K100 vs Stabil Fuel Stabilizer - Which One Controls Moisture?

Did you know that not all fuel stabilizers actually control moisture and water in your fuel?
Watch this video to see the results when I put K100 and Stabil head to head!
This is an honest review and not a paid endorsement like some other fuel stabilizer videos on KZbin.
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[@wysetech2000]

Thanks for taking the time to do a great comparison.

[@randyc5650]

Sta-Bil is not a water treatment for fuel. It is made to help fuel last longer. The StaBil with ethanol treatment is made to help ethanol fuel last longer than the month or two that it will normally last without gumming up small engines. Ethanol free fuel will last over a year without going bad without StaBil. Adding ethanol to fuel with a small amount of water will let it burn in your engine. K100 is made of several types of alcohol and ethylene glycol and is great for burning small amounts of water in your fuel but will shorten the life of that fuel in the long run. I would keep some handy in case I had a water problem in my fuel but I would not put it in my 5 gallon cans I keep for my generator for hurricanes and power outages. I mainly use non-ethanol fuel for long term storage. That is a great test and is good to know.

[@katpis9121]

Love K 100 use it in all my small engines, and toys. Love ur channel man! Keep up the great work

[@IPullingTractor]

I've always used & trusted HEET to displace the moisture or small amount of water in my gas. Works great every time!

[@Peter-.H]

Don, this was a great demonstration. Thanks buddy 👍👍👍

[@bradkopczyk9049]

I’ve been told by my local Stihl dealer that they recommended Star Tron Fuel treatment. I’ve stopped buying Stabil based on recommendations. They also said using Marine grade Stabil was ok. Based on your test, I’m not sure about that :) Thanks for that video. I like seeing the true test on products and not just believe what the bottle says. I’ll be switching to K100. Thanks for your great videos. I watch and learn a lot from your videos.

[@robertmoneypenny6028]

I am now changing products. Thank you very much for such a clear demonstration and explanation,

[@jerryvolpini7987]

I add the recommended amount of K100 to a full tank of fuel (lawnmower or motorcycle) then run the engine so it is distributed throughout the system. What I like about the K100 is that it has strong detergents that clean the carb or injectors of any deposits. Great stuff!

[@edwinmcnew4389]

I was surprised to see that! Thank you!

[@cadillac1smith485]

Donyboy, I liked this video, but am subscribing because of your how to repack bearings video you did a while ago. Thank you Sir!

[@EleyCycleWorks]

That proved to be an amazing demonstration of clearing water from fuel. The K100 appears to get a relatively large volume of water into solution with the fuel such that it should pass through the carburetor and be used along with the fuel. This should remove blockage of the jets by breaking the water into small enough particles. Having found a product that solves that problem we now need a test over long term that will show which products will keep gasoline usable if left in our machines during the off-seasons. In the past we were taught that it was best practice to fill our tanks to prevent condensation during storage. Many have learned to our dismay that modern gasoline has a short usable life and so now drain our fuel systems. The problem here lies in any residual fuel, ie. injection systems that do not allow for complete draining. I am certain that I am not the only one that would like to see a test that may give us a clear answer to this question.

[@turboleggy]

@@boots7859 cool chemistry. Ethanol is miscible with water but only in small amounts probably with hydrocarbons. How do you dispose of the ethanol solution?

[@MrKakabekajerry]

Thanks for this comparison. It helps the rest of us to buy something that works!

[@probeteam9936]

Donny ... I'm gonna try this stuff ... thank doe the video, hope the family is well ... God Blesses,

[@pafoofnic]

Great video Don. I didn't think any of them worked. You demonstrated proof that one did...

[@mcmaster22]

Great video again. Thanks Dony

[@nrmwntrs]

Thanks Don very informative. I have learned so much from you!

[@hbknhry]

Great post, Dony.

[@watermanone7567]

Excellent video. I use K100 frequently in my shop. Thanks for the video's.

