Ethanol free gas

[RichRab]

My coworker bought a late 90' s merc i/ o that the previous owner paid an extra $2 gallon more for ethanol free gas. Any problem using regular gas. Thank you, RR

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Ethanol free gas

Simply put, no. There will be differing opinions of course.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Ethanol free gas

My coworker bought a late 90' s merc i/ o that the previous owner paid an extra $2 gallon more for ethanol free gas. Any problem using regular gas. Thank you, RR

Made me laugh at people with disposable income. Late 90's Mercruiser use the same engines available in automobiles....... tell your co-worker to same the extra cash......he will be fine.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Ethanol free gas

When I had my 98 Chap with a 350 Mag, I went by what Mercruiser recommended in their manual. I used non ethanol.
Boatinfo - Mercruiser Service Manual nr. 24 - 1998-2001 - Engines GM V8 305 & 350 CID

 

[Jerico]

Re: Ethanol free gas

Outside of ethanol will dissolve fiberglass and eats rubber no problem. My experience - $600+ repair bill, I'm still looking at about $400 more for a reman carb. Both shops that have looked at it say its because the previous owner used 'regular' gas with ethanol. Figure I can pay for the marina gas and run the boat or pay for it to sit in the shop...

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Ethanol free gas

As long as you RUN it and not let it SIT...you'll be fine.

 

[RichRab]

Re: Ethanol free gas

The reason I am asking is for the gas tank and fuel lines. Not the motor. Thank you. RR

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Ethanol free gas

Late 90's are OK for ethanol fuels not to exceed 10%.

However, there are some porecautions:

1. Fiberglass fuel tanks can be harmed by ethanol. Plastic and aluminum OK.
2. Ethanol has an affinity to attracting water.
3. A fuel additive such as Sea Foam or Sta Bil should be used, especially if the boat sits for any length of time.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Ethanol free gas

One additional point. Regardless what fuel you used in the past, if the fuel system had been ignored and is now full of debris, gum, varnish, use of ethanol blended fuel becomes a great fuel system cleaner and will remove this gunk. So for a period of time after starting use of E10 you may have fuel filter clogging issues. If you have an older boat, replacement of fuel line with ethanol tolerant versions will be about all that's needed. A carb rebuild with E10 tolerant parts would also be a good thing to do. Otherwise, the engine doesn't care what is exploding in its cylinders.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Ethanol free gas

Pure gas is the only way to go. BUT some stations with 100% gas like to price gouge. Use the website pure-gas.org to find all the options in your area.