Gas additive?

[Erik]

Hey everyone!

The Columbia is in the water and I ran her a few times...all good so far. I'm running a 1987 Chrysler 318 inboard and I was told I can add Marvel Mystery Oil to the gas tank? What do you think?

[wattaway2]

marvel mystery oil has been around for a long time commonly used in the engine oil to help free up lifters and rings think of it as super detregent. we used to slowly pour it down the carb to help with a stuck valves . it will smoke like crazy so I dont think I would run it in the fuel while boating

[Bushwacker]

That's an upper cylinder lube; might be ok to use if you have sticking valves or as a fogging oil for winter layup, but don't see the need for summer use unless you like changing fouled spark plugs! If you're running E10 gas, I'd be more inclined to add Marine Formula Stabil (AND check the ethanol content of the fuel!) I'd also be inclined to install a good large diameter (2 5/8") vacuum gage to monitor engine load at cruise and detect any changes in performance/engine health in the future. It's also sensitive enough to detect build up of barnacles, etc. on the hull and running gear! Denny

[castalot]

I like startron additive

[DonV]

I saw Lucas Oil now has an ethanol treatment out. Saw it at Wally World, a bottle treats 60 gal for I think around $8. Normally Lucas makes very quality products.

Notice how we have another industry just to fix something we do not need....forced on us by the government. Gas was and is just fine without ethanol.

[csurf]

Originally Posted by DonV

I saw Lucas Oil now has an ethanol treatment out. Saw it at Wally World, a bottle treats 60 gal for I think around $8. Normally Lucas makes very quality products.

Notice how we have another industry just to fix something we do not need....forced on us by the government. Gas was and is just fine without ethanol.

I've been wondering about what they are going todo now that ethanol is not being subsidized. My yami mechanic is convinced that they are going to remove it completely... wishful thinking is more like it. Imagine gas without it? Better economy, cheaper, no additives.

[bigeasy1]

I'd agree with running some Startron,-marine Stabil,-or other fuel treatment that helps to keep ethanol problems from occuring.
After having to replace a complete bank of injectors on my Ford truck along with the spark plugs,I decided to do some research on fuel additives.
I found the jury completely out on additives for gasoline used in cars and trucks.Nobody has a definitive answer as to whether or not they actually do any good.
What amazed me,is all the message boards that advocate using TCW3 outboard oil in gasoline for cars and trucks.Others swear by Marvel mystery oil and lucas or a combination of all three.
Others say they're all hocus pocus.Who knows what to believe?I think it's all just a marketing ploy to sell more product.All I know is that after my fiasco with the Ford 5.4 motor,I tried all of them and found zero advantage with any of them.

For a marine engine however,I think anything that helps to stabalize and reduce the phase separation in ethanol laden fuels is a wise move.I've been running Startron in my boats fuel and,(knock on wood),have had no engine problems due to bad fuel.I also run two water separating fuel filters.

[77SceptreOB]

I agree with Bigeasy, nice summary!

[gofastsandman]

When we got e10 shoved down our throats, I had to go through the fuel system and replace everything. After 30 hrs. my Racor was loaded with "raw sewage".

Shops say 50% of the issues are e10 related. Ask the Father. 2600 clams for a fuel pump...that was just the part.

I can get rec 90 and I do. I run startron. Stabil for e10. I`d rather spend my money one dollar at a time.

Cheers,
GFS