eTHANOL

[DryDockCaptain]

I apologize if this has been covered before, but I did not see it.

Ethanol.
I am new to boating, and it really slips my mind that the majority of gasoline contains ethanol these days.
Our boat has a Mercury 75 engine, (1994/95).
We got some stuff for lac of technical terms that 'takes care ot the ethanol' in the fuel.
I mean, I don't think I know a single person who actually likes ethanol in the fuel, but how bad is it for boat motors?
Should I take the trouble seeking out the few ethanol free sources in the area?

 

[hardwater fisherman]

I think most of the damage from ethanol is with fuel lines and carbs.In the top secret files in the johnson and evinrude forum there is some information.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Newer engines are manufactured to tolerate regular pump gas with ethanol. Don't go crazy. Buy any brand gas and have fun with your engine. Just don't put the boat away for the winter with a tank of untreated gas.

 

[DryDockCaptain]

Newer engines are manufactured to tolerate regular pump gas with ethanol. Don't go crazy. Buy any brand gas and have fun with your engine. Just don't put the boat away for the winter with a tank of untreated gas.

What constitutes 'newer'?

 

[ondarvr]

What constitutes 'newer'?

Around 1990 most motors were built to use E-10. Many companies make good money by scaring people into buying miracle in a bottle type stuff, there are a few things that can help in a limited way, but nothing works to cure even half the things they made up as guaranteed problems on the label.

 

[Sea Rider]

On "today's" engines have not seen fuel hose deteoration whatsoever at least on Tohatsu engines, but have seen huge fuel pump diaphragms ballooning and rubber o'rings elongating way faster than with non E fuels, is well pic documented. If possible and easy to find, go for the non E fuels.

Happy Boating

 

[Scott Danforth]

depending on your geographical location, there are non-e fuels available. in the midwest, simply buy premium, as most premium fuels in the midwest are non-ethanol. however down here in fuel all fuels except racing fuels and the way over-priced non-ethanol (nearly $0.80 premium over regular 87 octain e-10) is all we get. dont sweat it, and simply go boating. do not let the fuel sit for more than a few weeks, or dump it into your car.

Agreed that ethanol is the dreams of lobbyists, however not going to make this political.

 

[JimS123]

My "daily driver" outboards range from 1953 to 2009. They all run on E10 and have been for 25 years or more. I won't use expensive premium and I won't drive 20 miles to get E-0.

The ONLY issue I have had was a bad fuel gauge in a portable tank because the lacquered cork float sank. An easy fix for a buck to replace the cork with a rubber one.

The other difference I can see (in my old car as well) is that I have not had to rebuild a carburetor for many years since they don't get dirty any more..