Fuel stabiliser
#1 Fuel stabiliser
Hi all
What does everybody do in regard to fuel in the tank over winter, do you brim the tank to avoid rust and add a stabiliser to stop it going off.
Thanks ian
What does everybody do in regard to fuel in the tank over winter, do you brim the tank to avoid rust and add a stabiliser to stop it going off.
Thanks ian
1965 series 1 ots
1972 triumph spitfire
2016 Caddy van
1972 triumph spitfire
2016 Caddy van
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#2 Re: Fuel stabiliser
I used to use enginewise V2K corrosion inhibitor in my tank. It was used in aircraft tanks & engines in long term storage. Nowadays I just brim the tank and this hasn’t caused me any issues. My cars also stored in an air chamber over winter with a continuous airflow.
Steve
1965 S1 4.2 FHC (early)

1965 S1 4.2 FHC (early)
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#3 Re: Fuel stabiliser
I've never found the need. Fuel doesn't go that bad in the three months or so that my car rests while the roads are salty.
Chris '67 S1 2+2
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#4 Re: Fuel stabiliser
I was told to drain fuel by a very well respected Aston Martin restorer. Every car that came into him with running issues in the spring was almost always down to fuel. I asked him the same question and he said without a doubt drain the fuel. Sadly I dont always take his advice as I have a few cars. Some cope with it much better than others, such as my early low compression Range Rover which seems to almost run on anything. The XJ12 on Strombergs really doesn't like stale/old fuel, and I can say it is usually stale within 3/5 months from my experience. Thank you for reminding me, I will have to go and drain some petrol not my favourite job.
ps, I have just purchased some Millers stabiliser so will see how that will go.
ps, I have just purchased some Millers stabiliser so will see how that will go.
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#5 Re: Fuel stabiliser
I have sort of solved the problem for this year as I have realised my boot drain pipe is not connected to the outlet fitting, it just discharges into the boot. I am going to have to drain and remove the tank to get to it, can't say I am looking forward to that
1965 series 1 ots
1972 triumph spitfire
2016 Caddy van
1972 triumph spitfire
2016 Caddy van
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bitsobrits
- Posts: 560
- Joined: Tue Dec 27, 2011 2:09 am
- Location: Omaha, NE area

#6 Re: Fuel stabiliser
When you do tackle the project, If your fuel tank sump does not yet have a drain plug, you might want to add one a la the later cars. Will make the next time much easier to get the last bit of fuel out of the tank before manhandling it out of the boot area.
Last edited by bitsobrits on Tue Mar 25, 2025 11:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Steve
'65 S1 4.2 FHC (early)
'65 S1 4.2 FHC (early)
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#7 Re: Fuel stabiliser
Simplest way to drain the fuel tank is to remove the fuel line from the filter to the carbs and fit a length of hose draining into a Gerry can. Then power up the fuel pump and wait. Until the Gerry can is full. Then repeat. Or until the fuel stops coming out.
Who needs to mess around with drain plugs in sumps, or fuel dripping down arms while under the car?
Who needs to mess around with drain plugs in sumps, or fuel dripping down arms while under the car?
Chris '67 S1 2+2
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bitsobrits
- Posts: 560
- Joined: Tue Dec 27, 2011 2:09 am
- Location: Omaha, NE area

#8 Re: Fuel stabiliser
Didn't suggest you drain the bulk of the fuel via the sump.
You can't remove the tank from the car without removing the fuel sump.
Even when you pump out the fuel with the fuel pump until it stops, there will still be some fuel in the sump. Which is where the sump plug comes in handy.
You can't remove the tank from the car without removing the fuel sump.
Even when you pump out the fuel with the fuel pump until it stops, there will still be some fuel in the sump. Which is where the sump plug comes in handy.
Steve
'65 S1 4.2 FHC (early)
'65 S1 4.2 FHC (early)
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#10 Re: Fuel stabiliser
Good idea, I can easily drill and tap the bottom of the sump for a drain bolt,
1965 series 1 ots
1972 triumph spitfire
2016 Caddy van
1972 triumph spitfire
2016 Caddy van
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#11 Re: Fuel stabiliser
I’ve always used STA-BIL product in all my classic cars and bikes over the winter months and which have proved to do as it says on the tin.
https://www.sta-bil.co.uk/products/sta- ... er-4-sizes
https://www.sta-bil.co.uk/products/sta- ... er-4-sizes
Paul.
1971 S2 FHC (Opalescent Blue)
1977 Gilbern Invader Mk3
A number of Nortons.
1939 Triumph T100
1971 S2 FHC (Opalescent Blue)
1977 Gilbern Invader Mk3
A number of Nortons.
1939 Triumph T100
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#12 Re: Fuel stabiliser
Paul,
How much do you add to a full E Type tank? Just gauging how much to order.
Ordered
How much do you add to a full E Type tank? Just gauging how much to order.
Ordered
Steve
1965 S1 4.2 FHC (early)

1965 S1 4.2 FHC (early)
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#13 Re: Fuel stabiliser
This is the recommended quantity taken from their fact sheet.
USAGE DIRECTIONS:
30ml treats up to 9.5L of fuel. Use STA-BIL only with fresh fuel, and keep petrol tank 95% full to avoid condensation build up in tank during storage. Run Engine for 5 minutes after adding product to treat entire fuel system. Product does not contain alcohol.
USAGE DIRECTIONS:
30ml treats up to 9.5L of fuel. Use STA-BIL only with fresh fuel, and keep petrol tank 95% full to avoid condensation build up in tank during storage. Run Engine for 5 minutes after adding product to treat entire fuel system. Product does not contain alcohol.
Paul.
1971 S2 FHC (Opalescent Blue)
1977 Gilbern Invader Mk3
A number of Nortons.
1939 Triumph T100
1971 S2 FHC (Opalescent Blue)
1977 Gilbern Invader Mk3
A number of Nortons.
1939 Triumph T100
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#15 Re: Fuel stabiliser
Hi I have owned my Etype for 35 Canadian winters,have never used stabilizer,fired up every spring no problem,clean oil in the engine more of a priority to me.
Regards Gerry Ontario Canada.
Regards Gerry Ontario Canada.
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