What gas do we use?

Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
26
So.... you all helped us out and we bought a 2006 Tahoe Q6 SF. It has a 5.0 liter fuel injected 220 hp i/o mercruiser engine. We are finally taking it to the lake this weekend! The lake we are on has no marina. So.... it's okay to use regular gas, right? Does the octane matter? Recommendations? Thanks!:D
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: What gas do we use?

It is designed to run on regular grade fuel.
 

Nandy

Commander
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Apr 10, 2004
Messages
2,145
Re: What gas do we use?

So.... you all helped us out and we bought a 2006 Tahoe Q6 SF. It has a 5.0 liter fuel injected 220 hp i/o mercruiser engine. We are finally taking it to the lake this weekend! The lake we are on has no marina. So.... it's okay to use regular gas, right? Does the octane matter? Recommendations? Thanks!:D

The only thing extra in the marinas gas is the price!!! (water sometimes...) I say fill it at the gas station pump... Then, pictures, pictures, pictures!!!
 

lrdchaos

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 11, 2008
Messages
265
Re: What gas do we use?

If it's the 5.0 fuel injected, it will be 260 hp. And they are designed to run on 87 octane. I do try to find non-ethanol fuel though.
 

rs2k

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
486
Re: What gas do we use?

I agree, look for no ethanol gasoline, which is getting harder and harder to find. You want the water filter to stop the water in the fuel. You don't want the water to go through the engine, which is what the ethanol causes.

I check my gas stations fuel for ethanol every so often. To check for ethanol you take a glass or clear plastic container and fill it 1/4 of the way with water. You then draw a line at the water level. You then fill the jar up to 3/4 of the way with the gasoline you want to test. Then seal the container and shake it to mix it. After it settles if the water level remains the same then there is no ethanol in the fuel. If the water level drops, then you have ethanol in the fuel.

You might not want to do this experiment at the gas station. It's illegal to put fuel in a non fuel container.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: What gas do we use?

Water will go through the engine whether or not ethanol blended fuel is in the tank. Ever see water drained from an airplane fuel tank? I don't think they burn ethanol blended fuel. A water separating fuel filter is suggested for all boats -- not just because they happen to run E-10.
 

rs2k

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
486
Re: What gas do we use?

Most water filters will stop free flowing water just fine, but will not stop water that alcohol has absorbed (The proper term has escaped me). This isn't a problem when the engine is running, the problem is we let that water absorbed alcohol sit in out carburetors, intakes, valves, rings, and cylinders when the engine has been shut off. This water will then rust those parts.

I filled, sumped, and checked 100LL, diesel, and Jet-A fuel tanks at a small international airport fuel farm for two years. I also did the same for the fuel trucks. I learned about all I could about fuel in those two years. I am also a pilot who filled up his little airplane using pump gas. I performed the water check every time I fueled that airplane.

The water in fuel problem is caused mostly by condensation. The problem is greatly enhanced in a boat because of the vicinity to water and the higher temperature difference that water can create. A 70 degree fuel tank condensates when the bottom of the hull is immersed in 65 degree water and the dew point it 70+ degrees.

It is not possible to prevent all water from getting into boat fuel. This is why ethanol is not good for boats. (And most everything else for that mater)
 

Andy in NY

Commander
Joined
Oct 25, 2007
Messages
2,109
Re: What gas do we use?

i dont know where you live, but here in NY the Stewarts Shops gas stations do not have blended fuel. It is the ONLY place i will gas up for everything. not taking any chances.
 

DaveM

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 27, 2002
Messages
308
Re: What gas do we use?

There have been recommendations to use Chevron and avoid Arco or similar cash only bargain gas. Any major brand should be OK as long as you don't let it sit for extended periods.
 

escapade

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 30, 2007
Messages
205
Re: What gas do we use?

don't fall for all those gimmicks of fuel additives as they cause more harm then good, just make sure its a quality fuel, and zero ethanol is best
 
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