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Frequently Asked Questions

Mechanic In A Bottle

 

Can Ethanol Shield and MiB be used in marine applications?

Yes, our products are completely safe for Marine applications, they will really help improve the quality of the fuel, fuel stabilization and offset the negative side effects of Ethanol

 
Can I mix Mechanic in a Bottle in the fuel tank

The mixing ratios that are displayed on the bottle are designed to be mixed in a fuel can. However, if done carefully and the ratios are kept, Mechanic in a Bottle can be mixed in the tank. For example, Preventive Maintenance requires 1 oz of Mechanic in a Bottle. per 5 gallons of fuel. The fuel tank on your trimmer or lawnmower is much smaller so use a capful of Mechanic in a Bottle to the tank.

Mechanic in a Bottle will not hurt your engine in any way. In fact, Mechanic in a Bottle will help keep the engine clean and allow it to run better and more efficiently.

 
Does this product have a warranty?

Yes it does. Details can be found on the warranty form. to gain access to this form, go to the product page and scroll down until you find the hyperlink called warranty.

 
The engine manufacture states that I can use up to 10% ethanol blended fuel

Ethanol blended fuel up to 10% can be run in modern power equipment but problems arise if ethanol blended fuel stands in a fuel system for more than 60-90 days. Gasoline which is organic in nature will begin to decay due to high amounts of oxygen in the ethanol. Also the fuel will begin to absorb moisture from the air because ethanol is hygroscopic and it attracts moisture. This added moisture can lead to phase separation. What separates from the fuel is the water with the ethanol attached to it. This will cause the metal components to corrode because water and ethanol are highly corrosive when together. Also older power equipment cannot tolerate ethanol at all and newer equipment can tolerate ethanol both when fuel is left to stand for long periods of time even these new materials can decay due to the ethanol content. Again if the fuel is consumed in a short period of time and left to set allot of the problems are avoided. The reality is that not everyone will drain their fuel system all the time and people need to be aware of these problems. By adding Ethanol Shield to the fuel, it will not matter how long the fuel sits before use.

 
What is the shelf life after the bottle is opened?

Our products have a 5 year shelf life even after the container has been opened.

 
Will Mechanic in a Bottle and/or Ethanol Shield work on e15 fuels?

Mechanic in a Bottle and/or Ethanol Shield works in gasoline blends up to E-85. One thing to remember is all ethanol blends over E-10 are not approved by the EPA for uses in power equipment, boats motorcycles or ATV’s. Blends over E-10 are only approved for automotive use. Take a look at the following news announcement from OPEI and concerns over consumers misfueling with E-15 fuel.

 
Will Mechanic in a Bottle help an engine that won't start?

Mechanic in a Bottle will definitely help the engine to start provided it is a fuel related problem.

There are other possible reasons that an engine will not start. If there is no spark at the plug (ignition system), the engine will not start. There could be an internal engine issue (lack of compression) that is causing the engine not to start. It could also be a muffler problem. If the muffler is plugged, the engine will not start. Insects can build nests inside the muffler that will plug it up.

If Mechanic in a Bottle does not solve the problem, the unit will need to brought into a service center for repair.

 
Will Mechanic in a Bottle take the place of 2-cycle oil?

Mechanic in a Bottle will NOT take the place of 2-cycle oil. Oil is the lubricant that your engine needs. Mechanic in a Bottle is a fuel treatment.

Will Mechanic in a Bottle void my warranty?

Mechanic in a Bottle will not void any manufacture’s warranty.

 
Will this work with diesel fuel?

No it will not. For diesel applications, use Diesel Mechanic In A Bottle.

 
Can I use Mechanic in a Bottle and/or Ethanol Shield in my car, truck or motorcycle?

Yes, both Mechanic in a Bottle and Ethanol Shield is safe and EPA approved for use in cars, trucks, and motorcycles as well as any other gasoline engine.

 
I have been using other brands or gasoline stabilizer, why should I switch to Mechanic in a Bottle and Ethanol Shield?

