Question for the folks with gas engines

GAS engine, transmission and generator repair and maintenance discussion forum.
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Pit stop
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Re: Question for the folks with gas engines

Post by Pit stop »

I hold 140 X2 = 280 gallons. Aluminum tanks.
Each fall I put 16 oz's of Starton, and 64 oz's of ''Stabil'' And then run the boat to mix it up and run it through the carbs and filers, which I change EVERY SPRING.
in each tank, regardless of the amount of fuel is in the tanks.
More can't hurt, The money it costs per year is $70.00

Eric :usa:
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Re: Question for the folks with gas engines

Post by denpooch »

I thought that I would share my decision on the winter fuel storage.
Although I have not done this in past years, my decision is to go with the Midnight Sun/Viper school of thought.
My research finds that ethanol IS NOT a good thing for the boat. It is a water soluble product that is quite corrosive. The less time it spends in the tanks, the better it is for the tanks. Also, as stated by our friends up north, Ethanol does in fact attract water.
So I am leaving the fuel level where it is; about 20 gallons on port and 30 to starboard. I will add 'Starton' per Pit Stop and the fuel stabilizer.
In the spring I will pour in 5 gallons of fresh fuel to each side before the first start up to mix up what's in there and then go fill er up!
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Re: Question for the folks with gas engines

Post by Viper »

After you run the engines in the Spring for a while, check the fuel filter/water separators to get a feel for just how much water there is in your tanks due to condensation and the consequences of ethanol. If there is phase separation with a lot of water in it, more than can be reasonably treated, it should be pumped out as nothing will remedy that much water and prevent engine issues. You want to do that before you fill your tanks. In case the condition is pre-existing, check your filter contents prior to winter layup. This is why I change fuel filters either at Fall oil changes or as part of my winterizing procedure before running the engines.
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