How Was YOUR Memorial Day? Mine Not too good...

[wwind3]

dealer says the ethanol is eating up stuff in my fuel pump---something about a VST tank. First time I broke down in 2010-found pieces of fuel hose in the pumps, etc. I run additives and try to start the engine every week if I'm not running the boat. Try to keep gas tank filled.

I'm thinking about taking out the fuel tank and putting in 6 gal cans I can run out without having fuel sit in the tanks too long.I am pissed beyond all measure....

[OK Toon]

My stepbrother is a mechanic and said only vehicles that are used on a daily basis should use ethanol fuel. All other motors should have pure gas. He's had to clean the carbs out on just about all of my lawn equipment and generator because I used to use ethanol. Since I started using pure gas, everything has been running fine with no carb issues at all. That's enough to convince me that my boat, all lawn equipment and generator will only get pure gas from now on.

[wwind3]

My stepbrother is a mechanic and said only vehicles that are used on a daily basis should use ethanol fuel. All other motors should have pure gas. He's had to clean the carbs out on just about all of my lawn equipment and generator because I used to use ethanol. Since I started using pure gas, everything has been running fine with no carb issues at all. That's enough to convince me that my boat, all lawn equipment and generator will only get pure gas from now on.

No access to pure gas in my area//

[OK Toon]

No access to pure gas in my area//

Sorry for your luck. I've heard the marine Sta-bil is better at treating the ethanol. I used it the first summer when we were using ethanol. Hopefully it will help you.

[bassn386]

I've been using Mercury Quick Care ethanol treatment for treating ethanol fuel (one oz/ 10 gallons of fuel), plus for long term storage over the winter I put in SeaFoam at one ounce per gallon of fuel. Never had any issues with either motor or any of my gas powered lawn equipment (mower, weed trimmer, gas blower).

[wwind3]

I've been using Mercury Quick Care ethanol treatment for treating ethanol fuel (one oz/ 10 gallons of fuel), plus for long term storage over the winter I put in SeaFoam at one ounce per gallon of fuel. Never had any issues with either motor or any of my gas powered lawn equipment (mower, weed trimmer, gas blower).

I use the Quick care and I've broken down 4 times---so I am beginning to suspect something else. Taking it back to my original dealer next week.....maybe they can figure it out.

[BobG]

Not one problem with my Merc 115 on ethanol fuel yet.

Unfortunately, the Admiral missed her step getting off the boat, and ended up in the lake (at 54 degrees). That was the least of our problems. We're looking at a possible torn PCL in her left knee, possible toen MCL, and they won't even be able to check the ACL until the swelling goes down. Nonetheless, she will be on the boat tonight. She says "if I'm going to be laid up, and in pain, it might as well be on the boat".

[wwind3]

Not one problem with my Merc 115 on ethanol fuel yet.

Unfortunately, the Admiral missed her step getting off the boat, and ended up in the lake (at 54 degrees). That was the least of our problems. We're looking at a possible torn PCL in her left knee, possible toen MCL, and they won't even be able to check the ACL until the swelling goes down. Nonetheless, she will be on the boat tonight. She says "if I'm going to be laid up, and in pain, it might as well be on the boat".

Hate to hear that--hope it isn't a tear. I've had 3 surgeries all for torn meniscus----minor stuff but painful till they get fixed.

[babock]

I disagree as our marina (400 boats) had 150 disabled due to ethanol fuel a few years back. USCG vessel and DNR vessel included. I have a family member t hat works in a refinery. He claims ethanol fuel starts to go bad in 60 days after it leaves the refinery.

Sounds like your marina is supplying poor fuel rather than there being an ethanol issue.

Friend of mine is a chemical engineer for Chevron for over 30 years. Even he says that the number of failures that are attributed to ethanol are completely overblown.

If ethanol really is as bad as everyone says it is, how come EVERYONE is not having the exact same issues? I have ethanol fuel in both of my boats. Both boats sit for over 6 months at a time without being used. I have never had an issue.

[badmoonrising]

Nope, it was confirmed ethanol damage. We have reps from Valero at our marina and my appraiser said the damage was widespread on the peninsula from different suppliers, something about the blend they were supplying.

Also confirmed that ethanol is hard on small engine carbs, this comes from experience as a tech and family that actually works at the Valero (now PBF ) energy refinery local to us.

I drain my tanks every winter - no problems. Don't drain my tanks, guaranteed carb rebuilds by spring.

[fergusmj]

Memorial day was great....first few pics. But if it makes you feel any better, the week before wasn't. Had a high pressure line on my optimax blow. It was not the factory high pressure line.

Week before I had to get towed in.











blown line



tow in

[wwind3]

wow fergusmj-------what yr is the motor? That's a new one on me.....beautiful boat btw.....Is that a fuel line?