[@jerrychappell6402]

Great video Don

[@daphlavor]

Hi Don, I started out using original sta bil, (before ethanol) without issues, early 2000’s. As of late, I switched to sta bil marine, and for my lawn mower and riding mowers it worked fine. My snow blower on the other hand doesn’t like any of the above. Recently I’ve used Star Tron, and Lucas, and just found K100, at a boat dealer here in Southeast Pa. Thanks Sam

[@akidojlaw537]

Great video Don, thank you.

[@Juanchin76]

Been using K100 for years in my boat. I believe it used to be called Sentry years before that? The clear cap under the fuel filter has never had water since! Before I always had a little bit. This video is exactly what I found on my own. Stuff is awesome.

[@billyferguson9059]

Wow !! That was great , I'm sold. Thank you.

[@Mike-su8si]

I'm not until I hear how it does in the engine with dirty gas So next time i go buy my stp treatment I'll grab a bottle of that

[@leafer655]

I add k100 when I go to fill my tanks for my mowing gear. A bit expensive but I feel it pays for itself with less carb problems. Great video.

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

Very good test doc 👍🏻

[@aliasfred]

Sta-bil and other treatments help keep condensation from forming in your gas during storage. I mix my Sta-bil in a 5 gallon can of gas, then pour it into my fuel tanks, run each motor for at least 7 minutes to get it into all the fuel lines and carb jets. Sta-bil and other treatments also help keep your fuel from turning into varnish during short term storage.

[@eleanorecopet4090]

Also do not be scared to triple dose w/STA BIL the gas when just purchased it will last over 2 years , I tested and have done above and now my gas is over 5 years old and no issues starting stored truck it has premium gas w/ triple dose recommended on STA BIL bottle .

[@beachbum8215]

Excellent video. Thank you very much Don.

[@beachbum8215]

Don , do you recommend to use pre-mixed fuel in two cycle engines?

[@danielpadgett4245]

I just bought some stabil im getting some k100 too. Thank you for the video buddy.

[@michaelchilders1658]

Wow, good information to know!! Had no idea!!👍

[@paulbrown8370]

Don, I always use the Amsoil Quickshot for the small engines. I only need a small amount in a gallon of gas, and it also cleans the carbon from the top of the pistons and valves and the spark plugs. I have used it many times and it really does work. Great stuff for the moisture also.

[@MegaGeorge1948]

Amazing stuff!

[@tonym6920]

Great demonstration Dony, I use K100 all the time, great product! 👍

[@marklubecke4854]

Hi Don, Did the fuel used contain ethanol? Why was there no visible phase separation of the alcohol and water? Could you test the products for that issue? Otherwise it appears the Stabil is just fuel coloring. Thanks for your vid.

[@kevinbyrne4538]

Thank you, Donny, for conducting and posting this demonstration. Much appreciated.

[@janannanderson4999]

Thank you for the test.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Nice test and good to know that K100 combines with the water!!!

[@Jon-zs1hq]

Does not "remove" the water. The water is still present.

[@MarianneMartin-hy7ls]

Thank you for performing this study!!! K100 in all my vehicles moving forward

[@JPM-yp1wk]

Interesting. I've used Ethanol Shield for years, and all equipment starts with one pull after sitting for the off season. Good stuff!

[@oddopops1327]

Very good video! 😊

[@tonybirdwell2917]

Thanks, that is a great help!

[@normma2normma263]

Merci pour les tests, super le fun.

[@Budro4764]

Yes the K-100 is the ultimate fuel treatment IMO........ I do sell that in the shop..... Thank's to you and the video you posted with Kevin about a year ago....... K-100 works really well and down here in South Louisiana AKA Cajun Country , we are on the Gulf Coast and we have a lot of humidity and a few million boats out on the many Bayou's and waterways in the area.... High humidity causes moisture in bass boats and smaller boats that are not ran all the time like the Pro Bass fishermen do... That being said moisture is forming in generators and other small engines not being ran all year round in our area...... I am a firm believer in K-100 all the way... I do the tests like you do in my shop also..... People are amazed when I make water burn in the bottle like you and Kevin did in your video........ Plus Tard Mon Ami ...........

