Maintenance

This is what my manual says. Color coded to make it easier to see they did say, colored blue, the engine will "withstand" not thrive on up to E-10 fuel. Then in the red text they tell the bad things I have been saying they said..
MM
'the engine will not thrive'... your manual doesn't say that....more fake news.:D
 
This is what my manual says. Color coded to make it easier to see they did say, colored blue, the engine will "withstand" not thrive on up to E-10 fuel. Then in the red text they tell the bad things I have been saying they said...


From my manual:

Using Reformulated (Oxygenated) Gasolines (USA Only)

This type of gasoline is required in certain areas of the USA. The two types of “oxygenates” used in these fuels is Alcohol (Ethanol) or Ether (MTBE or ETBE). If Ethanol is the “oxygenate” that is used in the gasoline in your area, refer to “Gasolines Containing Alcohol” also.

These “Reformulated Gasolines” are acceptable for use in your MerCruiser engine. CA277
Gasolines Containing Alcohol

If the gasoline in your area contains either “methanol” (methyl alcohol) or “ethanol” (ethyl alcohol), you should be aware of certain adverse effects that can occur. These adverse effects are more severe with “methanol”. Increasing the percentage of alcohol in the fuel can also worsen these adverse effects.

Some of these adverse effects are caused because the alcohol in the gasoline can absorb moisture from the air, resulting in a separation of the water/alcohol from the gasoline in the fuel tank.


The fuel system components on your MerCruiser engine will withstand up to 10% alcohol content in the gasoline.

We do not know what percentage your boat’s fuel system will withstand. Contact your boat manufacturer for specif- ic recommendations on the boats fuel system components (fuel tanks,fuel lines, and fittings). Be aware that gaso- lines containing alcohol may cause increased:

  • Corrosion of metal parts.
  • Deterioration of rubber or plastic parts.
  • Fuel permeation through rubber fuel lines.
  • Starting and operating difficulties.


    MM
Must be a real old manual. I have a few and none are as pessimistic as this.

I laugh when I hear people say that stabil is a recent thing, or that we didn't need it years ago. My 1955 Mercury outboard manual advises to use stabilizer for winter layup.

Ahh....(some of ) the youngins today just don't have a clue......LOL.
 
'the engine will not thrive'... your manual doesn't say that....more fake news.:D

Really? They say it will "withstand", what the heck does that mean? They sure did not recommend it. Then they tell you all the bad it can do. They certainly did not say it will thrive on E-10...

MM
 
Let’s keep this thread civil. It is a fact that ethanol bonds with water and can cause additional corrosion on engine parts. This is widely accepted and most marine fuel tanks are vented so this is an issue. It also hardens non approved fuel lines. And this becomes an issue over time on multiple rubber parts. Lastly it is especially bad for 2 stroke engines because the engine oil is bonded with the gas and the oil cannot bond to ethanol therefore not lubricating as good as pure gas.


Whether you have or haven’t been using it is not relevant to this conversation. If you have a choice pure gas is better but the real question is at what premium. Are you willing to pay more? Or the same if it were priced that way.
 
Let’s keep this thread civil. It is a fact that ethanol bonds with water and can cause additional corrosion on engine parts. This is widely accepted and most marine fuel tanks are vented so this is an issue. It also hardens non approved fuel lines. And this becomes an issue over time on multiple rubber parts. Lastly it is especially bad for 2 stroke engines because the engine oil is bonded with the gas and the oil cannot bond to ethanol therefore not lubricating as good as pure gas.


Whether you have or haven’t been using it is not relevant to this conversation. If you have a choice pure gas is better but the real question is at what premium. Are you willing to pay more? Or the same if it were priced that way.
 
Really? They say it will "withstand", what the heck does that mean? They sure did not recommend it. Then they tell you all the bad it can do. They certainly did not say it will thrive on E-10...

MM
"will withstand " means it's an accepted fuel from the manufacturer. Certainly doesn't mean it won't thrive, them's is your words not Mercs
 
Let’s keep this thread civil. It is a fact that ethanol bonds with water and can cause additional corrosion on engine parts. This is widely accepted and most marine fuel tanks are vented so this is an issue. It also hardens non approved fuel lines. And this becomes an issue over time on multiple rubber parts. Lastly it is especially bad for 2 stroke engines because the engine oil is bonded with the gas and the oil cannot bond to ethanol therefore not lubricating as good as pure gas.


