| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| MizunkY |
Posted - 11/07/2009 : 12:37:41 AM
What are you guys doing about ethanol blended fuels (E10)? Supposedly most marinas and other pumps are carrying this 10% or lower blend. I've read some horrible things to come from this. Most notably (for us) would be contaminated fuel after just 90 days, small metal particulates being removed from inside our fuel tanks (varnish) and clogging carbs, etc.
I've even read that we're supposed to completely drain our fuel tanks now for winterization.
I have to ask, what are you guys doing about this?
I planned to carry the fuel to the boat in 5gal UL-approved containers. Marinas charge way too much. |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Bob On This |
Posted - 11/14/2009 : 2:00:10 PM
Spoke with Tim yesterday, and placed an order for some of his Gas Shock.
The plan is to treat both tanks, twice, with this conditioner, and then this summer, when I'm ready to launch (I hope), he will send me another small treatment to add to the tanks 24 hrs before running them.
He said the fuel must be used up within 30 days of this last treatment. I think I can do that!
This guys seems to know what he is talking about.
Diver Down |
| Jimbo Song |
Posted - 11/13/2009 : 06:36:46 AM
quote:
Originally posted by MizunkY
I've heard there are government talks of increasing ethanol content to 15%! This would be detrimental to anyone with gas engines (car or marine, etc etc). Please join and stand up for this complete bullsh*t!!! We must fight this.
You are absolutely correct. it is part of an energy bill in Senate Committee as we speak. If passed will take effect in 2010 and will raise ethanol content from 10% to 15%.
You are also correct that this is going to be a huge problem for boats. My local mechanic says about 65% of his work is now ethanol related. If the content goes to 15% that will go up exponentially.
Write your Senators!
Bob
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
| MizunkY |
Posted - 11/12/2009 : 7:42:13 PM
I've heard there are government talks of increasing ethanol content to 15%! This would be detrimental to anyone with gas engines (car or marine, etc etc). Please join and stand up for this complete bullsh*t!!! We must fight this. |
| Bob On This |
Posted - 11/09/2009 : 5:24:44 PM
Thanks Dude,
I found his web page.
http://www.usafuelservice.com/
Added to my list of things to do. I will call them and see what they recommend for my "problem".
Diver Down |
| Myacht lll |
Posted - 11/09/2009 : 2:44:04 PM
Better yet I found out the name of the manufacturer. Its USA Fuel 941-204-1956. The're a small company with a big background. The owner, Tim Dutcher,started working with ethanol in dragster 30 years ago. He said you could call and order directly from him if you want. They have distributers up as far a Maryland right now and are looking for more. He can tell you if there is anyone near you. Believe me, after you talk to this guy you will be convinced that this is by far the best product.
Hugh |
| Myacht lll |
Posted - 11/09/2009 : 12:56:56 PM
If I remember right a gallon will treat up to 250 gallons and costs about 35.00. I'd be happy to send you some. I'm waiting for a call back from my marina to find out exactly.
Hugh
1988 Voyager |
| Bob On This |
Posted - 11/08/2009 : 1:52:06 PM
Hey Myacht,
You can't get this stuff any place other than the Marinas?
Maybe you can send me some?
Here's my problem. When I bought my 28'er almost a year ago, both tanks full, and I don't know when the gas was bought. It will be 8 months before I'm ready to launch.
I have added the standard Sta-bil, and the gas smells OK, but I would like to add a
more long term storage product.
I need to treat 150 gals. How much of this Gas Shock would I need?
Thanks
Bob
Diver Down |
| Myacht lll |
Posted - 11/08/2009 : 11:03:31 AM
Around here the prefered additive is Gas Shock. It's only availabe at marinas. They all swear by it. If you do have to use stable make sure you get the kind made for ethanol blended fuels. I still prefer to spend an extra buck a gallon to get the non ethanol they sell at our local marinas though. |
| Bob On This |
Posted - 11/07/2009 : 1:20:04 PM
Bob is right, tanks full, and lots of stabil.
This stuff will actually clean you tanks for you, but this is not good as the loose stuff will clog your filters. (keep a couple spares with you.
I think I remember you said you had newer engines. In my case, I have rebuilt the carbs with modern kits. The older cards could not tolerate the blended fuel (rubber gaskets and parts will swell).
Don't forget to drain your engines, replace the plugs again, and then run them again with the pink RV antifreeze. Fog the engine and then close it up tight with plastic and tape. Pull the plugs again and drain as much as you can. (don't forget the two plugs on the raw water pump!)
Remove the batteries and take them home with you. Keep them charged as a discharged battery will freeze.
Also run the RV stuff through your fresh water system, toilet, and drains. I actually do this first, catch as much as I can, and then use this in the engines. Just don't let it get to diluted as you go.
Diver Down |
| Jimbo Song |
Posted - 11/07/2009 : 08:01:30 AM
It is certainly an issue to be considered. Personally, I have a unique situation since I live in FL and don't have to worry about winterization. Plus, my boat doesn't sit unused for long periods. But, even at that. thare are a lot of marinas around FL that sell non-ethanol gas which I bite the bullit and buy whenever possible.
But, even at that, this summer I had my tanks filtered, polished and completely cleaned out. I was totally surprised at all the water and "stuff" that came out.
As for winterization, I do not recommend storing the boat with empty tanks. In fact, my personal opinion is, fill them up and add a sufficient amount of StaBil or other quality fuel stabilizer. After adding the stabilizer, run the engines long enough to make sure the fuel lines, fuel pump and carb's themselves have treated fuel in them. Empty tanks get WAY to much condensation in them.
Others with more experience in winterizing boats may differ with me. Perhaps talk to other long term boaters in your area and ask them what works best for them.
Bob
PS: of course you can always move to FL and not have to worry about it. 
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
