AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
Fuel Products
Star Tron Fuel Additive (from Starbrite)
The introduction of ethanol into fuel has caused a wide range of problems for both consumers and engine makers alike. The blending of ethanol and gasoline creates issues that often are blamed on engines, OEMs, dealers etc. Typical consumer issues include rough idling, hard starting, gummed-up injectors or carburetor jets and an overall loss of power, fuel mileage and range.
Mechanics across the snowbelt understand that ethanol fuels can raise havoc with sled engines because current ethanol fuels break down even more quickly than traditional fuels. This mean that gums can form too fast for traditional stabilizers to keep up. Many generic fuel stabilizers or alcohol-based gas dryers and additives rely on old technology that simply doesn’t work with today’s new fuels. Older fuel stabilizers often cannot remove gum or remove it in big chunks that end up causing clogs as they pass through the fuel system.
Today’s fuels demand new technology and Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment is a new, effective way of solving a wide range of fuel-related problems. Star Tron uses a proprietary blend of enzymes to stabilize fuel chemistry and break down gum into sub-micron-sized particles that can be eliminated while the engine is running. Star Tron dramatically slows the fuel aging process to keep fuel fresh and at peak combustibility for up to 2 years. Its enzymes are particularly effective at cleaning the entire fuel delivery system to allow engines to once again perform at peak efficiency. We highly recommend Star Tron.
More info:
www.startron.com, 800-327-8583
Stabil Diesel Formula
We know a lot of snowmobilers use diesel rigs to pull their big trailers and many of us also have diesel-powered tractors, groomers, etc. This year the brains at Stabil have introduced a new formula specifically for diesel machines.
“The reformulation of diesel fuels over the last few years has increased the need for use of diesel additives, to protect against fuel degradation, water attraction, and to help clean up the fuel system on a regular basis,” said Manny Grijalva, the company’s chief innovation officer. He said it was only natural that Stabil develop something to compliment its gasoline stabilization lineup.
Like traditional Stabil products this new diesel additive prevents sludge and sediment formation throughout the fuel system. Today’s reformulated Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and bio-fuels can degrade at a more rapid rate than earlier diesel fuels. This can cause darkening of the fuel, as well as sludge and sediment formation within the fuel tank – leading to the plugging of fuel filters, starting problems, poor engine performance and reduced engine life.
Diesel Formula STA-BIL prevents sludge and sediment from forming in the fuel, protects against corrosion, reduces oxidation of diesel fuel caused by thermal breakdown, and helps remove water from diesel fuel which bacteria, fungus and algae require to grow. It also contains extra lubricity and detergents to protect and clean the entire fuel system.
This new formula is safe for all diesel fuels including ULSD and bio-diesels, and can be used in ANY diesel engine, including marine and agricultural equipment. So you can use it in your Dodge turbo diesel truck, your big lawn tractor, boat and more. More info:
www.goldeagle.comFitch Fuel Catalyst
We reported on the Fitch Fuel Catalyst several years ago, but have since had the chance to use it in several applications including snowmobiles, snowblowers, lawnmowers, and more. The Fitch Fuel Catalyst has stabilized the fuel in all these different applications for off-season storage. Also, throughout each season that our testers use the respective powersports units and small engines, the catalyst has kept the fuel quality high between uses.
What does that mean in practical terms?
Well, we have not yet had a problem with deposits, gum in the carbs, or other issues after leaving engines sit for an entire off-season. In addition, this is a one time application for the life of your engine. Just drop it in the tank and leave it. The Fitch Fuel Catalyst works in either 2- or 4-stroke engines and we have used it in both.
The correct catalyst product for snowmobiles is the F5T and you can get all the technical, installation, application, warranty and test result info on Fitch’s website:
www.fitchcatlyst.com. It’s available from Dennis Kirk (www.denniskirk.com) for $44.99