Whether you have or haven’t been using it is not relevant to this conversation. If you have a choice pure gas is better but the real question is at what premium. Are you willing to pay more? Or the same if it were priced that way.
The engine on my old Woodie was brought up on white gas. When they went to "unleaded" the naysayers back then said it would be catastrophic for old 2-strokes. I'm happy to say the old girl still seems to be well lubricated.

Ethanol jumping out and grabbing moisture from the air is another myth. It does absorb condensation, and that's where the problem lies. A little water in the gas and it goes right thru. A little water in E0 and you have phase separation....err, well it never combined in the first place.
 
[QUOTE="NotHerDecision, Lastly it is especially bad for 2 stroke engines because the engine oil is bonded with the gas and the oil cannot bond to ethanol therefore not lubricating as good as pure gas.


So if the gas and oil are bonded, how does e10 bond with the gas only ? Why would it be not getting lubricated if the oil is not affected ? Makes no sense.. More fake news.
 
Bonding....LOLOLO. If the oil bonded to anything it would be burned and then there would be zero lubrication.
 
Scoflaw. I don’t appreciate the attacks. We all have opinions and I will attach some expert opinions to support my theory and comments. If you have supporting documentation then please attach it and let’s have a discussion. No need for the name calling and lack of valuable support

Here is one from Briggs and Stratton

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro...ethanol-can-make-small-engines-fail/index.htm

Here is a technical study

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/ethano...pacts-of-an-alternative-fuel-in-small-engines

Scoflaw if you are the expert then I welcome your opinion and let’s keep the discussion alive.

GypsymJim. The oil and gas mix together , alcohol is a solvent and doesn’t mix with oil. In fact. It will separate of you let it sit. Am I missing something?
 
Ethanol mixes very easily with gasoline, just like oil and gas do. In the case of ethanol it's its attraction to water that makes it separate, it can only handle so much. It's one of the benefits of ethanol, up to that point it's taking the water out of the gas and with it through the combustion process. It works like adding Heet.

Oil and gas mix easily too but I don't think they 'bond'....my scientific proof is the mandatory shaking of the can to make sure it's still mixed up good.

I don't know, just a guess here....if ethanol is not as good for 2 cycle maybe it's because even though the ethanol, gas, and oil are thoroughly mixed, the ethanol is always bringing along some water too.
 
I drive 20 miles to buy Ethanol free gasoline. It is Rec 90.

I discovered the benefits and advantages of non ethanol fuel while driving my truck through Canada. My truck all of a sudden sounded stronger, deeper rumble, better responsiveness and acceleration.

As I dove back in to US and filled w ethanol gas I again noticed the difference.

Add to that the fact most marinas sell ethanol free gas because the corn alcohol attracts water and since gas tends to sit in boats far longer generally than cars, and the destructive nature of water in your gas tank and carb/efi it was validation to me.

Search YouTube for examples of what ethanol gas can do to your motors.

I use Rec 90 in my truck, Harley, and Sea Ray. No fuel related problems... and both boat and bike are 1970’s w original tanks.

Sorry but you were driving on ethanol gas in Canada too. We also have an blending mandate in most provinces of at least 5% ethanol on an overall basis. Gas companies here get to 5% overall by blending 10% in all low grade fuel, a bit less in mid grade and high grade, and none at all in the 93/94 octane sold at some stations.

Our marina sells Mid Grade and High Grade ethanol free gas, which is available to them if they want it. I am not sure all marina's do that. It adds to the price they charge though.
 
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Scoflaw. I don’t appreciate the attacks. We all have opinions and I will attach some expert opinions to support my theory and comments. If you have supporting documentation then please attach it and let’s have a discussion. No need for the name calling and lack of valuable support

Here is one from Briggs and Stratton

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro...ethanol-can-make-small-engines-fail/index.htm

Here is a technical study

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/ethano...pacts-of-an-alternative-fuel-in-small-engines

Scoflaw if you are the expert then I welcome your opinion and let’s keep the discussion alive.