[@michelpage4877]

Boo LuQuette Laissez les bons temps rouler. 😉

[@michelpaulcote353]

Thanks. Very useful. The problem in Canada is long term ( 5 months +) storage of snowblowers and lawn mowers. Not so much humidity. I think Stabil and/or K100 are probably more useful to prevent varnish ( unfortunate byproduct of Ethanol) from gumming up carbs and jets during the off season. I have no clue if one is better than the other. I have been using standard Stabil for years in chain saws, weedeaters, generators, ATVs and the gallons of spare fuel, with very good results. I will definitely buy and use K100 for water issues. Thanks a million for your fine videos. Michel P. Cote

[@percyfaith11]

Depending on where you live in Canada, humidity can be quite high.

[@clauslundberg9224]

Nice test. I use Briggs & Stratton Fuel Fit in the shop fuel for all 4-stroke engones. Not sure if it treats existing water but no problems with storing equipment. Here in Denmark we have 5% ethanol in in the fuel. For 2-stroke machines I only use Stihl MotoMix or similar product.

[@gdglock]

Are you kidding me? K100 really works that well? I am really impressed. Thank you for the video. I have to do a test on the current product i use. Do you know how long the water will stay in dilution?

[@MikeJones-jr5hb]

That was interesting & good info.

[@cardo1111]

Always a good vid. I would have liked to have seen how Star Tron performed that is what I have been using for years.

[@donyboy73]

that will be next vid

[@erniehunt9962]

I also use Startron and would like to see the test results from that. If the price comparison is in favor of the k100 I would switch

[@vwbughacked3098]

Great demo. Can you next show the results of how these product effect your carburators? Good, bad, or indifferant...

[@sheepdog271]

That would be interesting!

[@Goregoonswasteofspace]

Well, out of the four you tested, K-100 will certainly be my next choice for a fuel stabilizer. Thanks for the vid, top notch as usual.

[@sly2599]

great test and thanks for sharing. I just bought my first snowblower I know absolutely nothing beside how to start it and your videos are interesting, easy to understand and very informative. Could you use the K100 stabilizer in all makes of snowblowers? I just bought a 3 stage cub cadet

[@donyboy73]

yes you can use in any snowblower

[@jamesmullins3219]

GOOD TEST. THANKS

[@mst5632]

Definitely an eye opening video. You most definitely have me convinced to go look for K-100. Never heard of it and assumed Stabil was all I needed all these years. Thank you very much for this video! Excellent as always.

[@nightriderrv1139]

That's some clear gas clean looking gas almost looks like moonshine it's so clear...good test for sure thanks for showing us...

[@geojor]

thanks Dony ...

[@vetterfellow]

Well that seemed to be as plain as day. Thank you DB73. What are the other un K-100 good for?, ANYTHING ?. Good demonstration Ol Friend. Cheers !!***.

[@DTGrosz]

I run $10.00 of Hi-Test into my vehicle when I need fuel & when the pump has had a chance to clear all the regular fuel out from the previous fill-up I fill my gas can. I also use about 12 OZ of methyl hydrate as insurance. I like the the K-100 as well. Thx for the great video -- Like your style & intrepidity!

[@ampsarus]

I appreciate the testing to be performed the products tested and mostly the methods. This was what I was looking for when I searched the subject. Can one ounce of whiskey or koolaid or stabil have any useful preservative effect on two gallons e10- gasoline (10% ethanol and gas)

[@distracted_visions7095]

I've got a Harley touring bike that I bought new in '04 here in Michigan. I put it away at the end of the riding season each year (November). I fill the tank with premium fuel while adding the recommended amount of Stabil Fuel Stabilizer, put about 5 miles on the scoot to shake up the mixture and put her to bed until April or so (when the salt is finally washed away from the roads). The bike starts right up in the spring without a problem. I've used this product every year when putting the bike away. Never had a problem with the fuel system. Saying this, I am always up for using a better product. I might try the K-100 to control moisture along with Stabil.

