had a bunch of valves stick in his 55 Cad as well as my Honda motorcycle. Both were stored with Sta-Bil. A local repair shop said it is known to cause that exact issue. So is that what caused it? Hard to say. So now I let the cars who are stored over the winter run down to like a quarter tank and next spring I just toss in 5 gallons of fresh fuel and drive to the gas station to top off/dilute the old fuel. I don't stabilize them any longer. That has worked just fine for many years. I'd like to hear from someone with a more scientific explanation.
My Christmas present to ME! Bought Sat 11-30-2013. 72, 350 4 spd, Silver with blue interior...Can't you just hear Pablo Cruz playing in the background?
Lifetime MemberI don't add anything to mine. I use the car when I can over the winter and have never had any problems.
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
I dont do anything to mine either. I drive it till the first snow falls and the roads get treated with salt and chemicals and then it goes in the garage till the spring after some road cleaning rain. I do pull it outside on nice sunday days and start it up and let it run for 15 - 20 minutes. I also make sure I pump the brakes every couple weeks as well. So far no issues.
Rodney
Rodney
The owner's manual for my '75 (which is the first year for the rubber bladder in the tank) says to keep it topped up when storing the car to preserve the rubber bladder or remove the bladder and coat the inside of the bladder with a light oil.
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Build Date: May 7, 1975. 383 w/267 RWHP/310 RWTQ
The theory behind Stabil is that is slows fuel oxidation. I'm not a chemical engineer, but it sounds like snake oil to me. The best way to inhibit oxidation is to keep the tank full, which someone already mentioned.
Then again, it's cheap insurance. The best way to fight winter storage issues is to move down south, where we drive our cars year round!
Then again, it's cheap insurance. The best way to fight winter storage issues is to move down south, where we drive our cars year round!
"Let them that don't want none have memories of not gettin' any."
- Brother Dave Gardner
KDADDY79 said:
I believe the tank on a '79 has a rubber bladder. If this is true then is it really necessary to fill it up for winter storage?
P.S. I store it in an unheated, detached garage.
Kevin
'78-'82 have a 1/4" thick HDPE tank with a metal shell. (non removable)
I try to store my toys with a full tank of fuel and add some Sta-Bil w/ethanol treatment. They are also stored in a unheated garage. Never had any issues.
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By the way Daryl, I tried that moving south thing 2 years ago but the wife rejected it. Think you would have better luck then I did, I do want to drive mine year round!
Rodney
Rodney
I was told to top it off to reduce condensation in the tank.
I was told to add Sta-Bil to stabilize the fuel.
I do both and store in a non-heated building for 4-5 months with no starting.
Haven't had any problems starting in the Spring or driving it. Knock on wood.
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Thanks for weighing in on this, guys!
I think I'll wait for a dry day and sneak it over to the gas station to top it off. That'll be fresher fuel on top of what's already in there, so it'll dilute it a bit.
The jury's still out on the fuel stabilizer. Just havn't made up my mind on that yet. My L-48 doesn't make too many horses but it is reliable and runs smooth. Don't want to screw it up.
Thanks again!
Kevin
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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