Ethanol and outboards

[mrom1234567]

I just read an article in THE FISHERMAN. Dated Sept. 30, 2004. The article states that since 10% ethanol is now in all fuels it can cause major problems with 2 cycle outboards.<br />Has anyone read this article?<br />It scared me to death.<br />1999 Yamaha saltwater series carbed motors<br />Michael

 

[JB]

Re: Ethanol and outboards

Most manufacturers say that 10% or less ethanol is tolerable.<br /><br />Not all fuels have any ethanol, much less 10%.<br /><br />I would expect that your Yammy can tolerate 10%. Check your Owner's Manual.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Ethanol and outboards

Some outboard motor owner's manuals state that up to 10% alcohol is acceptable, however they do state that you may experience drivability problems such as hard starting, vapor lock, etc. You should also inspect the fuel system more often and change filters frequently because of the affinity of alcohol to attract moisture.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Ethanol and outboards

hello<br /> I used to run ethanol and outboards. just never tried mixing it with gas much, taste nasty. Baccardi was the ethanol of choice then . <br /> 10% or less the yamaha should tolerate. just be aware that fuel system maint should be done every year and ethanol absorbs water and then the water will fall out of solution in the carb bowls and cause some corrosion sometimes, drain the bowls periodicaly.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[Mark42]

Re: Ethanol and outboards

Ethanol in gasoline is mostly a regional condition. Areas of high pollution potential, such as NY City and surrounding areas, are mandated to have 10% ethanol. If you live in an area that is not high on the air pollution scale, ethanol is not a problem. If you are unsure about your supplies, Ethanol is listed as an additive on the pump, just look.<br /><br />I brought non-ethanol gas from NJ when boating on Long Island, NY.<br /><br />Mark.<br /><br />Edited because I can't spell to save my life.

 

[gss036]

Re: Ethanol and outboards

Costco in our area here on the NW started using BP gas. I have filled up my boat there for several years. I became concerned because BP supplies all the AM/PM gas and there hundreds of horror stories going around about AM/PM gas and alcohol. I left a note in the customer response box in our local store and got a call from the gas station manager, he assured me that they do not have alcohol in any form in thier gas and they have a cleaning additive (generic) added to thier gas. I was concerned because I got a check engine light on my Ford Explorer, turned out to be an O'2 sensor, a couple bottles and Chevron Techron cleaned up the front sensor and the light went away. I would have the same problem w/wife's 91 Mustang 4 cyl engine, so now I use the additive every 3-4 tanks and no problem. Just my 2 cents, advise is free after all.

 

[sschoener]

Re: Ethanol and outboards

i read the same article. unfortunately it was after i chased the problem around for a month or so. on long island, the fuel is mandated at 10% ethanol. according to the article, the ethanol acts in the fuel tank and lines as a solvent and cleans all the deposits in the tank and lines and sends them through the fuel system.<br /><br />my s250txrv (1997 saltwater series ox66 250) had all of the problems listed in the article. the dirt in the fuel system got past the racor filter on the boat and the yamaha filter on the engine and plugged up the screen in the vst tank and the screens in the injectors themselves (thank you again rodbolt!) once they were disassembled and cleaned the engine ran perfectly and still is. the job is not that difficult to do yourself - the difficult part was diagnosing the problem (thanks again rodbolt!) and it is virtually cost free.<br /><br />hope this helps anyone with similar problems.

 

[mrom1234567]

Re: Ethanol and outboards

I have Carbed Yamaha Saltwater Series II.(1999)<br />What areas as far as filters and screens should I check? I will be ordering manual shortly.<br />Although, my motors have performed flawlessly after about 2-300 gallons of fuel this season.<br /><br />Michael

 

[telemorgan]

Re: Ethanol and outboards

The problem is two fold really - <br /><br />One it does act like a solvent cleaning the tank walls as it is sloshed around. All this crap then makes its way through the pickup tube. hopefully your filter(s) will catch it before damage can occur. <br /><br />Also the E10 absorbs water out of the air. This water than settles at the bottom on the tank along with the alcohol during the phase seperation process. <br /><br />I was hit by it earlier this season but I changed my filters and few times and rebuilt my carbs all is well. Go Figure: Pay more for gas now than ever before and on top of that we have to worry about this crap. I might pickup golf.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Ethanol and outboards

yep what they said, and if your running with ethanol make sure you change your low pressure fuel pumps every 3 years or so.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Ethanol and outboards

Ethanol, methanol, menthol, isopropanol - they're all alcohols. I'm confused. Ethanol in gas is bad, isopropanol in Stabil is good. Correct?

 

[swist]

Re: Ethanol and outboards

Just because they are in the same hydrocarbon family doesn't mean they are the same thing. Alcohols have a lot of different characteristics. As a simple example, drinking ethanol will get you drunk, drinking methanol or isopropanol will kill you.