Mechanic in a Bottle and Ethanol Shield have been tested by outside testing agencies and has outperformed leading brand competitors hands down. Mechanic in a Bottle is the only product that will allow gasoline that is blended with ethanol to keep the 2-cycle oil mix bonded to both the ethanol and gasoline.

 
Once I pour Mechanic in a Bottle/Ethanol Shield into the tank, how do I prime it when there is no primer bulb?

On equipment that does not have a primer bulb, pulling the starter rope or cranking the engine by turning the key, will work the product into the carburetor.
The rope may need to be pulled 15-20 times to ensure that the product has worked its way into the system.

On electric start units, only turn the key for no more than 10 seconds at time to keep from burning up the starter. Do this 3-4 times to work the product into the fuel system.

 
What happens if I add too much Ethanol Shield or Mechanic in a Bottle to my fuel?

As a general rule, adding a little “extra” Ethanol Shield or MIB will not hurt the fuel. With this said, if a person were to pour a quart bottle into a gallon of gas, the engine will not run properly and the fuel will need to be diluted with fresh gas. If 4 ounces were added instead of 1 once, this would not be an issue

 
Will Mechanic in a Bottle hurt my engine?

Mechanic in a Bottle will not hurt your engine, in fact just the opposite. By keeping Mechanic in a Bottle or Ethanol Shield in the fuel at all times, your engine will run cleaner and more efficiently for a longer period of time.

 
Will this product clean fuel injectors?

Mechanic in a Bottle will clean and help maintain fuel injectors in automotive, motorcycles and power equipment.

Ethanol Shield Fuel Stabilizer

 

Can Ethanol Shield and Mechanic in a Bottle Be used in Marine Applications?

Yes, our products are completely safe for Marine applications, they will really help improve the quality of the fuel, fuel stabilization and offset the negative side effects of Ethanol.

 
What does Ethanol Shield do to my gasoline?

Ethanol Shield helps keep the gasoline and ethanol bonded to each other regardless how much water is absorbed into the fuel.

 
Can temperature affect when ethanol blended fuel will go into Phase Separation?

Absolutely! Ethanol will separate when the water content reaches .5% of volume. This is at sea level and at 70 degrees. When the temperature is warmer, it takes longer; when the temperature is colder, the process happens faster.

 
Do I still need to mix oil into the gas for my power equipment?

YES! Mechanic in a Bottle and Ethanol Shield does not replace 2-cycle engine oil. Mix the oil and gas together then add Mechanic in a Bottle or Ethanol Shield to the fuel mixture.

 
What are the mixing instructions for Ethanol Shield

We recommend the following instructions for Ethanol Shield on all engines 2-Cycle and 4-Cycle.

Lawn & Garden
(2 & 4 Cycle): Pour 1 oz. per 2.5 gallons of fuel in fuel tank or storage container.

Automotive / Marine:
Pour 1 oz. per 10 gallons of fuel directly into fuel tank.

Stabilize / Storage:
Up to 1 Year – 1 oz. per 2.5 gallons of fuel.
Store in cool, dry place; avoid direct sunlight.

 
Will Ethanol Shield hurt my engine?

Ethanol Shield will not hurt your engine, in fact just the opposite. By keeping Ethanol Shield in the fuel at all times, your engine will run cleaner and more efficiently for a longer period of time.

 
Will Ethanol Shield make my old gas new again?

High amounts of oxygen in ethanol blended fuels cause gasoline to decay faster, and if left standing for long periods of time, the decaying fuel leaves varnish and sludge deposits as depicted in these carburetor images.

Gasoline and milk are both organic — they decompose the same way. A foul, sour smell indicates BAD GAS!

Power equipment not treated with an ethanol fuel stabilizer will become hard to start within 30 days. Gasoline will decay in as little as 60 days!

Gasoline has a very short shelf life and will start to go bad within 30 days. Gasoline is in one of three stages of life: Good, marginal, or bad. Depending on the age of your gasoline and which stage it is in will dictate which product to use. Ethanol Shield is designed to keep fuel fresh and ready to use. If the fuel is marginal Mechanic in a Bottle will allow the fuel to run in the engine without causing harm

 

What is the difference between Ethanol Shield and the other brand name products that I have been buying for years?

