Gasoline vs. Gas mixed with Methanol

[trophyman]

I raise this question because I'm noticing that many of the local gas stations now have a posting indicating that the gasoline is mixed with 5% Methanol. The sticker on my boat indicates that I should only use gasoline. I fill up at the local Hess station since my boat is on a trailer. What problems does the Methanol pose to an outboard engine? It burns fine in my Fuel Injected V8.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Gasoline vs. Gas mixed with Methanol

5% isnt going to cause any harm. The problem with methanol is damage to the gaskets, and fuel pump, just makes replacing more often necesary.

 

[BF]

Re: Gasoline vs. Gas mixed with Methanol

In snowmobile circles, what I've heard is that running a 2 stroke with alcohol mixed fuel is the almost (?) equivalent to dropping down a jet size. If you're jetted on the edge, then the booze blend can cause a running lean situation. Anyone heard anything along these lines with OB's?<br /><br />I think the cold weather makes sleds more susceptible to lean jetting situations.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Gasoline vs. Gas mixed with Methanol

It's probably ethanol, not methanol. Methanol is really bad for any engine that isn't built for it.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Gasoline vs. Gas mixed with Methanol

Most engine can stand up to 10% Ethanol with little or no ill effects. However older carbs will be cleaned and a lot of varnish will be taken off the walls of the fuel tank and carbs leading to a possibly crudded up filter and leading to the engine getting little fuel as the carb and/or filter might get plugged up. Most of the newer fuel lines and rubber parts are made from ethanol compatible rubber. If not then they will just wear out faster.<br /><br />I would love to run my engine on ethanol or E-85 but in order to do that I will need to replace the fuel tank with a stainless tank. and they dont have a larger jet for my carbs as you need a 9:1 ratio as opposed to 14:1 with gasoline due to the Oxygen in ethanol.<br /><br />The reason I want to do this is that Ethanol will provide a better amount of power at a higher cruise speed.

 

[twinsfan]

Re: Gasoline vs. Gas mixed with Methanol

I am not sure if it is the same in an outboard engine, but in my atv i find that if i let the gas sit without running for more than a month the needle in the carb will start to crystalize around it and runs rough until i get some seafoam into it.