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Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: sled on January 13, 2016, 10:07:42 PM


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Title: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: sled on January 13, 2016, 10:07:42 PM
  Reminder after I just paid 300.00 for carb, and fuel pump rebuild.  Unhook fuel supply and run it out of gas.  Then drain your carb bowl. Also use and additive like sea foam, and non ethanol fuel when possible. 
  Learn from my mistake! :bash:
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: Wa hunter on January 13, 2016, 10:19:44 PM
Non ethanol fuel, stabile, ran dry but forgot to drain good reminder.
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: Reidus on January 13, 2016, 11:15:27 PM
I run that blue enzyme fuel treatment and it seems to work in boats mowers weed eaters etc.
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: johnny b on January 13, 2016, 11:44:43 PM
Check the internet for "Puregas.org" for locations with nonethonal fuel that may be near you. 
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: usmc74 on January 14, 2016, 04:33:20 AM
Grange in Issy has ethanol free gas
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: b23 on January 14, 2016, 01:21:04 PM
It's not necessarily ethanol fuel itself that causes the damage but more the result of running only pure gas for a long time then putting in ethanol blended fuel.  The ethanol blended fuel acts almost like a varnish remover and if your tanks have any amount of build up in them the ethanol blended fuel knocks it all loose into your fuel and passes it through the system, often,  that's what causes the problem/s with gunking up the fuel system.
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: lokidog on January 14, 2016, 01:36:19 PM
I've used ethanol gas for however long they have had it.  In the older motors, many of the fuel lines were not compatible and would deteriorate leaving gunk in your carb.  I can't imagine any engine being built since 2000, well maybe a Mercury since they don't seem to like to use stainless either   :rolleyes:  , that has fuel lines that are not compatible with ethanol.  The only problem I have had is in those older motors, or small engines like chainsaws and weed whackers that I only use occasionally and cannot drain.

Having said that, if your engine is going to sit a month or more, it is probably a good idea to put in some Stabil type stuff, and it is always a good idea to run it dry.  I don't do either and put 2500 to 3500 miles a year on my Honda 90's and have never had "ethanol" issues.  But, I do run it at least once every two weeks in the winter and usually every week. 

If you take care, there is no reason to spend the extra $1+ a gallon for non-ethanol fuel.  :twocents:

Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: sled on January 14, 2016, 04:33:25 PM
I was told at the repair shop several manufactures are saying not to use ethanol fuel. :dunno:
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: lokidog on January 14, 2016, 06:52:47 PM
It just takes a quick Google search to learn more... they have more comments if you want to look at the article.

http://petelandrysrealgas.com/2010/10/what-marine-engine-manufacturers-say-about-ethanol-gas-2/

By “Pete” Landry – October 20, 2010
This is what the major outboard marine engine manufacturers have to say about the use of ethanol fuel in their engines. This information is taken directly from their web sites:
YAMAHA MARINE: Web Site: http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outboard/products/lifestylehome/home.aspx
Ethanol Gas Comments: http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outboard/faq/faqanswer/14/19/1/answers.aspx

Question & Answers # 14:
Question: Are Yamaha engines compatible with E10 fuel?
Answer: All current models as well as most engines built since the late 1980’s have been designed with fuel system components that are tolerant to fresh fuel containing ethanol up to 10% (E10). Outboard fuel systems can still be affected by: water, dissolved gum, varnish, corrosion particles, and dissolved resins that E10 fuel has cleaned from the distribution system and your boat’s fuel tanks.


HONDA MARINE: Web Site: http://marine.honda.com/
Ethanol Gas Comments: http://marine.honda.com/owners/fuelrecommendations

Question: What kind of fuel should I use in my Honda Marine engine?
Answer: Honda engines are designed and certified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.  Gasoline is allowed, by regulation, to contain a variety of additives. The same regulation limits how much of some additives, such as alcohol, can be included in the fuel and still be sold as gasoline. If you look in a Honda product owner’s manual, you will see that a maximum of 10% ethanol is allowed in gasoline (other oxygenates are also listed). Honda engines are designed for good performance and efficient operation using gasoline containing from 0 to 10% ethanol.
E85, a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, has been in the news recently. E85 is an alternative fuel; it is not gasoline. Honda Marine engines are not currently designed or certified to run on E85 or any other alternative fuel.
Always refer to your Honda owner’s manual for a list of recommended fuel and the current approved additives.


MERCURY MARINE: Web Site: http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/
Ethanol Gas Comments: http://www.mercurymarine.com/service-and-support/customersupport/
faqs/warranty/#EthanolWarranty

Questions & Answers:

Question: Will the use of fuels containing ethanol void my engine warranty?
Answer: Fuels containing up to 10 percent ethanol are considered acceptable for use in Mercury engines.  Fuels containing higher levels of ethanol are not considered acceptable for use, and the use of fuels containing ethanol higher than 10 percent can void the warranty.


Suzuki and Evinrude Marine did not respond to the author’s request before the article was printed.
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: sled on January 14, 2016, 07:23:56 PM
Thanks for putting me in my place!  Lol.  I know they did mention evenrude specifically. 
The main point they made to me was to use an additive if the fuel won't be used for a month or so, and to drain the carb bowl after running the engine out.
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: lokidog on January 14, 2016, 07:40:57 PM
Thanks for putting me in my place!  Lol.  I know they did mention evenrude specifically. 
The main point they made to me was to use an additive if the fuel won't be used for a month or so, and to drain the carb bowl after running the engine out.