All of the other big name products work good at stabilizing the gas. However, they do not bond to the ethanol and (for 2-cycle products) they do not bond to the oil. Ethanol Shield bonds with the gas, oil, and the ethanol. This provides complete protection for your fuel system.

 
Will this work with diesel fuel?

No it will not. For diesel applications, use Diesel Mechanic In A Bottle.

 
Can I mix Ethanol Shield in the fuel tank?

The mixing ratios that are displayed on the bottle are designed to be mixed in a fuel can. However, if done carefully and the ratios are kept, Ethanol Shield can be mixed in the tank. For example, Preventive Maintenance requires 1 oz of Ethanol Shield. per 5 gallons of fuel. The fuel tank on your trimmer or lawnmower is much smaller so use a capful of Ethanol Shield to the tank.

Ethanol Shield will not hurt your engine in any way. In fact, Ethanol Shield will help keep the engine clean and allow it to run better and more efficiently.

 
I have been using other brands or gasoline stabilizer, why should I switch to Mechanic in a Bottle and Ethanol Shield?

Mechanic in a Bottle and Ethanol Shield have been tested by outside testing agencies and has outperformed leading brand competitors hands down. Mechanic in a Bottle is the only product that will allow gasoline that is blended with ethanol to keep the 2-cycle oil mix bonded to both the ethanol and gasoline.

 
Will Ethanol Shield take the place of 2-cycle oil?

Ethanol Shield will NOT take the place of 2-cycle oil. Oil is the lubricant that your engine needs. Ethanol Shield is a fuel treatment.

 
Will Ethanol Shield void my warranty?

Ethanol Shield will not affect your engine warranty.

Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle

 
Can I use any of your products in an airplane?

We have not been approved for use in ANY air craft. Even if you use regular gasoline in your plane, we have not been FAA approved so please do not use it in a plane.

 
Can I use ULSD in diesel engines manufactured before the 2007 model year?

Yes. ULSD is acceptable for use in all diesel engines.

 
Do your products contain any alcohol in it?

No. Our products are completely synthetic and contain no alcohol.

 
Does this product have a warranty?

Yes it does. Details can be found on the warranty form. to gain access to this form, go to the product page and scroll down until you find the hyperlink called warranty.

 
How will ULSD fuel affect air quality?

By reducing the sulfur content, pollutants put into the air will be reduced by 2.6 million tons of smog-causing nitrogen oxide emissions each year 110,000 tons of soot or particulate matter per year

There is also a health benefit to this as well. The EPA estimates there are an estimated 8,300 premature deaths, 5,500 cases of chronic bronchitis and 17,600 cases of acute bronchitis in children annually. Also, an estimated 360,000 asthma attacks and 386,000 cases of respiratory symptoms in asthmatic children every year as well as 1.5 million lost work days, 7,100 hospital visits and 2,400 emergency room visits for asthma

ULSD fuel enables the use of cleaner technology diesel engines and vehicles with advanced emissions control devices. Even when used in older diesel engines ULSD is believed to result in lower vehicle emissions.

 
Is USLD going to harm the engine in my pre-2007 diesel vehicle?

Some of the sulfur compounds naturally occurring in diesel fuel provide some wear protection or lubricity. Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle will replace the lost lubricity

 
What are some fuel-handling causes of pool diesel engine performance?

Contamination of fuel by water and dirt entering the fuel as a result of careless fuel handling may cause poor diesel engine performance. Extreme care must be exercised. Fuel-tank caps, dispensing nozzles and hoses should be kept clean to eliminate potential sources of contamination. Regularly removing water from storage tanks, vehicle fuel tanks, and filter bowls is important. Dry storage systems will reduce fuel emulsion problems, injection system corrosion and microbial growth.

 
What is a Diesel Particulate Filter?

