10 Percent Ethanol

[JohnB]

We have had a lot of descussion in Florida over this ethanol gas. There are some motors that have had problems, some that haven't. I saw a fuel line out of a merc optimax that desolved from the inside, and gummed up the fuel system. I have seen some nasty filters and clogged carbs.

Some have problems, some don't. It seems to have more to do with the conditon of the fuel tank. I put a new tank in my boat, and replaced all the lines/rigging when I did it. I haven't had more than a couple of teaspons of water after burning 100's of gallons of gas. Older boats with old tanks with newer motors seem to be the ones that are having the most problem. If I was repowering, I would probably replace the gas tank, or at least have it cleaned.

This is what seems to happen, if you have junk or water in your tank, the alcohol will clean it out and send it into the filters/motor. Startron seems to work well as a stabilizer/additive. One thing I have noticed is I lost about 4-6% in fuel economy, mpg/gph using ethanol.

As for inboards, I worked on a carb on an inboard that the float would just not work right with this alcohol gas. After running a couple of hours, it would "soak up", and then want to flood the engine. I tried replacing the float and rebuilding the carb, no luck. Finally ended up putting a aftermarket edelbrock carb on it, and now it runs great.

[76Red18]

My primer bulb rotted from the inside. Replaced it with an ethanol "proof" one. My fuel pump went bad (carbed 150 Johnson) a couple months after my stations started pushing ethanol. I now use a filter with a clear bottom so I'll be able to see the little black pieces when my fuel line starts to deteriorate [img]/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]. Hopefully that won't happen to the 520 series alcohol rated lines. My tank should be clean; I installed it 3 years ago. I was advised to use startron if the fuel was going to be unused for more than 2 weeks. Don't forget your lawn mowers and other small engines.

[BillPutney]

you nailed it.I have had my lawn mower repaired twice and each time it has acted up just as all of you have described . power starts to be reduced until finally it is puffing smoke and skipping.Twin cyl. 22 hp briggs .It eventually bent an exhaust valve in both instances an it is doing it again , the last time the repairman said he thoyught it needed a new carb.

[fdheld34]

Related question to this link....
if my boat sits in driveway with a full tank of fuel and I run it on the hose once a week for about 10 minutes at a time...should I use a fuel stabilizer etc. in the fuel..or is this mainly for people up north that winterize boats for long periods of time and do not have a chance to start motor?? I am able to take out boat approx 1 time every two months!

[ScottM]

From what I'm told, those of us still pre-mixing oil have no problems. It's all oil-injected motors that have the issue. Add fuel injection and things get worse.

I went all season with a smoky, carb'd pre-mix Evinrude that didn't hiccup once even after sitting at the slip for 3-4 weeks.

[Blue197320]

YAY PRE-MIX!!!!! i love my old motor. it just sat for 2 months and besides the overheating had no fuel issues.

[Michael Vezzosi]

This is absolutely freaking ridiculous! Fiberglass tank replaced on my 15 Whaler with [censored] in my fuel injectors! 10 micron Racor seperator not enough! Another 15 being rebuilt now. Custom aluminum fuel tank again! Can't even imagine whats in my 79 SeaCraft, but 70 gallons. Pumped out three years ago, by me, and found no problems. I don't rebuild my own carbs, and cost is out of control! Every kind of additive known to man. This is absolutely NUTS! Whats it going to take? News says that ethanol production is more costly than barrels of foreign oil, AND electric cars! I can't even keep my freakin' Stihl running! COME ON!!!

Sorry for the RANT but replacing fuel cells, custom built with todays prices on metal, additives up the arse, and outboard warranties that don't want to hear CRAP? What are we supposed to do? I'm sorry...maybe I have too many gas powered toys and tools. Just HAD to let it go...Part II.

[Bushwacker]

Fred - I would always use a fuel stabilizer, even if you weren't running ethenol. The oxygenated fuels that were developed a few years ago to reduce emissions seem to break down pretty quickly otherwise, even if they don't have alcohol in them. The alcohol just makes it worse by adding the phase separation problem, disolving any crud in the tank and attacking any rubber or plastic parts that aren't designed for it. The E-Tec's are supposed to be ok with up to 10% alcohol, and so far I've had zero problems. I did pull the tank and clean it real good when I repowered, and I've tried to avoid ethanol as much as possible, but looks like those days are over! Will switch to Startron from Stabil when I start buying E10. One factor that helps the DI engines is that the fuel system (except for the fuel in the tank) is sealed, so fuel is not exposed to oxygen, which should help it last a little longer.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

Just got back from Boaters World and picked up a bottle of Startron and a Racor Gas/H2o separator filter. I hope looking and seeing what is going into my motor will help me keep up with the potential problems. At lease I will feel better at the gas station when I fill up in the future.

I am thinking of keeping my old filter with the canister in the bilge and installing the Racor on the transom where I can see it and deal with it easy.

That would be a total of 3 filters. One in the bilge with regular filter in it, then the Racor on the transom and then there is the filter in my Yahama engine. I also have a Standard brand fuel scan meter hooked up on this fuel line as well which gives me readings like GPM, total gallons per trip. I almost forgot the fuel bulb which I squeezed once in 7 years.

Could this be a problem getting my fuel to the motor with all this extra stuff????


FellowShip

Just for the Grins

[JohnB]

If the filters are clean, they offer very little resistance.
I run a 2 filter system, one with the bowl to keep an eye on things, and one on the motor that has a water sensor/alarm. I think 3 might be a little over the top.
I NEVER find anything in the second filter.