Ethanol in fuel

[TRD]

So for us dummies, what is the solution? What is the best thing to do, certain type of gas, gas stations? additives in every tank or what?

How do you know a fuel pump is going bad also?

Thanks

[dogbert]

So for us dummies, what is the solution? What is the best thing to do, certain type of gas, gas stations? additives in every tank or what?

How do you know a fuel pump is going bad also?

Thanks

Your fuel pressure regulator will go first and the engine will alarm for that at higher speeds.

[TRD]

I must say, I have never had an alarm go off on my boat. That should freak me out.

So should I be adding the Marine stabil to my fuel? or something else? do we have choices?

Thanks

[TeamAllen]

I'm not sure there is an answer yet. I'm just going to try the Marine fuel stabilizer year round, in hopes it will help.

[gman]

There is a lawsuit pending in Florida on use of ethanol.Don't know the status. Too bad calif judges dismissed it, but then again things are really weird in calif.By the way, has marine power ever said it was o.k. to use e10 gas in 04, 05 models? There was an article with those that said it was o.k. that I saw about 1 or two years ago, but marine power was not one of those.
Their manual that came with 05 boats specifically states not to use fuels with ethanol. some aticles that may be of interest are below.
[url]http://ethanolproducer.com/article.jsp?article_id=5299
http://www.iboats.com/basics/ethanol_fuels.html

[scoot18]

We've had a recent epidemic in our area with gasoline. Not sure if the mistake was intentional or accidental. At whatever the point is where the blend is made prior to shipping to gas stations that company improperly blended fuel to almost 80% ethanol. There has been an epidemic of automobile problems in the tidwater area due to this. Chk engine lights, driveability problems, stalling. And many boat issues, esp outboards that have to mix oil with fuel. As gas prices begin to creep up again, there may be some intentional improper blending to increase profits. Keep an eye out, i'm sure our area wont be the only one. The sad thing is that it is all over the news, but they won't advise the public who is selling the gas. I know from dealing with my own customers that have fallen victim that it is being sold at BJ's wholesale club, Wawa's, Farm Fresh, Raceco's, Wilco's, mostly discount gas sale locations, not top tier vendors.

It might be a good idea to test gas before putting into your boat. Get a 100ml beaker, place 90ml of fuel in the container, then add exactly 10ml of water. Cover the top & shake, let settle a few seconds & observe the level of alcohol. It will be on the bottom very clear & the fuel will be on top. The ethanol will cling to the water added. Read the level where ever it is at and subtract 9 from the total and that will be your alcohol content.

[dogbert]

Thanks scoot! Great advice!

[Lucky 275]

Kinda off topic: I went with a friend to pick up a new Cub Cadet lawn tractor. Nice large sticker on the gas tank says DO NOT USE ANY FUEL WITH MORE THAN 10% Ethanol (E10). I think it's interesting that there's a push for E15 now.

[TRD]

When you are talking about wholesale gas stations, would Sam's Club be part of this? What are some good gas stations? I was told BP is a good one, any others and is this true?

I have been looking at the pumps when I fill up since this thread started and I don't see anything on the pumps says there is an ethanol or alcohol mix in the gas.

We've had a recent epidemic in our area with gasoline. Not sure if the mistake was intentional or accidental. At whatever the point is where the blend is made prior to shipping to gas stations that company improperly blended fuel to almost 80% ethanol. There has been an epidemic of automobile problems in the tidwater area due to this. Chk engine lights, driveability problems, stalling. And many boat issues, esp outboards that have to mix oil with fuel. As gas prices begin to creep up again, there may be some intentional improper blending to increase profits. Keep an eye out, i'm sure our area wont be the only one. The sad thing is that it is all over the news, but they won't advise the public who is selling the gas. I know from dealing with my own customers that have fallen victim that it is being sold at BJ's wholesale club, Wawa's, Farm Fresh, Raceco's, Wilco's, mostly discount gas sale locations, not top tier vendors.

It might be a good idea to test gas before putting into your boat. Get a 100ml beaker, place 90ml of fuel in the container, then add exactly 10ml of water. Cover the top & shake, let settle a few seconds & observe the level of alcohol. It will be on the bottom very clear & the fuel will be on top. The ethanol will cling to the water added. Read the level where ever it is at and subtract 9 from the total and that will be your alcohol content.

[dogbert]

When you are talking about wholesale gas stations, would Sam's Club be part of this? What are some good gas stations? I was told BP is a good one, any others and is this true?

I have been looking at the pumps when I fill up since this thread started and I don't see anything on the pumps says there is an ethanol or alcohol mix in the gas.

Maybe domsz06 can shed some light on the subject.