What grade of fuel?

[jhow0228]

I keep hearing such mixed opinions on what grade of gas I should be running in my '92 Merc XR6... 87, 89, or 92?? I know it is definitely best without ethanol, but I DO treat every bit of gas(E10 or 100% gas) with Seafoam. Any help would greatly be appreciated!

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: What grade of fuel?

Instead of spending half your life looking for non-ethenol, just go with 87 octane. That's what your engine was designed to use. Ethenol will degrade your old rubber lines so if they haven't been changed then do so asap. Also, add a fuel/water separator. Then, finally, enjoy your boat.

 

[JEBar]

Re: What grade of fuel?

I'm one who goes out of his way to fill our boat with non ethanol fuel, yep I openly admit that I detest the stuff .... fortunately it has a 42 gallon tank which helps with being able to take on fuel at my convenience ....being more than a bit paranoid about it, for winter storage I do treat the fuel with Marine Stabil and am not opposed to also pouring in some Sea Foam .... we have a 10 micron fuel filter/water separator which over the winter I hope to upgrade to a 2 micron filter

Jim

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: What grade of fuel?

Those "mixed opinions" may be coming from people who have "tuned" their engine (higher compression; advanced timing; over-revving). If it's still original factory specs then 87 is good.

 

[jhow0228]

Re: What grade of fuel?

Funny you mentioned change the lines. Just now ordered a new ethanol compatable line for it.

 

[kknickelson]

Re: What grade of fuel?

I have a 94 merc and the shop manual states 'minimum' 87 octane. I don't believe ethanol was even in our gas in 1994.
I'm with JEBar. Non oxygenated all the way. ( and sea foam in every tank full )

 

[wired247]

Re: What grade of fuel?

Ethanol is only one oxygenator used in fuel. Many states still use MTBE as the feds have not banned its use as an additive. Some states allow it and some just plain don't require its use like they used to . Theres also ETBE and other oxygenators that arent ethanol based.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: What grade of fuel?

My manual says 87 min and ethanol makes no difference....87 is 87 regardless of how they get there.

Mark

 

[Chris1956]

Re: What grade of fuel?

I am with Mark.....If she is a stock motor, fill it with regular fuel, Ethyl or non-ethyl, as is convenient, and run her. You don't need no stinkin additives. The rubber in the fuel lines of your '92 motor are likely alcohol resistant, so no worries. I use a fuel stabilizer ofer winter

Jim, a 2 micron fuel filter may cause a fuel restrictor. I recommend caution. Outboards like a lot of fuel.

 

[mark 6a]

Re: What grade of fuel?

Hi from the great white north. I have been told by small engine mechanics that the ethanol brakes down
the oil in the 2 stroke mix. This is why they recommend to use premium gas up here so that the ethanol
content is not as high or nonexistent.

 

[wired247]

Re: What grade of fuel?

A 2 micron filter is WAY too restrictive with no benefit. When I was going to college I filtered beer for a living and we didnt go that tight unless we were sterile filtering to keep out bacteria. Realistically a 200 to 500 micron filter is all you need.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: What grade of fuel?

Mark 6a, I think the mechanic is incorrect. Alcohol and oil mix fine..... Now if the alcohol gets water mixed in it will no longer mix with the oil. However, the same thing happens with water in straight gasoline. For both types of fuel, keep the water out, and you will have no fuel issues.

 

[mark 6a]

Re: What grade of fuel?

Chris1965, The guys I know have had a steady stream of chainsaws, mowers and outboards come to their shops
with seized motors since Ethanol showed up. Every customer had one thing in common Reg. gas. This is why they tell me to stay away from Reg. gas in my 2 strokes. I have always run my small motors on premium because I don't use enough gas to make a big difference.

 

[jhow0228]

Re: What grade of fuel?

I'm not sure what it's like up north, but I know in TN all grades of fuel contain 10% ethanol(except 100% gas and E85). So the grade doesn't change the ethanol amount.

 

[kknickelson]

Re: What grade of fuel?

Some stations here in MN sell non oxygenated gas in 91 octane only. The other grades of gas have ethanol.

 

[chum1]

Re: What grade of fuel?

Over here in the eastern side of wa state where im at there are still a couple of stations that sell non-ethanol fuel but there is word that it will be a mandatory to put ethanol in all fuel soon.

 

[mark 6a]

Re: What grade of fuel?

In Ontario, Canada all premium gas is 0% Ethanol. I choose not to take a chance, again it might cost me $30.00 a year more but it's only Canadian dollars.

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: What grade of fuel?

In Ontario, Canada all premium gas is 0% Ethanol. I choose not to take a chance, again it might cost me $30.00 a year more but it's only Canadian dollars.

LOL but this is no longer true All grades of fuel MAY now have ethanol unless the station specifically advertises ethanol free!

 

[oldman570]

Re: What grade of fuel?

A check on the net for Pure Gas.org should get one gas stations near them that sell gas without any ethanol.
Oldman570

 

[Chris1956]

Re: What grade of fuel?

Mark 6a, I really think your mechanic has no idea what he is saying. Mechanics fall for old wives tales as well. If the only evidence he has is that all the motors in his shop were run on regular fuel, that is no evidence at all, IMHO. In NJ, we do not have alcohol free gasoline, or at least I have never seen it. Guess what, our small engines survive just fine as do our OB, I/O, cars, trucks etc. A lot of folks neglect their lawnmowers and chainsaws, until they no longer work. The vast majority run them on regular gas. Does the gas cause the failures or does the lack of maintenance cause the failures?