[@Jay_Hall]

enjoy, you should shut off the fuel to the carb and run it dry for storage, and drain the float if you can.

[@Santiago-iv7oi]

Good to know.. Thanks..

[@roadrunner8428]

And that is why K-100 is so expensive. However this product will give you peace of mind. Thank You Dony.

[@bigrobbyd.6805]

Good video, sir. I've never seen K100 here in Kentucky, but I'm definitely going to look for it. I usually just use Heet or Iso-Heet.

[@wayditay9288]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me that it would be better to just pony up for ethanol-free 91+ octane Premium gas. The extra expense between regular E10 and Premium is way cheaper than buying a relatively large quantity of expensive K100 (or Startron or ??) additive. Plus you get higher octane for higher compression engines. Then as optional further insurance for that Winter fuel storage, add some cheaper fuel stabilizer of any sale-priced non-alcohol-based brand.

[@grizzlydan8]

I have used Stabil marine formula for about 9 years. I treat my car and 3 lawnmowers It does keep the small engine fuel systems varnish and corrosion free. I don't know if any condensation has settled to the bottom of the tank and float bowls. I will probably give the kk100 a try.

[@richardcarlson4327]

Great test.....I have switched for possible water contamination.....However, what about the gas staying in my boat all winter long in terms of stabilization........what to use for that?

[@nataliatorrez9779]

Thank you sir I use stabil storage on my small engines I will try k100 next time when I fill up..

[@HenryLoos]

Thanks for this, Stabil I understand was to protect fuel from losing its volitils NOT to remove water, to remove water I add Anhydros Isopropal alchol ( sorry for any misspelling)/// But you have enlightened me to the K-100 towhich I was unaware existed. Henry

[@snowking55]

The other plus for K100 is the 2 year fuel stabilization, where Stabil is only 3 to 6 months. It's an excellent product and I've done the exact test with the same results. The best way of course is empty your fuel tank at the end of the season, but this is a nice alternative.

[@jeffsandler3339]

In my personal equipment i don't use any fuel additives .. I do run the equipment out of fuel at seasons end.. I don't have issues with this method until know because i opened my flapper .. Thank You four the info !!!!!

[@eosjoe565]

Wouldn't it make more sense to have used the proper amount of treatment relative to the amount of gasoline in the jar?

[@D4x4Bronc]

Would be almost nothing as the bottles say something crazy like 1 oz per 5 gallons or so.

[@andyschad6882]

What he did could be considered a comparable "acid test" of all four, which showed a clear difference. Great job!

[@waynegeordiesdad648]

I think what Dony did was overkill and PERFECTLY proved the point!!

[@4thgear759]

This is a great video donyboy! However stabilizing ethanol which is not water the stabil may be preventing the ethanol from turning to water over a period of time. I don’t believe they are claiming to get rid of water. Gas line antifreeze which is usually methyl hydrate will get ride of water and prevent/thaw ice in the fuel line. The k 100 seems to do this as I imagine stabilize the fuel for long periods. Still an awesome video keep up the great work!,

[@thomask4836]

Last winter, I needed an extra gas can for my snowblower. The snowblower is a 4-cycle and doesn't need oil mixed with the gas. I had an old one gallon with some 2-cycle oil mixed in that was sitting in my garage for 10 or so years for an old leaf blower that I threw away back then. Well, I poured the vintage 10 year old 2 cycle gas into another container for my 2-cycle mower last fall. This summer, I used that old gas up in my 2-cycle power mower. The mower started on the first pull and worked just fine. I am NOT a believer in gas going stale or products like Heet, Stabil or K100. I just keep it sealed in a container and it works just fine. Even after 10 years! No additives and it didn't go (ahem) stale! I've had the same Lawn Boy 2-cycle utility mower since 1981 and it still works like the day I unboxed it. It still starts on the first pull. If anyone who uses any of these additives are interested, I can give you a great deal on a bridge that I am selling.

[@unclebs4732]

Star tron is what I have used for years as a ethanol treatment. Not sure about water removal. Thanks for the info, I'm getting some k100.

