STABILIZERS AND FUEL CONDITIONERS...???

Ok...I have used for 8 years now...and I know everyone is going to think I'm a crazy old guy using snake oil...in my 1985 Toyota 4 Runner every fill up I put 6 ounces of Marvel Mystery Oil in each tank on a fill up...main and Auxiliary...(about 28 gallons total) plus I add Lucas Ethanol fuel conditioner/stabilizer in both tanks too...my 4 Runner can sit at times for 6 months without running and every time I go to start it it starts in less than 3 seconds...so I'm not knocking success for 8 years...it has worked nicely...what do you guys do with your 4 Runners when you park them?

 

Amsoil P.I. for a tank right before an oil change. Beat on the truck the whole tank, well lots of full throttle acceleration anyway. I like this snake oil

 

Thanks for the reply...I'm never sure about "snake oil" stuff but sometimes things work. You can't go wrong with Amsoil...does it eliminate the alcohol degradation and fuel stabilization...this always worries me with older 22Re engines and well any older engines!!!

 

My trucks never get to sit still that long...looking at my gas bill, I wish they did. Stabilizer is definitely a good idea if it has to sit as long as yours though. I don't put any additives in my newer vehicles but I have an 06 Traiblazer and just for giggles, I do an Italian Tuneup every few months....dump a bottle of Techron in the tank and get her up to about 80 on the highway for a couple miles. Probably not necessary with all the stuff in top tier gas, but it's an old habit.

 

Thanks for the reply...like you we have a tendency like wearing our lucky socks playing sports...if it works...don't stop!!!

 

I drive my 4Runner in the winter, 4WD and the heater works
Then I park it for the warm, summer weather, and drive my pickup. 2WD, no blower so no heater but who cares? I use 2X55 air conditioning. 2 Windows at 55 MPH
Anyway, before I park either vehicle, I fill the tank up, and add the amount of Stabil recommended in it's instructions. I've never had any trouble starting either one when the time comes, and I have no varnish buildup anywhere.

BTW, a little trick or two I learned from a couple of professional mechanics: Before you change the oil, warm the engine up all the way, add a small dixie cup worth of diesel fuel to the oil, and run the vehicle for about 5 min. Then change the oil. It flushes all the built up crud in the oil system, and it just flows on out with the oil. I tell ya, the first time you do it, you will see an amount of crud come out that's unbelievable.
Another little trick, for carbed engines, that's free and easy: get the engine nice and warm (hot! ), take the cover off the air cleaner and, using an average, everyday spray bottle, mist water over the carb throat. You need to bring the RPM up, but the throttle linkage is right there, so easy to do. Spray about 1/2 of the bottle (about a cup or so). Don't spray the water right down the carb throat, just let the mist settle and be drawn in with the air. It cleans the entire intake system, including the carb throat, the intake valves and the pistons. Breaks the carbon build up loose, and, with increased RPMs, blows it out the tailpipe. My pickup is an 87 22R engine, as is my 4Runner, which is a 22RE, and it's carb throat is clean as a whistle. Not too bad for a 30 plus year old truck. Never taken the carb apart for any reason. Never taken any of the pickup apart, except the usual little things that fail. Radiator, alternator, oil pump, and so forth.

Sorry, I ramble.
Good luck!
Pat☺

 

Good information Pat...thanks for posting it!!!

 

You have dual tanks? whats that look like? When mine gets parked I work on it, LOL! I use ethanol fuel in everything.

 

The original owner had an auxiliary tank put in after he bought it new...it hold 14 gallons and sits above the spare tire space. With the 30 gallon capacity I usually have about a 600 mile range...it's Great...but I am always conscious of the new fuels with ethanol that degrade pretty quick...

 

Where is the fuel fill neck? Are you able to have a spare tire under there? The reason I ask is I am putting mine together with the 4.7v8 30 gallons will get it further down the road. What about the switch? how does that work? Do you have any photo's?

 

These guys may be able to help you. TAV

I would need to watch it again but pretty sure they mentioned in this video something about a 4th gen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Aj7Bv-Wtpw

 

Yep...I have a 31 x 10.50 BFG tire, same size as the four on my truck under the auxiliary tank and it fits nicely...I'll get some pictures when it stops raining. Also...when I fill up I fill the factory tank first and then the auxiliary...my 4 Runner runs off the auxiliary first and then the factory which is then when the fuel gauge starts registering. It works Great!!! The only problem is the fill cap is under the the passenger side wheel well...which is ok but a pain in the snow since it builds up. I'm in the process of relocating to an outside aircraft fill cap on the outside of the passenger wheel well. I usually get about 300 miles off the auxiliary tank before the factory tank starts registering on the fuel gauge. I think the company is still in business since I got a new fuel cap from them about five years ago...I'll get some pics and information.