Does Ethanol Gas Hurt Outboard?

Does ethanol gas hurt outboard? Ethanol fuel in boat motors can put a quick damper on your weekend plans. Gasoline with ethanol can absorb roughly 10 times as much water and still burn through the engine. However, when water comes in contact with ethanol blended fuel, the fuel and water can separate to form distinct layers in your tank.

Table of Contents

1 Is ethanol bad for 4 stroke outboard motors?2 What kind of gas should I use in my outboard?3 Does ethanol Damage 2 stroke engines?4 Is it OK to use ethanol gas in a boat?5 Related advices for Does Ethanol Gas Hurt Outboard?5.1 What are problems with ethanol fuel?5.2 Can you use E10 in outboard motors?5.3 Can you mix ethanol free gas with regular gas in a boat?5.4 Is it better to store a boat with a full tank of gas?5.5 What do you do with old gas in a boat?

Is ethanol bad for 4 stroke outboard motors?

Although it’s become a standard in the automotive industry, ethanol remains a bane for boaters running two- and four-stroke outboard motors. “While we could engineer outboards that will run on E15, doing so would increase the cost to the consumer without increasing consumer benefits.”

What kind of gas should I use in my outboard?

Ethanol-free fuel is the best way to go for most outboard motors. In many cases, you can use the same fuel in your boat as you do in your personal vehicle. Be sure to check with the local marina or wherever you typically fill up your boat to see what type of ethanol-blended fuels they offer.

Does ethanol Damage 2 stroke engines?

When left untreated, the ethanol blended into most gas can damage 2 cycle engines. In this FAQ, Toley McGettigan, Horizon’s National Sales Manager for Power Equipment, describes the problems ethanol causes over time and offers a simple solution that can keep the engine in your 2 cycle power equipment running properly.

Is it OK to use ethanol gas in a boat?

Yes!You can run ethanol fuel in a boat. Though it is strongly recommended that non-ethanol fuel be used. There can be damaging and costly effects done to the engine due to using ethanol fuel.

Related advices for Does Ethanol Gas Hurt Outboard?

What are problems with ethanol fuel?

One of the issues with ethanol is that it attracts water and it does break down faster than gasoline. This is not much of an issue with transportation vehicles. But with small engines this can be a huge problem. With water absorbing into the fuel, there is the chance that rust will form on the interior of the engine.

Can you use E10 in outboard motors?

Schad – Simply put, gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol (E10) is safe for all outboard marine engines. All major outboard motor manufacturers currently approve and warranty the use of E10 in their motors. We always say, if you’re unsure, it’s always good policy to check your owner’s manual.

Can you mix ethanol free gas with regular gas in a boat?

Best Answer. My best advice: Try to avoid ever putting fuel containing ethanol into your boat. If there is blended fuel in the boat (E10 or E15), burn it up as fast as possible and refill with ethanol-free fuel. No problem with mixing them, but burn as much as you can to get rid of it first.

Is it better to store a boat with a full tank of gas?

Marine engine manufacturers and technicians advise storing any boat with the fuel tank almost full, leaving just a little capacity to accommodate expansion of the fuel if the temperature warms. The tank “breathes” though its vent, and draws in air that is often very damp in the winter months.

What do you do with old gas in a boat?

You can use the old gas in a boat if it is ethanol-free and a little over a year old. But you should add fresh gas to the tank before starting the engine because the left-out gas can gum up the fuel system. The fresh fuel will clear it right up. However, ethanol gas is no good for more than 6 months.