Fuel conditioners and additivies

[VXSS5702]

Hi guys. This is my first post so be kind. I have a VX SS II LS1 that has had quite a bit of work done to it by Sonny. I now work from home and only drive it rarely. Sometimes I only drive it about 10kms in a two week period and so I only refuel it on a 8-10 week cycle. I haven't noticed any difference in performance or how it drives but I have seen on TV an add for fuel additives designed to keep the fuel fresh (I only use 98 oct). Can ayone see any possible issues down the road for my car? Do you think these fuel additives are a good idea? Any advise would be appreciated.

[Peter B - CV8]

I'd avoid using the additives & just put in 20 litres of fuel at a time (so you cycling through it regularly).

[Kingston_99]

keep your tank full too, otherwise it will build up with water.

[feistl]

+1, dont fully fill up.

Try to drive it for at least 20 minutes so everything gets hot enough to go through a heat cycle.

To be honest unless its a really heavily worked/high compression or forced induction engine it wont be an issue. My VX (Stroked LS1) was left for about 4 months without being started. The fuel would have been close to 5 months old at one point, but i didnt notice any issues. If i was going for a spirited drive i would top it up with some fresh stuff, but for normal driving it should be fine.

(Oh thats assuming your running premium 98. I wouldnt leave 91 octane fuel for long, as it could drop down to like 85 octane and really cause issues. At least if 98 drops down it'll still be like 93)

[Avalanche]

Just chuck in some mainlube fuel additive. Goes in the avalanche & tourer with each fill. I put it in my kingquad, & the ultimate in that still started first go after 18 months of no use. See how long a new moto will last sitting with fuel before you have to drain it & put fresh stuff in.

[SS Enforcer]

Don't worry about it mate just take it for a good drive when you do to let it get properly hot and boil off the crap in the oil.

[Groboz]

I used Quicksilver fuel system treatment additive when I left the Monaro unattended for 2 months. You can get it from Marine shops and prevents water absorption and the fuel breaking down. My understanding is that fuel left in the system for too long will result in gum like deposits building up on the internal surfaces. There's an older thread on here somewhere discussing this.

Just my 2 cents.

[VXSS5702]

Thanks for your input guys. About once a month (maybe twice) it gets a good drive of about 170kms so it should get most of the cr*p burned out. I have used Shell 98 because of their claim that it "drives your engine clean". Haven't looked inside it so I don't know really how good it is. Have started to use BP 98 as it easier to find a their servos close to home but I think I get better fuel economy with the Shell product (about 400 km per tank).