[@bobohler2717]

Donny, any chance we can get you to test Star Tron? Thanks for a great video!

[@zone4garlicfarm]

@@bobohler2717 Do your own test.

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

I haven't had any luck with stabil fuel stabilizers. I have had good luck with the Briggs fuel stabilizer and star tron though.

[@dwied10]

I have been using the star trying for years since it was recommended to me by the local Evinrude Marine dealer.

[@Ghis1964s]

I use nothing, yet, but strong language most time ;)

[@beachbum8215]

Best channel on You Tube. Don, do you ever use Marvel Mystery Oil?

[@donyboy73]

no never tried it

[@dylanclay2741]

I've used stabil storage for 10 years now and still have all my power equipment from 10 years ago. Never had to rebuild a carb or had starting problems not once. So I'll stick with what I know works

[@Monty-bi6mf]

Used this for years, best on the market. Not cheap, and hard to get. But well worth it.

[@leoashrae4199]

In answer to your question, "What do you guys use for moisture in fuel"... I use dry-gas (most dry-gas is a mixture of methanol and isopropyl alcohol) Dry-gas is intended for this job. Sta-bil, on the other hand, is NOT an alternative to dry-gas, nor has the manufacturer ever claimed it was. Sta-bil is, as the name implies, is a fuel stabilizer. In short, its intended purpose is to keep the fuel admix from leaving the gasoline (hydrocarbon) phase and joining the aqueous phase at the bottom of the tank. This is because some of the admix components in the gasoline (from fuel injector lubricants and detergents to octane enhancing additives) have a preferential miscibility with water, rather than the hydrocarbon based gasoline. By keeping the detergents and other additives in the hydrocarbon solution, and not allowing it to be scrubbed into the aqueous phase, Sta-bil is helpful in preventing ethanol from degrading the rubber gaskets and diaphragms and slowing the formation of varnish. Bottom line: Sta-bil is NOT intended to remove water. K100, on the other hand, is purported to be both a dry gas and a stabilizer. In my experience K100 is a wonderful, and grossly over-priced, dry gas... and a lousy stabilizer. So if you need dry-gas, buy dry gas. If you need a fuel stabilizer because you expect to be storing you machine for a few months and you want to keep the gunk and varnish out of the carburetor, use a fuel stabilizer like Sta-bil.

[@stevejette2329]

Next test might be whether StaBil is better at PREVENTING than removing ? This video is EXCELLENT ! Thanks.

[@rellmonger7935]

Thanks I've been lucky with Seafoam the last 6yrs. But most of my lawn equipment is in the house. I had a 1995 F150 v8 sat 3yrs with about 12 gallons same gas 2015 in it among the 2 tanks. Both had Seafoam in them & it started in 12 seconds. Ran fine I sold it last year & the guy still driving in now Oct 2019. He hasn't changed nothing fuel related

[@garyalford9394]

I have kept around 25-30 gals of ethanol mix gas in 5 gal plastic containers every winter with the red gas stabilizer 1oz to 5galls and never had a problem with the gas keeping well for my 800 ford tractor.

[@donyboy73]

Thanks for sharing!

[@oby-1607]

Wow, what a difference. I have to try the K100. Just have to find it now.

[@aleblanc3547]

I've tried to find K-100 at Advanced, O'Reilly's, AutoZone, and my local parts store without success. I hope they see this and the other demonstrations out there and get onboard. Thanks Don!!

[@donyboy73]

what country are you in?

[@aleblanc3547]

@@donyboy73 United States. It's been about 6 months since I looked, so maybe they've started to come around. When I looked, I specifically ask for it at the counter and when they didn't know what it was, I suggested they go online and search it on YT. This stuff really blows the others away, so it's a matter of time. Thanks again Don!!

[@Tommyr]

@@aleblanc3547 Amazon sells it.

[@shawnvanderdoes9823]

@@aleblanc3547 Ask the manager of your advance to bring it in. My advance sells it and we can't keep it stock.

