jacko wrote:
I always use stabilizer with a full tank, run it for a few minutes, top up
the tank and put the machine away.
If you are going to run it "dry", that can't happen unless you "drain" all
the gas from the carburetor. Any residual gas that is not treated with some
sort of stabilizer, stands a chance of gumming up something.
Just my opinion.

Oxidation is the problem. The stabilizers are antioxidants and
obviously removing air from the tank is a good idea. Heat and light
would also accelerate. Gas stored in an inert sealed, preferably
metallic system should last forever.