Anybody having problems with the ethanol gas?

[BayGator]

My motor started acting funny on the ride in yesterday and was running like crap. I checked all the spark plugs at the ramp and they looked fine. My buddy mentioned that it could be the ethanol in the gas making it skip and lose a few horses. Has anybody had this problem with the gas? What are some remedies if that is the problem? (and before someone says "don't buy ethanol gas", as of July 15th as I am told there won't be anymore ethanol free gas) Thanks for any help!!

[Tom Keels]

We haven't had any issues. We did start running synthetic oil in the motor and it's still running well.

Make sure you pull your fuel filter to see if you have any varnish particles. It could be devarnishing your tank.

[grasscarp]

This is from Yamaha I would guess by this is that with 15% we are getting into trouble


Both consumers and those in the boating industry should be aware of the following characteristics of ethanol, even when blended in ratios of as little as 10 percent:

1. Ethanol attracts and absorbs moisture from the air. That means boaters will likely face more fuel contamination issues from water absorbed through their fuel tank vents.

2. Ethanol can dissolve some solid materials (e.g., varnish or even oxidation in steel and aluminum tanks) commonly found in fuel tanks, thereby contaminating the fuel. Additionally, it can loosen any corrosion or particulate matter in the fuel system.

3. In some cases, ethanol has been known to dissolve components of the fuel system itself (e.g., fiberglass fuel tanks). However, modern fuel hose is made to withstand the effects of ethanol exposure.

4. Ethanol blends can react chemically with MTBE fuel blends, causing additional contamination.

Recommendations:

Fuel blends using as much as 10 percent ethanol are appropriate for use in all of Yamaha’s current outboard models. Yamaha does not recommend the use of fuels with higher concentrations of ethanol (e.g., E85, which contains 85 percent ethanol) or
any other fuel blend that contains more than 10 percent ethanol. In addition, Yamaha recommends boat builder partners and boaters (as applicable) take the following steps to mitigate the potential impact of ethanol in motor fuel:

1. Use fuel system components that are compatible with ethanol blends or replace those in use that are not compatible (e.g., fiberglass fuel tanks).

2. Avoid co-mingling MTBE and ethanol-blended fuels. As a precaution, boaters should be advised to use only one supplier for fuel purchases in the months ahead to ensure constancy during the industry changeover period from MTBE to ethanol blends.

3. Install a Yamaha mini-10™ filter or 10-Micron filter. The 10-Micron filter is designed for use on boats with Yamaha outboards. The smaller mini-10 is designed for smaller boats with engines 115hp and under. Both Yamaha products filter out contaminants
and separate water from fuel. The mini-10 features an aluminum head and is made from coated steel inside and painted steel outside to combat corrosion. The 10-Micron fi lter features either an aluminum or stainless steel head and is also made from coated interior and painted exterior steel. Both meet all U.S. Coast Guard and ABYC (American Boat and
Yacht Council) standards.

4. Consumers should be encouraged to carry spare fi lter cartridges in the event the fi lter element becomes clogged with contaminants while the outboard is in use.

Related Considerations:

All Yamaha products, rigging, accessories and parts, including Yamalube lubricants and fuel stabilizers are compatible with fuelblends using up to 10 percent ethanol.

[RHTFISH]

I've been told a good filter system is a must using gas containing ethanol. What I would not give for some old time Amoco white!

[grasscarp]

what is going to happen to our engines if we have to start using e85? Is the government going to give us vouchers for new engines??

[RHTFISH]

what is going to happen to our engines if we have to start using e85? Is the government going to give us vouchers for new engines??

Now there is a "stimulus" I could support!

[cueball]

I read somewhere that it takes 3 gallons of fuel to produce 4 gallons of ethanol. Not to mention the food supply issues that will occur when farmers start growing crops that are price-supported to make into ethenol instead of food. I feel for the 3rd world countries when that happens. If Ethenol was viable, somebody would already be a billionaire.

[Tom Keels]

I read somewhere that it takes 3 gallons of fuel to produce 4 gallons of ethanol. Not to mention the food supply issues that will occur when farmers start growing crops that are price-supported to make into ethenol instead of food. I feel for the 3rd world countries when that happens. If Ethenol was viable, somebody would already be a billionaire.

Ethanol is viable, just not the way we make it.

[Reel Cowboy]

I read somewhere that it takes 3 gallons of fuel to produce 4 gallons of ethanol. Not to mention the food supply issues that will occur when farmers start growing crops that are price-supported to make into ethenol instead of food. I feel for the 3rd world countries when that happens. If Ethenol was viable, somebody would already be a billionaire.

It's not gasoline that they use to make ethanol (in most cases), it's natural gas or propane. There is a way to do it using bio-fuels and waste but it dang sure ain't cheap. But then again neither is drilling for oil so pick your poison.
The by-product of ethanol production is also a food staple that can be used for livestock and possibly the 3rd world.

That being said, I would love to go back to "straight" gas.

[Barhopr]

Do I need to bring the Beavertail just in case the Radio Flyer is on the DL?

[BayGator]

Do I need to bring the Beavertail just in case the Radio Flyer is on the DL?

It will be fine, I will bring a paddle just in case.

[Barhopr]

I have a STIFFY I can push it with!

[Reel Cowboy]

Do I need to bring the Beavertail just in case the Radio Flyer is on the DL?

It will be fine, I will bring a paddle just in case.

Make sure you get the push pole too. And make sure the trolling motor is charged up. You never can be too careful.

[Reel Cowboy]

I have a STIFFY

Nobody wants to see that.

[Barhopr]

If I could push a boat around with it, everyone would want to see it!!