ethenol & Outboards?
- Thread starter epaul
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inthebox30lbs
Well-known member
Seafoam every fill up or stabill ethanol treatment
beetlespin
Well-known member
+1 for Seafoam
Bass Hunter
Well-known member
Stabill makes a outboard product now. You can get it at Wal-mart for 18.00. It will treat up to 320 gallons. Been using it with every fill up. Nichols marine will can also install a water separator filter for around $65.
Bubbakat
Well-known member
Stabil is a good product and in no way would I tell a person not to use it. But bear in mind that a 2 stroke engine has a tendency to build carbon and seafoam does cut carbon where stabil doesn't. That is why I use seafoam and it cost some where around six bucks a can and worth every penney of it. As for a water seperator I can purchase one for 28 bucks and install it myself and come out cheaper then 65 bucks.
SpurHunter
Well-known member
I bought a big can of Sea Foam from Oreily Auto parts, and it was WAAAAY cheaper than the small bottles. I didnt use any the last two tanks of gas, and when I went back to it, my idle was much better, and also starting improved. I am lucky the two gas stations closest to my house at the corner of Hwy 58 and 60 are ethanol-free. 100% pure gasoline.
Bubbakat
Well-known member
I put mine inbetween the bulb and tank. It will work either way
captXtreme
Well-known member
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BubbaKat I had bought stabil but I believe i will use seafoam from now on, Thanks
James
James
jbh3
Well-known member
Don't know about other brands and engines, but if you're running a V6 Merc Optimax, you have a water filter/seperator on your engine now. Mercury does NOT recommend installing an additional external filter since improper installation can reduce fuel pressure. Running a decarbing additive is HIGHLY recommended on all engines, especially DFI's. Adding a fuel stabilizer is definitely a good idea if you don't use your rig frequently. Consult your manual and/or your mechanic for info on your particular engine. Good luck!
Good points. Most engines manufactured since the middle 80's are designed to operate on gasoline with up to 10% ethanol. Adding another filter is also another source for a fuel leak.
Topping off the fuel tank after each use will lower the volume of air and moisture in the tank that may be absorbed by the ethanol while the boat is not being used.
Merc EFI engines also have excellent filtration systems. Check the manufacturer's website for faq's relating to ethanol.
Gator
Well-known member
I looked at 2 Wal-Marts for the Sta-Bil for Marine engines with no luck. I did find it at Pep Boys but it was $9.99 for a small 8 oz bottle. I'm convinced we need to use something to fight the water and ethanol problems. emoBang emoScratch emoFish
beetlespin
Well-known member
Guys, just put a can of Seafoam in your tank everytime you fill up. Unless you boat is sitting unused for long periods of time you don't need to do anything else. If you burn a full tank every week you probably don't need to do anything. It takes me about 3-4 weeks to run out a full 36 gallon tank so I put in one can of seafoam at each fillup.
Bubbakat
Well-known member
bettlespin is right guys. Seafoam is a good stablizer and fuel system cleaner. If you gonna take a little longer to run a tank out then add a fuel separator on it to catch the water.
I also want to let each and every one of you know this has been a very informative thread and some rel good info has been passed on. I for one didn't know that the merc had the water separator on it I went and looked at the one on my toon that the fella said he had added some mods to the fuel system and he had added the updated fuel water separator on. Kudos to all who posted in this thread.
I also want to let each and every one of you know this has been a very informative thread and some rel good info has been passed on. I for one didn't know that the merc had the water separator on it I went and looked at the one on my toon that the fella said he had added some mods to the fuel system and he had added the updated fuel water separator on. Kudos to all who posted in this thread.
Gator
Well-known member
I agree Bubbakat it's been very helpful. My engine is a 1984 and I mix my oil and gas 6 gal at a time. I don't even use 6 gallons a week and it sits a lot. Therefore, I thought it best to have the "inline filter & water seperator" installed and to add the Sta-Bil also. Do you think it best to keep the tank 95% full even though the gas might get old before it's used? I'm told this prevents the ethanol from causing so much condensation but with the price of gas today I'm wanting to know the best thing to do.
Thanks emoScratch
Thanks emoScratch
Bubbakat
Well-known member
Gator that is a 64000 dollar question that the jury is still out on with me. With the phase separation I am afraid to add more and then not be able to use it in time. I am going to try keeping it toped off for now because My gut feeling tell me this is the right thing to do so if it does draw in water then I will have my seperator to fall back on there.
Gator
Well-known member
Thanks Bubbakat. I agree and plan to do the same. emoPoke ....I still would like to be able to purchase ethanol free fuel someplace between where I live and the water. Perhaps someone will post where ALL the places are that have ethanol free gas.
