.AlsAlsounless you’re a mechanic who works daily on outboard engines (personal watercraft, boats, whatever) and is aware of the fact that most modern outboard engines can run fine on ethanol-gasoline blends, then the answer to this “Can You Use Ethanol-Gasoline in Outboard Engines” question is inevitable: NO.
As a boating consumer, you should be aware of all the risks of ethanol gasoline, especially regarding outboard engines and marine use.
Ethanol Gasoline in Outboard Engines
Ethanol gasoline is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol, a type of alcohol. it is produced from renewable resources such as corn, wheat, sugarcane, and other plants. It is used in many products, including alcohol fuels like E85 or E10 (ethanol) and biodiesel.
Ethanol-gasoline blends are usually similar to regular gasoline but contain more ethanol than regular gasoline. You can find ethanol gasoline at most gas stations, and it’s usually cheaper than regular gasoline.
When using ethanol-gasoline in your outboard engine, you may notice that it doesn’t run as well as it used to with non-ethanol fuel. This is because the oxygen content in the fuel is lower than regular gasoline
What Problems Does Ethanol in Gasoline Cause?
Outboard engines are typically used to power boats, canoes, and kayaks. They’re relatively small engines with a low maximum horsepower rating, usually around 30 hp. Ethanol-gasoline blends contain 10% ethanol, but they can also contain up to 15% ethanol.
The problem with using an ethanol-gasoline blend in an outboard engine is that it needs to be designed to handle the amount of alcohol in these blends. The reason for this is that ethanol has a lower energy content than gasoline, and it doesn’t produce as much power as gasoline does—meaning your engine isn’t going to run as well on an ethanol-gasoline blend because it will burn more slowly and, therefore, produce less power.
In addition to this problem, you’ll need to ensure your outboard engine can run on an ethanol-gasoline blend before you use it. You should check with your manufacturer or local dealer about whether or not your engine can handle this kind of fuel or if any other steps need to be taken before using it (like changing spark plugs and other Boat Parts from PartsVu).
What Steps Should You Take to Avoid Problems When Using Ethanol-Gasoline?
When you purchase a boat engine, it is essential to know that it may not be compatible with ethanol-gasoline blends. Consult your owner’s manual to see what fuel you should use in your engine. If your engine were built before 2000, it would require gasoline without ethanol. it was built between 2000 and 2006, it might require a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline (E10). If it was built after 2006, it might require an E15 or E85.
To avoid problems when using Ethanol Gasoline blends, follow these steps when getting :
- Read the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the type of fuel required for your engine type
- If your engine requires an E10 blend or greater, consult with a qualified mechanic before using an Ethanol-Gasoline blend
Also, read more: Know about boat parts
How Do You Mix Gasoline for Two-Cycle Outboards?
When mixing two-cycle engines, you’ll want to be careful about how much water you add to your tank when using ethanol-gasoline.
To avoid this, try mixing only 10% water with 90% ethanol/gasoline mixture when filling up your boat’s gas tank before starting up your motor for the first time after switching over from regular gasoline or diesel fuel sources!
Highly Effective Fuel Additives Offset The Impacts Of Ethanol Gasoline
Yamalube Ring Free PLUS
Yamalube Ring Free PLUS is a fuel additive designed to reduce engine deposits and clean your fuel system. It also helps your car start easier in the cold weather and can be used in all cars, light trucks, motorcycles, and small engines.
Star-Brite’s Star-Tron
Star-Tron is a fuel additive designed to counteract the adverse effects of ethanol gasoline. It helps prevent corrosion, keeps engines clean, and even increases horsepower. It is designed to help your vehicle run better and last longer by providing you with the fuel stabilizer you need to offset the effects of ethanol gasoline.
Mercury QUICKARE
Mercury QUICKARE is a fuel stabilizer that can reduce ethanol-related damage to your car’s engine, so you don’t have to worry about costly repairs. It also works as a conditioner, which helps keep your engine running smoothly by reducing friction and increasing horsepower.
Yamalube Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner PLUS
It helps prevent fuel system problems caused by ethanol gas. It preserves the quality of your fuel for up to two years, which means you can use it for long periods without worrying about damaging your vehicle’s engine or its emissions system.
Order Your Fuel Additives and Boat Parts from PartsVu and Get Exclusive Discounts
You can’t beat the savings you’ll get when you order your fuel additives and boat parts from PartsVu.
When you shop at PartsVu, you can be sure that you’re getting the best prices on the market. We’ll match any competitor’s price and give you an additional 10% off your purchase!
We’ve got everything you need to keep your boat running smoothly all year long: motor oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and more. And if you need parts for your boat—a new battery or a replacement propeller—we’ve got those too!
Read more: Safe Marine journey