The Diesel Particulate Filter or DPF, is a ceramic filter that lives in the exhaust system. It is designed to remove diesel particulate matter or soot from the exhaust. DPF filters usually remove 85% to 100% depending upon efficiency. Most of the DPF’s today use a regenerative process to “clean” the filter. To do this, the exhaust gas must be raised high enough to burn off the particulate matter. This is usually done at highway speeds or the vehicle must pull over for 15-30 minutes to allow the regenerative cycle to run. If the filter is not cleaned on a regular basis, the vehicle could go into a “limp” mode, which is designed to keep the engine/exhaust system safe. At this point, only a dealer can fix the issue, which can be very expensive.

 
What is Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves?

(EGR) valves are fitted in gasoline and diesel engine assemblies of most vehicles as part of the emissions system. The purpose of the EGR is to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. They are an important modification to vehicles that does not compromise the engine efficiency substantially when working properly.

 
What is Fuel Hygiene?

Fuel hygiene is the management of the complete fuel system. To properly manage the fuel system, you need to know what is happening within the system. It is important to test the system, then fix the system based on the test results, then prevent future issues.

 
What is the shelf life after the bottle is opened?

Our products have a 5 year shelf life even after the container has been opened.

 
What is Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel?

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is diesel fuel that has had the sulfur content reduced dramatically. ULSD only contains 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur content. The sulfur content was found to be a major contributor to pollution. The EPA had several mandates over the years to reduce the sulfur content over time.

 
What is Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel?

Vehicles with diesel engines manufactured in the 2007 model year or later require the use of ULSD for proper operation. Using LSD or other improper fuel may reduce the efficiency and durability of engines, permanently damage advanced emissions control systems, reduce fuel economy and possibly prevent the vehicles from running at all. Additionally, manufacturer warranties are likely to be voided by improper fuel use.

 
What vehicles require ULSD?

Vehicles with diesel engines manufactured in the 2007 model year or later require the use of ULSD for proper operation. Using LSD or other improper fuel may reduce the efficiency and durability of engines, permanently damage advanced emissions control systems, reduce fuel economy and possibly prevent the vehicles from running at all. Additionally, manufacturer warranties are likely to be voided by improper fuel use.

 
Why do diesel engines smoke?

Diesel engine smoke is caused by incomplete combustion. White smoke is caused by tiny droplets of unburned fuel resulting from engine misfiring at low temperature. This smoke should disappear as the engine warms up. Black smoke could be caused by a faulty injector, insufficient air and overloading and/or over-fueling the engine. Blue-gray smoke is the result of burning lubricating oil and is an indication the engine is in poor mechanical condition.

 
Why was the sulfur content of diesel fuel reduced?

Ultra Low sulfur diesel fuels (less than 15 ppm) are required by federal regulations for 2007 model year highway vehicles to ensure that these vehicles will meet emissions standards to improve the quality of the air we breathe. In California, other properties of vehicular diesel fuel are also controlled to help reduce smog.

 
Why was the sulfur content of diesel fuel reduced?

Ultra Low sulfur diesel fuels (less than 15 ppm) are required by federal regulations for 2007 model year highway vehicles to ensure that these vehicles will meet emissions standards to improve the quality of the air we breathe. In California, other properties of vehicular diesel fuel are also controlled to help reduce smog.

 
Will ULSD affect the fuel economy of existing diesel cars, trucks and non-road engines and equipment?

Theoretically, fuel economy may be reduced slightly (about 1%) because the refining process that removes sulfur also can reduce the energy content of the fuel.

 
Can I use Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle in my oil fired furnace (fuel oil)?

Diesel Mechanic In A Bottle will work just fine in a fuel oil application such as you described. If the customer feels that there is a lot of water in his fuel oil, I would recommend to also use a Diesel Tank Snake in conjunction with the Diesel Mechanic In A Bottle.

 
Does Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle contain a biocide?

No, Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle does not contain a biocide. Instead, Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle keeps water in suspension so that it does not fall out of the fuel. It is the water that helps promote microbial growth. If there is no water in the tank, there will be no new microbial growth.
If there is water in the tank, use the Diesel Tank Snake to remove the water then use Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle to keep the water suspended.

