Fuel additives

[swrupert83]

I was just talking with a friend who's fiberglass fuel tank is being eaten away by the ethanol in summer fuel, and I was wondering the following:
I wonder if i should be adding something to the fuel for my 2 cycle 1985 85 hp force. I'm curious if the ethanol does nasty stuff to the non-metal parts in the carbs and other engine parts, or does mixing with the oil negate any ill effects?

 

[hgmatt]

Re: Fuel additives

Not sure about ethanol/fiberglass combo, but you'll enjoy this.

Ethanol will eat away some of the older fuel lines/gaskets due to the rubber contained within. Whatever grade rubber that was originally used doesn't work well with ethanol.

The other problem that has been known to happen is when there is water in the gas tank. The ethanol mixed with the gasoline will seperate and combine with the water and float to the bottom. There it will be sucked into the fuel intake and eventually clog the bowls in your carb. So, its is ever important to not allow water into the gas tank (its a boat, it happens). Personally, I think ethanol is a terrible product (reduced gas mileage and increase CO2 emissions, but that's not up for debate).

Only advice is to watch you gas tank like a hawk, try your best to keep water out and watch for your fuel lines to deteriorate. You can replace them with ethanol proof fuel lines, which is recommended. Search Ethanol on this forum (& other outboard forum) to further your research.