Fogging Engine: Proper Use of Fogging Oils

After Labor Day, the back road highways and six-lane Interstates of America see a massive shift from Harley-Davidson motorcycles and Fleetwood RVs to snowplows & trucks.

Outboard motors that once rumbled in the rivers, now have turned to silence. And where lawnmowers once razed clover, the grass is brown and covered with fallen leaves.

It’s that time of year when most of the country turns to put their spring & summer equipment away and move things into storage.

Storage and Fogging Oil

Gravity wreaks its havoc on stored engines. Oils and lubricants drain away from cylinder walls, piston rings, and other critical engine components. As the ambient temperature and humidity fluctuate, air vapor can condensate within the engine. Corrosion begins in as little as 30 days. Once winter passes and the lawn grows, the mountains call or the road beckons; the neglected engine may be susceptible to cylinder scuffing or stuck piston rings.

What Is Fogging Oil?

Enter fogging oil. What is fogging oil? It is an aerosol petroleum treatment for long-term lubrication and corrosion resistance. When properly administered, it forms a thin film on metal components that, unlike oil, remains intact with time. It can be used on any gasoline 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine, including chainsaws, snowmobiles, automobiles, snow blowers, generators and more.

How to Use Fogging Oil

Automotive engine fogging is simple. Consider the administration of STA-BIL’s, top-rated fogging oil. The manufacturer recommends a six-step process:

1. Start the engine and remove the air filter.
2. While the engine is running, spray STA-BIL fogging oil into the air intake of each cylinder.
3. After 10 seconds, shut off the engine.
4. Remove the spark plugs – carefully!
5. Spray STA-BIL fogging oil into each cylinder via included extension tube for three seconds.
6. Replace spark plugs.
7. (Bonus step): Breathe easier.

Other engine fogging uses include:
• Inboardmotor: Spray fogging oil into the carburetor before the engine runs out of fuel.
• Outboard motor: Spray fogging oil into the air intake just before the engines starves out of fuel.

A Complete Engine Storage Routine

Fogging oils are often used in tandem with fuel stabilizer additives to completely prepare an engine for long-term storage. How to use fogging oil is not difficult. It can be administered by any DIY enthusiast or, if preferred, by an experienced mechanic. Engine storage and fogging oil go hand in hand. Four months later, when the snows melt and the pistons pump without a stutter, your engine will thank you.