 
What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression ignition (diesel) engines with no major modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

 
Where can i buy your products?

Mechanic in a Bottle and our other products are available at many different retailers and repair shops. please click on the link at the top-right of this page to find one near you.

Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle 4-In-1 Test Swab

 
Will the dye in off-road diesel affect the results of the test?

No it will not. When the 4-in-1 test swab is used the test results will be the same as with regular diesel fuel however, there may be a slightly pink tint to the swab. If the fuel is going bad it will still show up on the swab clearly. When the swab is brushed against the bottom of the tank, water, rust, and sludge will still show up if present in the fuel.
Off road diesel has a red dye added to it to differentiate it from regular diesel fuel. This dye is added at the blender and unfortunately can be in various shades of red.

 
Where can I buy your products?

Mechanic in a Bottle and our other products are available at many different retailers and repair shops. please click on the link at the top-right of this page to find one near you.

Diesel Tank Snake Water Absorber

 
Can I attach multiple Diesel Tank Snake's together?

No. the Diesel Tank Snake must be matched to the size of the tank. Custom size snakes are available.

 
Can I place this into equipment and continue to use it?

You can but be cautious about. The material the Diesel Tank Snake is made out of is super strong and will hold up, however, if the string breaks or falls into the tank, the Diesel Tank Snake may be difficult to fish out. It is designed for unit going into storage.

 
Can the Diesel Tank Snake be reused?

Yes it can. The Diesel Tank Snake can be reused up to 10 times. However, the condition of the tank and fuel can limit the number of times it is reused.

 
Can the Diesel Tank Snake be reused?

Yes it can. The Diesel Tank Snake can be reused up to 10 times. However, the condition of the tank and fuel can limit the number of times it is reused.

 
How big will the Diesel Tank Snake get?

It will not get any bigger than the outer mesh material.

 
How do I use the Diesel Tank Snake?

After opening the package, attach the string to one end of the Diesel Tank Snake and the other end to the fuel cap or the chain on the fuel cap. Place Diesel Tank Snake into the Diesel tank. Check the Diesel Tank Snake after a day. You can also watch the video on the use of the Diesel Tank Snake. Please look for it in the video section of the website.

 
How much water will the Diesel Tank Snake absorb?

This really depends on the length of the Diesel Tank Snake, however it is approximately 1 ounce per inch

 
I used all of the diesel up that was in my diesel tank, can I still use the Diesel Tank Snake in another tank of diesel fuel?

Yes you can. the Diesel Tank Snake can be used up to 10 times.

 
My Diesel Tank Snake swelled after just a few hours in the diesel tank. Does this mean it is full already?

Yes. Remove it and let it dry out then place back into the tank. 2 Diesel Tank Snakes would work best in this scenario as there is a lot of water in the tank. As one snake is working the other can be drying out.

 
What exactly does the Diesel Tank Snake do?

The Diesel Tank Snake absorbs water that is in the diesel tank. By using the Diesel Tank Snake, microbial growth is prevented.

 
What size diesel tank will a Diesel Tank Snake fit into?

The size of the Diesel Tank Snake and tank are normally matched up. If the tank is 4 feet long, a 3 foot snake should be used. Proper clearance on both ends of the snake must be maintained to allow for expansion.

 
When should I remove my Diesel Tank Snake?

After the Diesel Tank Snake has been in the fuel tank for at least 1 day remove it to check its status. If it is swollen, remove and let air dry. Then replace into the tank.

 
What is Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel?

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is diesel fuel that has had the sulfur content reduced dramatically. ULSD only contains 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur content. The sulfur content was found to be a major contributor to pollution. The EPA had several mandates over the years to reduce the sulfur content over time.

 
When should I use the Diesel Tank Snake?

Anytime the unit will be sitting for more than a couple of weeks, or all of the time in a diesel tank.

 
Will the Diesel Tank Snake absorb the water that is sitting on the bottom of the tank?

Yes it will absorb the water

 
Will the Diesel Tank Snake freeze if there is water in it?

