Help with Ethanol

[Steveo]

Now that the Alton Village Store gas station has finally gone to Ethanol we have lost the last place to protect our old boats. Can someone help me on what best to do to protect a 1985 Mercruser I/O. Should I add dry gas or some other additive with each tank full? Should boat be stored with gas tank dry or full? I also have a 1995 Ford F-150 that I store outside in the winter at the camp. Same question on storage for that please.

Thanks for any help.

[TomC]

Steveo, there is a new Sta-bil product designed to work where there is ethanol in the gas..

http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/stabil_marine.htm

There is some more info in their marine FAQs:

http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/faqs_stabil_marine.asp

[wifi]

Unfortunately, 'dry gas' IS ethanol.... :laugh:

[ishoot308]

Now that the Alton Village Store gas station has finally gone to Ethanol we have lost the last place to protect our old boats. Can someone help me on what best to do to protect a 1985 Mercruser I/O. Should I add dry gas or some other additive with each tank full? Should boat be stored with gas tank dry or full? I also have a 1995 Ford F-150 that I store outside in the winter at the camp. Same question on storage for that please.

Thanks for any help.

Here's a great article which help explains how ethanol affects boat engines... Interesting read.

http://www.boats.com/news-reviews/article/outboard-expert-ethanol

Dan

[Orion]

The new Stabil product would leave one to believe it solves all problems with ethanol fuel. It probably does help, but does not address the key problem with ethanol, and that is the separation of ethanol when it absorbs moisture and creates waxy sludge.

We've got to repeal the ethanol mandate or at least ensure exemptions for marine use.

[Aquadeziac]

I believe Sta-bil green 'Marine' stabilizer is formulated to combat 'phase separation' as is Star-Tron.

[VitaBene]

The new Stabil product would leave one to believe it solves all problems with ethanol fuel. It probably does help, but does not address the key problem with ethanol, and that is the separation of ethanol when it absorbs moisture and creates waxy sludge.

We've got to repeal the ethanol mandate or at least ensure exemptions for marine use.

Orion,
It would be nice but I don't see the Feds changing their mandate. Also, the demand would need to be high enough for the distributors to carry it or provide it at a reasonable cost.

It is no different than the change they made last year with diesel fuel- it has caused a lot of problems but the Feds don't care much about that. I spent a few evenings changing deteriorated seals caused by the ULSD blends that were mandated.

[robmac]

The Feds and the auto manufacturers wanted ethanol for the same reasons. One to help lower emissions and the automakers for giving them the ability to produce higher HP vehicles but still being emission compliant and meeting the Cafe standards. I agree we won't be seeing a change anytime soon unlike MBTE that was found to be a gross polutant.