NCsaltaire

Fouled Fuel – Summer Blues

August 20, 2013 at 10:28 am 1 comment

It happens without notice. You have been boating all summer without any problems then boom. The engines start to sputter and spit. Not only does this prevent the higher RPM’s and speed; you can’t even keep the engine running at idle. Well welcome to the age of ethanol.

This summer was no different than most. I have been running the little Fantasea II each weekend I can without any problem. She starts right up with a little coaxing from the prime bulb on the 2 cycle Yamaha engine and away I go.

Then three weeks ago when I tried to go out, she coughed several times and died. I continued to prime the carbs and switch on the ignition. But to no avail. I believe the ethanol bandit got me again. I ran gas treatment full strength through the carbs – but no luck. So now it’s shop time and a busted budget.

So here is some advice on preventing this same thing from happening to you.

Today’s fuel contains up to 10% Ethanol. Ethanol is made with corn and water and when it mixes with petroleum, ““by magic” it produces gummy substance. And when this gummy substance filters into those small jet ports in the carb and sits there for a short time, well your carbs will sputter and spit and eventually stop. Hopefully, you are in port and moored when this happens.

Now there are three ways to fix this problem. Obviously, the more expensive way is the repair shop. This can cost several hundred dollars. And if this happens in the middle of boating season, your boat can be out of commission for at least several weeks and empty quite a bit out of your wallet.

The second way – and the best way – is to run a fuel additive in you tank every fill up. I use several together. I have found many types of additives on the market. I prefer to use Gas Shok and Sta-Bil combined. I probably could use one or the other but each together gives me piece of mind. I also will use Sea Foam when the boat will not be used for extended period. Not only does this control moisture, it helps increase your performance.

The final way is to try to use only “ethanol free” fuel. This type of fuel has limited availability. I have found several stations and marinas here on the Outer Banks that carry the ethanol free fuel. It is usually same price and other fuels and definitely gives you piece of mind.

Since I have been using this régime of using ethanol free fuel or stabilizer, my maintenance and down time have been minimal.

Prevention is always the best medicine. My recommendation is to use “ethanol free fuel and if you can’t find it, put at least one stabilizer in your boat fuel tanks with each fill up. If you find that you boat will be sitting and not being used for a while then I always add another measured amount. The stabilizer is a lot less expensive than the shop and it will keep you running smooth all year.

Until next time – Tightlines. Capt. Tony

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