Yes, the Diesel Tank Snake can freeze if the temperature gets cold enough. No harm will come to the snake if it does freeze as it is flexible.

 
Will the Diesel Tank Snake prevent microbial growth in the tank?

Yes it will. By removing the water from the tank, microbial growth has no where to breed.

 
Will the Diesel Tank Snake remove microbial growth in the tank?

No. The microbial growth must be cleaned out with either a fungicide or by polishing the fuel.

 
Can I use Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle in my oil fired furnace (fuel oil)?

Diesel Mechanic In A Bottle will work just fine in a fuel oil application such as you described. If the customer feels that there is a lot of water in his fuel oil, I would recommend to also use a Diesel Tank Snake in conjunction with the Diesel Mechanic In A Bottle.

 
Does Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle contain a biocide?

No, Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle does not contain a biocide. Instead, Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle keeps water in suspension so that it does not fall out of the fuel. It is the water that helps promote microbial growth. If there is no water in the tank, there will be no new microbial growth.
If there is water in the tank, use the Diesel Tank Snake to remove the water then use Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle to keep the water suspended.

 
I used all of the diesel up that was in my diesel tank, can I still use Diesel Tank Snake in another tank of diesel fuel?

Yes you can.

Fuel Life

 
Can I attach multiple Gasoline Tank Shield's together?

Yes, you can.

 
Can I place this in my mower and continue to use it?

You can but it is not recommended. The material the Gasoline Tank Shield is made out of is super strong and will hold up, however, if the string breaks or falls into the tank, the Gasoline Tank Shield may be difficult to fish out. It is designed for unit going into storage.

 
How big will the Gasoline Tank Shield get?

It will not get any bigger than it is already.

 
How much water will Fuel Life absorb?

Treats all refills in a gas can or tank for up to 2 years

 
Is the Gasoline Tank Shield only for 4-stroke engines?

No. Fuel Life can be used in all gasoline whether it is for 2 stroke or 4 stroke engines.

 
The engine manufacture states that I can use up to 10% ethanol blended fuel

Ethanol blended fuel up to 10% can be run in modern power equipment but problems arise if ethanol blended fuel stands in a fuel system for more than 60-90 days. Gasoline which is organic in nature will begin to decay due to high amounts of oxygen in the ethanol. Also the fuel will begin to absorb moisture from the air because ethanol is hygroscopic and it attracts moisture. This added moisture can lead to phase separation. What separates from the fuel is the water with the ethanol attached to it. This will cause the metal components to corrode because water and ethanol are highly corrosive when together. Also older power equipment cannot tolerate ethanol at all and newer equipment can tolerate ethanol both when fuel is left to stand for long periods of time even these new materials can decay due to the ethanol content. Again if the fuel is consumed in a short period of time and left to set allot of the problems are avoided. The reality is that not everyone will drain their fuel system all the time and people need to be aware of these problems. By adding Ethanol Shield to the fuel, it will not matter how long the fuel sits before use.

 
Do your products contain alcohol?

No they do not. All of our products are fully synthetic and contain no alcohol. There is already alcohol (ethanol) in the gasoline, why would anyone add more? Alcohol attracts and absorbs water. The more alcohol that is in the gasoline, means that there is more water in the gasoline.

 
What exactly does Fuel Life do?

FUEL-LIFE is patented fuel stabilization technology that removes water and neutralizes the compounds in fuel that cause fuel decay that leads to engine problems. Saves money vs. other forms of fuel stabilizers. Protects all 2 & 4 Cycle engines and works in all fuels and fuel blends (ethanol & ethanol free), kerosene, diesel. No chemicals, no measuring, no mess.

 
What exactly does Fuel Life do?

FUEL-LIFE is patented fuel stabilization technology that removes water and neutralizes the compounds in fuel that cause fuel decay that leads to engine problems. Saves money vs. other forms of fuel stabilizers. Protects all 2 & 4 Cycle engines and works in all fuels and fuel blends (ethanol & ethanol free), kerosene, diesel. No chemicals, no measuring, no mess.

 
What size gas tank will a Gasoline Tank Snake fit into?

