Fuel Opinions

[TheGreekTitan]

Just curious what you would fuel up with, given the opportunity.

87 octane ethanol free
Or
91 octane with up to 10% ethanol

 

[McMark]

91 has less than 1% ethanol. Regular has 10. That's why a pump says "up to". 91 is second to ethanol free but it's a pretty close.

 

[McMark]

A friend of mine has a jet ski/boat rental marina and has used gulf premium exclusively in everything. In over 10 years not one ethanol related issue. Don't get me wrong, ethanol free is best but it's not available to all of us.

 

[scokill]

Ethanol Free 100% always.....take it from Yamaha's own words if anyone thinks otherwise

http://maintenance.yamahaoutboards.com/fuel-fuel-system/

This is a commercial for Yamaha products for outboard engines....Yamaha replacement filters, and conveniently...Yamalube additives like ring free and their version of Stabil. The graphic in the background actually is no E85.

My Yamaha Owners manual says to use 87 Octane regular gasoline not exceeding 10% ethanol....I guess that's their word too??? I wouldn't waste money on higher octane gas, but if you feel strongly about no ethanol and don't want to add stabil, then go right ahead. I burn through gas in the summer and add stabil most of the time especially towards the end of the season. 9th season and no problems. There is no category for neither so I didn't vote.

 

[scokill]

"Waste Money" is an interesting term. $1.00 more per gallon for proper fuel...Estimate $50-$60 month increase in average fuel cost.
Cost of a jet engine rebuild start around $3k. I guess what is a "waste" of money is dependent on everyone own point of view.

Boat insurance isn't required in the state of FL. I guess some may view having insurance as a "waste" of money as well.

Typical outboard engine $20K-$30K each dependent on HP rating...$1.00 more per gallon...I guess it could be viewed as a "waste"......

I'm confused....Yamaha recommends 87 octane not containing more than 10% ethanol...wouldn't you consider that proper if Yamaha recommends it in the owner's manual? Spending money on higher octane gas is wasting money as you get no benefit from higher octane and actually using gasoline that is not recommended. Are you claiming that if you don't use higher octane and no ethanol fuel , going against Yamaha's recommendation, that you will have to rebuild your engine?

 

[scokill]

I never stated anything in regards to octane rating in any of my posts.

Fact: Marine Fuel Tanks are ventilated
Fact: Ethanol absorbes condensed water/air moisture
Fact: When at rest, ethanol and water will separate from fuel consolidating at lowest point of gravity as it is more dense than fuel.
Fact: Water in any combustion engine fuel line will cause damage to injectors, cylinders and piston rings.

What anyone chooses to put in their tank is up to them. What the results will be are unique to each situation.

Research the facts and make your own decision. The facts remain the same regardless of anyone's personal choices.

I said it was a waste of money to use higher octane than recommended. That's a fact, although you are correct everyone can make their personal choice.
Yamaha recommends 87 octane not to exceed 10% ethanol. That's a fact, again if someone wants to use higher octane gas against the recommendations of the manufacturer, that's their choice.

You were implying that if you don't spend $1.00 more a gallon of gas you will have to rebuild your engine...that is not a fact. Just want to be clear. Other than that, I agree with you that it's personal choice of what folks put in their boat.

 

[scokill]

I strongly disagree with that statement and I never implied that.
My comments surrounding engine rebuild costs were in response to your term "waste of money".
I was using it to illustrate the increased cost as an "insurance" against potential engine wear/damage or rebuild costs; hence, my comments afterward illustrating FL law not requiring boat

Sorry it came across that way. Since I said it was a waste of money to buy higher octane gas and you had this reply:

"Waste Money" is an interesting term. $1.00 more per gallon for proper fuel...Estimate $50-$60 month increase in average fuel cost.
Cost of a jet engine rebuild start around $3k. I guess what is a "waste" of money is dependent on everyone own point of view.

So you are agreeing that spending more money on higher octane gas won't increase/decrease your chances of engine rebuild?

 

[scokill]

Lol omg, again...I never once stated anything about octane rating.

You replied to my statements about ETHANOL by talking about OCTANE RATING.
You then incorrectly paraphrased my comments and inserted claims that were never stated or made by me (engine rebuilds are guaranteed to be required).

So to answer your latest question:

My response is: No response. I cannot agree to something I did not comment about.

OK....have a good one.

 

[TheGreekTitan]

This is a commercial for Yamaha products for outboard engines....Yamaha replacement filters, and conveniently...Yamalube additives like ring free and their version of Stabil. The graphic in the background actually is no E85.

My Yamaha Owners manual says to use 87 Octane regular gasoline not exceeding 10% ethanol....I guess that's their word too??? I wouldn't waste money on higher octane gas, but if you feel strongly about no ethanol and don't want to add stabil, then go right ahead. I burn through gas in the summer and add stabil most of the time especially towards the end of the season. 9th season and no problems. There is no category for neither so I didn't vote.

This makes sense to me. I put Stabil in the tank the last time I filled up last season (my 1st, and very short). I'm going to start adding it on a regular basis.

Sorry, did not think to add a "neither" option.

 

[buckbuck]

Into our 8th season and have never run anything other than 87 octane with 10% ethonal. Boat runs fine and never had a fuel related issue. I am sticking with Yamaha's recommendation.

 

[McMark]

I think the 87 10% is a don't go below spec. If you can do better then why not?

