Being from Minnesota it is getting harder to find ethanol free gas for the boat, most of it is 10%. Has anyone heard of any problems with using 10% ethanol in the boat? I’m running a 2004 60hp Merc, oil injected……….

You need to put Non-Oxy Gold in your motor, there is no ethanol in it. I been using it for the last 6 years in all my outboards, chainsaws, lawn mower, weed eater, anything except my truck. It's a diesel, if it was gas - I would put it in there also.

Go with Non-Oxy Gold, it's a little more expensive, but it's alot better on your motor and you will get better milage.

I'm not a big fan of oxygenated fuel either but at $4.00 a gallon for the cheap stuff it works fine in my Yammie 40 hp 2 stroke. I use it in everything I have and have never had a problem. Easier to find and a lot cheaper too.

You will probably hear differently from the more techeeee people on here, but I have had never had a problem with ethanol blends. I just make sure to use Stabil over the off season. I use it in my snowblowers, lawnmowers, gas trimmers/chainsaw, ice auger...

If you can't find it you can't find it.. simple as that.

There's no harm done in running the lower grade gas, as long as it meets the minimum octane requirements specified by your motor manufacturer.

If you use the gas quick enough it's not an issue. If you don't I'd be sure to use a fuel stabilizer.

marine_man

The only reason to use premium is for motors with a higher compression ratio. The higher octane rating means it has to get to a higher temperature to spontaneously combust. If gas spontaneously combusts before the spark, it causes engine knocking.
for small engines i usually use premium, for a vehicle i think it is a waste of money unless they call for it.

I have a 1967 Chrysler outboard and have always used 87 octane. I rebuild my carb and fuel pump every 3 or 4 years and the cost is under 30 bucks total for both kits. The key thing with gas is to always buy it from the same place. Different companies use different additives and if you mix them additives it is almost like napalm. It can create a sludge that is hard on the carb. I live next to SA and I always buy gas there for my gas cans and never have a problem with it. I have read that higher octane gas tends to not burn as well leaving higher carbon deposits in motors. The main reason most people use higher octane gas on an outboard is because it is the only kind available that is non oxygenated.

Mine is so old the factory manual recommeds lead substitute. I feel bad enough when I loose a lead sinker in a lake but using the stuff in my gas just seems wrong.

Exactly! I have NEVER had any fuel related problems in anything I own, from snow blower to boat motor. I treat the gas with either Stabil or Seafoam as directed. Some of my stuff is lucky to get two tanks a year run thru it and I've never had a problem. Save the high octane stuff for what needs it, use what the manufacturer recomends as far as octane rating.

Ive gone through 2 fuel pumps on my yamaha with ethenal blend. I was told the ethanal ate away the seals inside. I actually frose the engine and melted engine piston because of the fuel pump.

I take that back, in 1993 I had a fuel injector go bad because of the alcohol. They said it ate the insulation off the wires inside the coil. That was 1993.

I have always run standard 87 octane in my boats and never had a problem. No oxy around here.

Good to add a water separator if you use ethanol based fuel.

Most motors (dating back 30+ yrs) are designed to run 87 octane gasoline. The problems with ethanol are:

1. Alcohol can damage older fuel lines/seals, etc.

2. Alcohol acts as a solvent, removing "varnish" left by gas sitting in the carb/tank. This crud can then end up in the cylinder

3. Alcohol will absorb water and separate from gasoline if left to sit for an extended period, this will cause major problems for your motor.
If you plan to use ethanol a lot, consider doing this


New motors, 8-10 yrs old, should be fine using 87 octane E10, but you should check your manual to be sure.

I use the non-oxy with a stabilizer when I know I'm not going to run through the fuel quickly. If I need to fill and I know I'm going to use it, I'll use 87 to save a few bucks.

If you want to see a list of locations throughout the state that carry non-oxy gas, go to the MN Street Rod Assoc website. It is a pretty comprehensive list.