[@aleblanc3547]

@@Tommyr Very true, but I'd hoped to support my local parts guys (who save my tail regularly) and let them know it's worth keeping in stock.

[@ianlevine273]

I’ve used K100 and Startron. Never had a problem with either but wonder if one is better than the other. I’ve also used Stabil and Seafoam but moved away from both when the primary problem changed from varnish to ethanol.

[@KellyAvery1965]

The neighbor winterized his new Ariens Pro 28 with Sta-bil at end of season last year and when the snow fell last month guess what? It wouldn't start. I'll be getting some K100.

[@Jay_Hall]

ve, did he drain the carb before storing? He should be using Rec. fuel for storage.

[@mjvaquatics2626]

Ethanol has an affinity to attract moisture. I think that the stabilizers reduce this affinity rather than collect or intermix with water. In any case, wherever possible, using non-ethanol gas with a stabilizer is the best approach.

[@terriwhyte8064]

wow! i'll have to try a bottle of the k100 if i can find it.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

EXCELLENT demonstration, BUT, I think if EACH amount of fuel,water,stabilizer, was perfectly equal, was used it would make for a much better test with ALL subjects being TOTALLY equal, with that said you did add quite allot of the Stabil so your demonstration was good, I typically do what I think is even better, run the engine DRY of fuel, disconnect the fuel line, tie one of those moisture catching bad to a cord & drop down in the tank till next use.

[@999thenewman]

Non-ethanol fuel is easy for a homeowner to afford. If you must use E10, you can use a product in the US named HEET. It will allow water to be burned with fuel.

[@corekin6386]

Always have used HEET and have switched to k100 along with HEET and have see great results 👍 k100 is by far my go to!

[@marklubecke4854]

Hi Don, good video, but maybe you could measure all quantities used, including recommended ratio of treatment, then run thru a test engine(mule). Thus verify if the products may in fact work. Thank you, Mark

[@donyboy73]

yes next time i'll dump test jar in equipment and run it

[@oobydo1]

i quit using sta-bil a few years ago ,switched to briggs and stratton advanced formula fuel treatment and stabilizer with good results ,will try k100 because i can get it at canadian tire ,which is closer to where i live than where i would purchase the briggs and stratton advanced formula.would love to see a test with the briggs formula

[@zone4garlicfarm]

A long term test would be nice to see. What did the K-100 jar look like after sitting for 3 months?

[@donyboy73]

I still have it to this day, it's totally clear! Try the test at home

[@BJSmith-ll3uw]

I no longer use ethanol fuels. Currently use Stabil. Definitely willing to try others including k 100.

[@misterwirez7731]

Surprising. I was a big supporter of Sta-bil. I'm going try K-100

[@meeposito]

Hi Dony, I have no doubt that k100 works after seeing your video. But I dont think I will change my concoction. I always get Shell V-Power gas which is more expensive but contains no ethanol. Since that takes care of the water problem. Now for keeping the fuel fresh, i have found no better product than Briggs and Stratton Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment carried at Lowes. This stuff, lasts 2 years or if double dosed, is advertised to make gas last 3 years! 3 years!! And trust me it works, I just ran my snowblower for the 1st time in 3 seasons with the same original gas in it still (3 years) and it started 1st pull No bogging or stuttering. I love the stuff!

[@KarlHoke]

Though it is the highest detergency fuel on the market, I live in southeast Pa and no Shell station in this area advertises any of their grades of fuel as being ethanol free. In fact, one just changed over to Liberty branded fuel and now advertises one ethanol free offering.

[@crippledrider]

stabil is what I use, think I'll change brands, thank you

[@randomwrenching]

Another great video Don! I have not seen many water-in-fuel problems in my shop, so I don't have much to add about that. I use Seafoam for a stabilizer/cleaner in all my personal equipment during the regular season, and my equipment always gets 91 octane 100% ethanol-free fuel. For long term storage over winter, I always drain the entire fuel system completely, and recommend that my customers do the same.

[@Mike-su8si]

I seen that white bottle before and was wondering if it was any good or worth trying out

[@johnr5545]

Thanks god bless