GypsymJim. The oil and gas mix together , alcohol is a solvent and doesn’t mix with oil. In fact. It will separate of you let it sit. Am I missing something?
I'm not a chemist, but I can tell you this, I've had several boats and jetskis in the 45 years I've been boating. I've been using E=10 ever since it was introduced because there is no non-eth available in my area.

Owned several 2 stroke Yamaha outboards dating back to the 80's and like Mercruiser. it clearly states that 10% ethanol is an acceptable fuel. Never one hiccup or fuel related issue which also includes multiple yard equipment tools that will sit for 7 months at a time.

Speaking from many years of experience. As far as the name calling, you are a bit sensitive because I never called you any name until just now.
 
Sorry but you were driving on ethanol gas in Canada too. We also have an blending mandate in most provinces of at least 5% ethanol on an overall basis. Gas companies here get to 5% overall by blending 10% in all low grade fuel, a bit less in mid grade and high grade, and none at all in the 93/94 octane sold at some stations.

Our marina sells Mid Grade and High Grade ethanol free gas, which is available to them if they want it. I am not sure all marina's do that. It adds to the price they charge though.

Sorry but I was not. The pumps were labeled as such. Perhaps I was pumping high test but am sure it said non ethanol.

I am 100% non ethanol now on all my engines.
 
Sorry but I was not. The pumps were labeled as such. Perhaps I was pumping high test but am sure it said non ethanol.

I am 100% non ethanol now on all my engines.

Depends where you were maybe. Like I said, high test usually is ethanol free because of federal and provincial laws) Other grades have ethanol. (In my job I have direct knowledge of that). PetroCanada is the largest oil company in Canada. Here is what is on their web site:

Do we put ethanol in our Petro‑Canada gas?

Yes, all of our grades of gas, including our Ultra 94 high octane fuel , contain up to 10% ethanol content. This is required by federal and provincial regulations.

Refer to your owner’s manual or manufacturer to ensure your lawnmower, chainsaw or other equipment is compatible with ethanol-blended gas, or for tips on how to preserve your engine.
 
Scoflaw. I don’t appreciate the attacks. We all have opinions and I will attach some expert opinions to support my theory and comments. If you have supporting documentation then please attach it and let’s have a discussion. No need for the name calling and lack of valuable support

Here is one from Briggs and Stratton

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro...ethanol-can-make-small-engines-fail/index.htm

Here is a technical study

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/ethano...pacts-of-an-alternative-fuel-in-small-engines

Scoflaw if you are the expert then I welcome your opinion and let’s keep the discussion alive.

GypsymJim. The oil and gas mix together , alcohol is a solvent and doesn’t mix with oil. In fact. It will separate of you let it sit. Am I missing something?
I ever criticized your comments, so lets get that out of the way.

We all have "ideas", some based on what we read and some based on our own personal experience. I just post the facts, ma'am, take my experience or refute me as you like.

The only LOL comments I can make are re. the "bonding" issue. All the crap we put in the fuel tank is merely blended. The TC-W thru TC-W3 evolution was merely an improvement in the disperability of the oil. E.G., Oil is not compatible with water unless its emulsified, and that's a subject for another discussion. Alcohol and water "combine" and that's one of the benefits of E10 in a marine engine, which is always in a damp environment.

Funny story - my neighbor stores is lawn tractor OUTDOORS in the rain, along side his gas can. In both cases the gas caps are missing. He always has phase separation.....LOL. He is sure that the $%#@ ethanol is the cause of his problem.
 
I'm not a chemist, but I can tell you this, I've had several boats and jetskis in the 45 years I've been boating. I've been using E=10 ever since it was introduced because there is no non-eth available in my area.

Owned several 2 stroke Yamaha outboards dating back to the 80's and like Mercruiser. it clearly states that 10% ethanol is an acceptable fuel. Never one hiccup or fuel related issue which also includes multiple yard equipment tools that will sit for 7 months at a time.

Speaking from many years of experience. As far as the name calling, you are a bit sensitive because I never called you any name until just now.
My findings are the same as you.

However, I AM a chemist. But not a youngin like you....I have 65 years of boating experience.
 

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