 

[TheGreekTitan]

Well, 11 votes for 87 Octane ethanol free vs 0 for high octane with ethanol, and one known no vote with the comment on 87 Octane with the addition of Stabil on a regular basis. I think that pretty much sums it up for me.

At my lake most fuel stations claim to be ethanol free, but I see no reason not to still add the stabil regularly. It will be a rare occasion for me to have the options I do right now, as I dry store my boat at the lake.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Had the boat out to put a new stereo system in btw. Sounds incredible, and super excited. Next up is the Seadek install I got in on last year.

 

[Danielmailin]

10% ethanol on an engine that runs all the time like cars, won't create problems, but in equipment that is often stored for weeks or months at a time it will as it will separate and deteriorated faster then normal fuel.
In time you can have fuel injector issues, fuel pump problems, or carburetors all clogged up.
This is the main reason why lawnmowers, weed eaters, blowers don't run after they are sitting for a while due to the gunk material that builds up inside the carb.
If you don't want to have any issues with carburetors, fuel pump or injectors in any engine that will sit for weeks or months at a time, stay away from fuel with any content of Ethanol.

 

[scot71]

10% ethanol on an engine that runs all the time like cars, won't create problems, but in equipment that is often stored for weeks or months at a time it will as it will separate and deteriorated faster then normal fuel.
In time you can have fuel injector issues, fuel pump problems, or carburetors all clogged up.
This is the main reason why lawnmowers, weed eaters, blowers don't run after they are sitting for a while due to the gunk material that builds up inside the carb.
If you don't want to have any issues with carburetors, fuel pump or injectors in any engine that will sit for weeks or months at a time, stay away from fuel with any content of Ethanol.

I don't completely agree with this statement. I have an old riding lawnmower, that I will reluctantly admit to not taking very good care of, and the only fuel I have ever used in it is 87 octane with 10% ethanol. There have been times over the years when gas was left in the tank over winter and no stabil was added, and in the spring it would still fire right up. As for my boat, which does see much better care than the mower, all that it has had in it was regular 87 octane and stabil added for winter storage. Both engines start right up and run great. Considering the boat is now 12 years old, I don't think I'll be changing what I've been doing

I'm not going to say that there isn't some validity to the whole ethanol thing, but I do think its down sides have been way overblown over the years. Just my two cents.

 

[Speedling]

87 octane with 10% corn. Higher if I don't feel like getting off the water or if I don't trust the gas station or if it's really really hot out.
If you are putting in higher octane it can have a couple benefits:
1. Engine runs cooler on a hot day. This is also why 2 stroke power tools like my Stihl chainsaw and Toro weedwhacker and Partner brick cutting saws all recommend 89 or higher for sustained use.
2. Corn Bleed off. The corn bleed off changes the octane level. I don't really know the science behind it or if it leaves it as water in there or what, but with a higher octane I would think you are safer from it dropping to too low an octain. Solution is to burn that fuel off man!

I run the tank dang near dry on the fall trip from Starved rock down to Peoria every year and have just put some sta-bil fuel over the winter with no issues. Nearly all year around if gas goes down in price I grab a few 5 gallon cans, fill it up, and bring to the boat at the end of the day. Less time at docks, more time on the water.

 

[bumpy]

I have used 87 with 10% since it was mandated in New England; I found that without Startron it would separate and once paid $4 a gallon for 50 gallons when I bought it and $10 a gallon to get rid of it. Most expensive tank of gas ever! 10% ethanol is all I can find, except for 1 gallon cans at $10. Since I have been religious with Startron, I have stored my boats over the winter full without problems.

 

[Evildwarf]

Price for the ethanol free marine gas at the marina is reasonable this summer (last summer $5.50/gal) so I'm filling up on the water....so much more convenient than hauling 5 gallon jerry cans. If I'm hauling fuel it is 87 octane 10% ethanol so marine stabil in every can.
I keep marine stabil in the tank year round and add a can of Seafoam twice a year...seems to work pretty good. The boat runs all year, no winterizing so the fuel doesn't sit long.
Yamaha states that the engines are optimized for 87 octane with 10% ethanol blend....they built them I guess they should know...

 

[Joe Hellaby]

I always trailer, and there's a few gas stations near me with ethanol free. I usually use http://www.pure-gas.org/extensions/map.html to search for ethanol free gas on my way home. In my area, on the trailer, I've been putting ethanol free 91 for around $2.60-$2.80ish a gallon. I have also filled up on the water with whatever is available and not worried about it. When I put non ethanol free in I just add some marine sta-bil.

But, the boat is only 2 months old and is still my baby. And it is the supercharged engine. Per the gauge, I've use almost 200 gallons so far

Need a vote option for ethanol free 91 or 93 (nothing but the best)

 

[asevie]

Wow, I was complaining that Ethanol free at the Marina was $3.69 when it was $2.59 down the road. When I leave it in the water at a friend's dock for the week, I use the Marina, when I trailer it, we fill it up down the road. I was feeling guilty for putting one tank full of 89 w/3% ethanol. I feel better after reading this on all accounts!

 

[bronze_10]

I have always used 87 with 10% however I do add stabil at each fueling and I put 91 or better on the last fuel up for the year on the way to storage... may not be nessasary but i like to have it in the tank over the winter... but other than that one tank it is 87 all the time..