I agree with that completely, as I have already posted.  I'm not trying to "put you in your place", just trying to get the facts out there and not have people waste money on non-ethanol fuel when it is not needed.  I keep one jug of non-ethanol fuel for my small engines that get infrequent use and I cannot drain or run dry.
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: hogslayer on January 14, 2016, 07:48:52 PM
My family has a commercial seafood company on the Hood Canal and switched to all ethanol free gas about 6 years ago.  From my understanding, when ethanol evaporates it attracts moisture when it evaporates.  It also eats up the gaskets and rubber rings in hoses and connections faster than typical gas would.  We haven't had any major problems since we switched
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: lokidog on January 14, 2016, 07:58:53 PM
If you've got ethanol evaporating in your fuel tanks you have other problems.  Take a look at that link.  There are other questions that the engine manufacturers answer that address water in fuel and switching from non-ethanol fuel to ethanol fuel, both causing problems.

I have had no problems with fuel lines, seals or gaskets on any engine newer than 1995, but hey, if you want to spend an extra $1-$2 a gallon, not my problem.

Calm seas to all.
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on January 14, 2016, 08:01:51 PM
If you've got ethanol evaporating in your fuel tanks you have other problems.  Take a look at that link.  There are other questions that the engine manufacturers answer that address water in fuel and switching from non-ethanol fuel to ethanol fuel, both causing problems.

I have had no problems with fuel lines, seals or gaskets on any engine newer than 1995, but hey, if you want to spend an extra $1-$2 a gallon, not my problem.

Calm seas to all.

I believe the saying is " Fair winds, and following seas."  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: sled on January 14, 2016, 08:08:58 PM
Thanks for putting me in my place!  Lol.  I know they did mention evenrude specifically. 
The main point they made to me was to use an additive if the fuel won't be used for a month or so, and to drain the carb bowl after running the engine out.

I agree with that completely, as I have already posted.  I'm not trying to "put you in your place", just trying to get the facts out there and not have people waste money on non-ethanol fuel when it is not needed.  I keep one jug of non-ethanol fuel for my small engines that get infrequent use and I cannot drain or run dry.
honestly, I was just joking.  They did also mention the moisture issue.  My only purpose with the post was to remind everybody to maintain properly which I didn't do and it cost me. :bash:
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: mazama on January 14, 2016, 08:09:54 PM
A friend had a1year old Honda mower it would not start Honda dealer said problems with gas,i used starting fluid got it going and shut it off would not start without fluid again,so igot it going again with with fluid let it run 25 minutes after that it started without fluid-I now put additive in every tank of gas for saws or mower.
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: lokidog on January 14, 2016, 08:12:13 PM
Thanks for putting me in my place!  Lol.  I know they did mention evenrude specifically. 
The main point they made to me was to use an additive if the fuel won't be used for a month or so, and to drain the carb bowl after running the engine out.

I agree with that completely, as I have already posted.  I'm not trying to "put you in your place", just trying to get the facts out there and not have people waste money on non-ethanol fuel when it is not needed.  I keep one jug of non-ethanol fuel for my small engines that get infrequent use and I cannot drain or run dry.
honestly, I was just joking.  They did also mention the moisture issue.  My only purpose with the post was to remind everybody to maintain properly which I didn't do and it cost me. :bash:

I've also learned the hard way about using ethanol fuel in my small engines.  :(
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: sled on January 14, 2016, 08:13:33 PM
My carburetor had both varnish from old fuel, and a white chalky powder in it that they said was from moisture caused by the ethanol in the fuel evaporating, and causing condensation. 
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: BigGoonTuna on January 15, 2016, 05:31:17 AM
the ethanol doesn't evaporate, it's what attracts water to the fuel.  the chalky stuff is usually some kind of aluminum corrosion.

if you're using your motor a lot, most will get along fine with E10 fuel.  if you're like me and mostly get to start at your boat out the window because the rivers are only in shape on days you're working this season, i'd recommend E0.  the ethanol doesn't cause many issues when it's running, it's primarily when it sits around.  ethanol absorbs water and turns corrosive when it sits, so steel parts rust and aluminum gets that scaly white corrosion.

unless you live on the coast, that is.  i made a habit of dumping my small engine gas in my truck if it sat longer than a month or so when i lived in hoquiam, that damp salt air turned my fuel tanks into a watery milkshake in a hurry, even when they were in the garage.  part of this has to do with the stupid "EPA" gas cans that have one way vents that can't be shut off, they let that wet air inside the tank when temperatures drop.

i saw it a lot in the small engine repair business i used to work at.  loggers and landscapers very rarely had any issues related to ethanol, but the guy who bought a chainsaw, used it one time and then let it sit with gas in it for a year comes in all wound up because his saw that he has barely used is all fouled up and needs a new carburetor.
Title: Re: Outboards, and ethanol fuel.
Post by: jeepster on January 15, 2016, 06:16:50 PM
Ethanol is horrible. Pay the extra cash, drive the extra mile, there are still places that sell ethanol free fuel, hard to find, but worth it, doesn't matter what motor it is, marine gasoline engines should only eat premium. Additives are your friend.

The main problem with ethanol is it is alcohol. Alcohol absorbs water, unless you keep your fuel tanks 100% full, condensation is an issue. Gasoline doesn't have a shelf life like diesel, if you want good fuel consider going to a small airport and getting avaition fuel, its a higher octane like 102, but not subject to the EPA as automotive gasoline is, so might be a better bet, might also have to adjust timing because of the slower burn rate, but at least it's not the standard gas station crap
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