fuel additives?

[jigmister]

1986 black max outboard.

Is it a good idea to run fuel additives in this old carburated motor or not?
if so what type and how often?

thanks
Jim

 

[achris]

Re: fuel additives?

Engine's of this era were already made to cope with unleaded petrol, so strictly speaking, they don't need additives. It's not a bad idea to add an octane booster if you have doubts about the quality of the fuel your supplier is giving you. If you have built-in tanks, then a fuel stabilizer and a de-watering additive once a year it's a bad idea either.

Cheers,

Chris..........

 

[gss036]

Re: fuel additives?

If you decided to run anything in it, use SEAFOAM, good product. It cleans carbs and fuel system along w/carbon. It is starting to get expensive though, looked at some today at the local WalMart, $5.98 @ can(pt).
I saw an article in the paper this AM that Oregon will mandate 10% alcohol in the gas for the entire state. Really not good news for boaters w/older engine.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: fuel additives?

Additives like SeaFoam or most other fuel system treatments are a good preventive measure for any engine except those where the manufacturer specificially states not to use it. Use the amounts specificied for regular use. SeaFoam is also used as a decarb agent and amounts are indicated on the container for that as well.

As for E10 (10% ethanol blended fuel) we in the upper midwest have been using it in our engines since 1997 and it presents a problem only in that engines built prior to that era may have some fuel system gasket and rubber component deterioration. A carb rebuild and replacement of the hoses will take care of that for very little money. The issue is using E10 in an engine that had a neglected/untreated fuel system. E10 is an excellent fuel system cleaner and will loosen that gunk and deposit it in filters and some may get through to the carb jets. Again, the carbs probably were due for rebuild anyway and once cleaned, the engine will live a normal life.

The only really bad deal is if your boat has a fiberglass (not plastic) fuel tank. Ethanol can get after some of the resins used in its manufacture. No fix for that other than replacing the tank if this turns out to be an issue.

 

[Laddies]

Re: fuel additives?

If you check the HASMAT material on Seafoam you will find it 90%+ alcohol and a small amount of fine oil what ever that is, why would you add more alcohol to help offset the effects of ethanol, is my question?