Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › What say you about fuel additives? Are we doing more harm then good
1stinLA.
I found this lurking around. Very provocative assessment about fuel additives. Are we over excessive and anal about fuel additives? Can they do more harm then good over a period of time? Best thing we can do is keep our fuel fresh for todays motors. Maybe dated carb. motors fuel additives are good but maybe not so for DI engines. Something to think about for all engines. Here are some excerpts below…. The link at the bottom is a great read.””About 18 months ago we started noticing a problem with some of the fuel injectors we where servicing.The filters in the injectors where Brittle, Crumbly or even completely gone.The injectors are leaking because without the filters trash gets inside and they become stuck open.””I think we have been doing the wrong things for a long time with our outboards.In a fuel injected world we live in today we can not do the same things we did with our old carbed engines.”Think about this…..We run Ethanol in our cars and trucks without any problems. Most people do not dump all thesnake oil in there fuel either.Whats the difference ?We use them every day…………http://www.etecownersgroup.com/post/inj … s&trail=15
As usual, a starter for a meaningful debate…. if it does not turn ugly that is…. Im hoping I learn something from this… my observations/comments:* Surprised he “called them out by name” but noticed he started to “back off” a little once challenged. But hes convinced based on the evidence hes seen that is obvious.* I have read articles that nothing can eliminate phase separation but, Ive never read anything that “damned” all additives.* I get my filters changed annually and, run only non ethanol gas. So, I only add Ring Free.* It is recommended by my dealer/mechanic for mitigating coking. I trust his advice more than the guy here. * I have had discussions and actually looked at the parts (filters/plugs) being replaced with him and, Ive not had anything like what this guy described. * Ive actually wondered whether I ought to go to bi-annual maintenance because the parts being replaced didnt appear much different than the new parts being installed.Bottom line; Im inclined to keep doing what Ive been doing, so far Ive had good luck and, its recommended by a certified Yamaha mechanic who I trust to be both competent and honest. But, Im interested in reading what others will post.
Each persons situation varies depending on usage. Personally, I do not use any additives. Having said this, here is why:1. Nothing but non ethanol fuel is used in the Optimax.2. I try to buy the non ethanol from a station that sells a large quantity of fuel3. Rarely, does the engine go more than 2 weeks without being run.4. Fuel tank is kept either full or empty. Honestly dont believe the condensation theory has much validity, and prefer not to mix old fuel with fresh fuel.5. Engine is serviced as recommended and perhaps ahead of schedule on some things.Do the additives help? I have no idea.One other observation–this is not meant as a testament to non ethanol fuel, but it is an observation. A lot of guys with a PII, run the 25 Fury. I have run two of them and feel that performance is a little lacking. The 200 opti has no problems slinging the 26 Fury and will get into the rev limiter. I have often wondered does the non ethanol fuel allow the engine to perform a touch better?
As stated above: One other observation–this is not meant as a testament to non ethanol fuel, but it is an observation. A lot of guys with a PII, run the 25 Fury. I have run two of them and feel that performance is a little lacking. The 200 opti has no problems slinging the 26 Fury and will get into the rev limiter. I have often wondered does the non ethanol fuel allow the engine to perform a touch better? cef1965 I definitely agree with the performance of non-ethanol being better. The alcohol has less “energy” per gallon than a gallon of pure gasoline. I always got better mileage in my vehicles on non-ethanol fuel. I am not sure, but I think that is also why diesels get better mileage than gasoline, diesel has more energy per gallon than gasoline.Bill
Ethanol fuel is junk! Something else shoved down our throat by government. I have not seen non-ethanol fuel around here in a few years.Dan
I found it interesting and provocative. The idea to keep fuel fresh is something I never thought about before. Typically, I use mine up but at the same time like Carky. Something to consider regarding more additives being better.Last edited by Flyswatter on July 19th, 2014, 10:00 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Personally, I use he heck outta Lucas fuel treatment in all my vehicles, very often. A gallon jug is in my truck at all times. I believe it works. Always used in my Opti.
I think the question is…….is it really necessary? If you use the fuel regularly, is there a need for so many different additive? At 5 mpg, its not like the fuel is staying in the engine long, but at a higher rpm it goes through it faster.96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
If you have the option to purchase non ethanol fuel, you have probably noticed it does come with a premium price. It is typically about 10-12% higher per gallon than fuel with ethanol. Not sure how this translates into cost per gallon if your only choice is fuel with ethanol plus fuel treatment additives.. Just a thought.
Dbasketman stated it best for me as I have used Lucas in every vehicle Ive owned except the 99 Opti that I blew up a few years ago (still wanting to kick myself) at the OI. It was full of carbon buildup, with a cracked ring in #4 cylinder.
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