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Overview
What is Ethanol and Why Is It Bad for Outboards?
Ethanol has been added to most of today’s fuel supply as an oxygenate to help reduce emissions. It’s also used to extend domestic fuel supplies.
Ethanol is alcohol, and alcohol is “hygroscopic,” which means it attracts water molecules. Since nearly all outboard fuel tanks are vented to the atmosphere, water can (and will) collect in your fuel.
When the concentration of water molecules in your fuel tank reaches just 1⁄2 of 1%, the water molecules will bond with the alcohol and sink to the bottom, where your fuel pick up is. Depending on the amount of water ingested into your outboard, this can result in everything from running problems to catastrophic damage.
Filter
What is Ethanol and Why Is It Bad for Outboards?
Ethanol has been added to most of today’s fuel supply as an oxygenate to help reduce emissions. It’s also used to extend domestic fuel supplies.
Ethanol is alcohol, and alcohol is “hygroscopic,” which means it attracts water molecules. Since nearly all outboard fuel tanks are vented to the atmosphere, water can (and will) collect in your fuel.
When the concentration of water molecules in your fuel tank reaches just 1⁄2 of 1%, the water molecules will bond with the alcohol and sink to the bottom, where your fuel pick up is. Depending on the amount of water ingested into your outboard, this can result in everything from running problems to catastrophic damage.
Ethanol, being alcohol, is also a powerful solvent that can loosen debris in your fuel tank and all the tanks and lines it was in before it got to you. Once in your outboard, this debris can cause everything from running issues to a no-start, no-run condition.
Fuel stabilizer
Add Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner
Adding outboard fuel stabilizer and conditioner to every tank of fuel will make a big difference. Make sure to add a quality, marine-specific non-alcohol-based formula, like Yamalube® Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner PLUS. These formulations are specifically designed to work effectively in the moisture-rich environments common to boats.
And don’t believe some of the claims you see today; no matter what you add to bad gas, it’s still bad gas. No additive will restore stale fuel, remove water or cure ethanol-related issues.
Tip: Today’s gasoline can begin to break down in a matter of weeks, not months. Make sure to treat every tank of fuel, not just for extended storage. It’s cheap protection against a world of hurt.
Engine Cleaner
Add Internal Engine Cleaner
The cleansing additives in most of today’s gas are a great start, but they’re formulated for automobiles, so they may not work as well on your outboard. Do them one better. Add Ring Free PLUS to every tank of fuel. It makes performance-robbing carbon chemically unable to stick to internal engine components.
The “PLUS” is a proprietary blend of synthetic anti-corrosion additives that helps protect the “yellow metals” in your fuel system (copper, brass and silver solder) from corrosion. These are key components to proper fuel system operation. This helps maintain their performance and reliability. Ring Free PLUS also cleans gums and deposits off of internal engine and fuel system components.
Tip: Buy gas where they sell a lot of it. The goal is to keep your boat’s fuel fresh and potent at all times. Why buy gas that’s already been sitting around untreated?
Buy the freshest fuel you can find, and at fill up, treat each tank with Yamalube Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner PLUS and Ring Free PLUS. Add these before adding the fuel so they mix up well. It’s an easy, proactive and protective habit to get into