We have different sizes for most tank sizes.

 
When should I remove my Gasoline Tank Shield?

Check intermittently but Fuel Life should be replaced every 6 months to 1 year

 
When should I use the Gasoline Tank Shield?

Keep Fuel Life in the gas can or unit at all times.

 
Will the Gasoline Tank Shield absorb the water that is sitting on the bottom of the tank?

Fuel Life should absorb all the water in the fuel, both bound to ethanol and unbound. It prevents phase separation.

Mechanic In A Bottle 2-In-1 Gasoline Test Swab

 
After performing the test, I let the swab sit for an hour and it got darker, Is this an indication that my fuel has gone bad?

No. The swab will continue to develop as time goes on. The time to check the swab and get the proper reading is within the first 5 minutes of performing the test.
If you would like to preserve the swab for the customer to see, store the swab in a small plastic bag that can be sealed.

 
Will the dye in 2-cycle oil affect the results of the test?

No it will not. When the test swab is used in 2-cycle gas, the test results will be the same as with regular gasoline. However, there may be a slight tint (the color of the 2-cycle oil) to the swab. If the fuel is going bad it will still show up on the swab clearly.

 
Do your products contain alcohol?

No they do not. All of our products are fully synthetic and contain no alcohol. There is already alcohol (ethanol) in the gasoline, why would anyone add more? Alcohol attracts and absorbs water. The more alcohol that is in the gasoline, means that there is more water in the gasoline.

 
Where can I buy your products?

Mechanic in a Bottle and our other products are available at many different retailers and repair shops. please click on the link at the top-right of this page to find one near you. You can also purchase all of our products on our online store on this website.
 

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What They Say

About B3C's Products

I received information about Ethanol Shield from Yamada Nursery. I used it in my lawn mower and then put it in my car and got very good results. I now recommend your product to all of car collector friends.

~ John W.

I've used Ethanol Shield for several years in my: 1940 car that I rarely start, blue bird day only '72 Honda 500 motorcycle, spring/fall power washer, fall only leaf blower, and when need be chain saw.

...and they all start every time!

- Mike G.

Used this product for almost a year, no issues whatsoever. Believe it’s does what it says it’s supposed to do.

- Shawn Walker

You'll hear when this stuff hits your engine. Makes everything all better!

- Joesph B Moffett

I must say that it lived up to all the hype. I've used it in several small engines from rototillers and snow blowers to atvs and go karts and it has worked in all of them. Many of them ran very rough and wouldn't idle, or wouldn't start at all, but after adding MIB they all run much better and continue to improve the longer they run. I added some to my truck that would missfire intermittently and after just a couple of days it was running much smoother and the check engine light went out. I'm very impressed with this to say the least.

- Allan

I've used it in a few different situations where either a two-cycle motor was running rough or a four-cycle wouldn't start. Just following the directions was all that was needed. To help the solution do it's job, I always have the battery fully charged in the situations where I have and electric starter. It is worth having a bottle or two of this stuff around if you have a lot of engines that must be stored or not used daily (especially seasonal stuff).

- Jif

If you have gas powered equipment, never be out of this stuff. It’s a miracle in a jar. If you put it in you tanks of gas power equipment and let it sit it will start. If you find a piece of equipment that has stale old gas, a few ounces of this and it will start up.

- Terance LaCroix

I had problems with a snow blower that I used high ethanol gas in not starting. Added some Mechanic In A Bottle to an empty tank and let sit overnight - added gas w/Mechanic In A Bottle the next day & it fired up on the first pull. I love this stuff.

- Murphy@216

For about $20 every fall, one application of this to my snowblower gets and keeps it running through the winter, saving costly trips to the repair shop to clean/rebuild the carb. which I did for several years until figuing out it was always a fuel problem.

- S. Wilde

Forgot to put stabilizer in the gas of my outboard for over winter storage, with predictable results. Put some Mechanic in a bottle into the carb and let it sit for 24 hours. Started right up and ran better than ever. Sea Foam is good, but this stuff raises the bar.

- M.E. Dunn

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