Ethanol Fuel Question

This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 7 years, 11 months ago by cadmoving.

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May 31, 2018 at 2:41 pm #346845

cadmoving
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I am running a 2016 pro xs. I always use the Mercury ethanol treatment in every tank. I have found a local station that has a no ethanol gas. It is premium 91 octane. I always thought the engine called for 87. My question is would it be best to continue 87 octane with ethanol conditioner or the 91 without ethanol. Thanks!!

May 31, 2018 at 3:22 pm #346864

oldtimer57
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If you go to bassboatcentral, merc forum, Don Weed recommends sticking with 87 octane. Higher octanes seem to produce more carbon in a two-stroke motor. He has said that 89 no-ethanol is OK.I simply run 87 E10, with the 1 oz of merc quickleen per 5 gallons of fuel, and dont think about it. I would be more concerned if I had to let it sit for a month without running, since phase separation is a problem with E10. But my boat might sit for a week here and there, no longer. Usually 2-3 days is the max. I tend to fill it up, then run it down to 1/4 tank, then rinse and repeat, to keep reasonably fresh gas in it…What exactly is “the ethanol conditioner?” Quickleen is an anti-carbon concoction sold by mercury marine. I think quickstor is their equivalent to Stabil (I use stable in a few things, like our emergency generator.) If you are using quickstor, you really want to add the quickleen as well, that has been a merc recommendation for years.

May 31, 2018 at 4:25 pm #346883

Jstew
Participant

Ill run 87 non-ethanol when I can get it. E10 from a high volume station is fine and what the motors designed to run. Fuel stabilizer additive if its going to sit a bit before using.91 octane burns slower and the motor timing curve is designed for 87 – therefore it isnt optimal and can make carbon.

May 31, 2018 at 6:21 pm #346902

BIGCATTER
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My experience with carbon ” buildup ” over the last 47 years as a mechanic has been that it happens mainly at sustained low rpm , where port velocity is slowed down , as carbon is a result of incomplete combustion , in any engine . — The way most of us run our outboards this is a highly unlikely scenario . — I run non-ethanol 91 octane with a little Seafoam and some Sta-bil , and the tops of my pistons are gorgeous after 2 years of running , which is when I change the head gaskets and thermostats . — I spray a little carb cleaner on them and wipe them off . — Just my humble opinion / experience . — Hoss

May 31, 2018 at 7:59 pm #346919

schodackbassman
Participant

I live in the northeast upstate NY. Ive stored the 07 Classic 200 Optimax outside every year Ive owned it (2010) except last winter. I run 87 E10 during the season, top off with 93 oct for summer storage and have never had an issue. I do have the motor professionally winterized at my local Bass Cat Dealer. I also use Quickleen when ever I add fuel as well as Marine Stabil. Its worked for years. My boat will often sit for a week or more between fishing trips also. Again, have never had an issue. No just hope E-15 doesnt find its way to upstate NY and VT.

May 31, 2018 at 8:52 pm #346939

bwp777
Participant

I run 87 and treat it, never had a problem w/ 2 mercs and 1 yammy

May 31, 2018 at 11:16 pm #346957

Mainliner61
Participant

87 and Marine Stabil 360 in every tank. Never had a problem. Last time I had my engine serviced (at 200 hrs) the dealer commented on how clean my fuel system was and the inside of my prop is just grey. Did the same on my previous engines and never had problem with fuel.

June 15, 2018 at 4:10 pm #346975

cadmoving
Participant

oldtimer57 wrote:If you go to bassboatcentral, merc forum, Don Weed recommends sticking with 87 octane. Higher octanes seem to produce more carbon in a two-stroke motor. He has said that 89 no-ethanol is OK.I simply run 87 E10, with the 1 oz of merc quickleen per 5 gallons of fuel, and dont think about it. I would be more concerned if I had to let it sit for a month without running, since phase separation is a problem with E10. But my boat might sit for a week here and there, no longer. Usually 2-3 days is the max. I tend to fill it up, then run it down to 1/4 tank, then rinse and repeat, to keep reasonably fresh gas in it…What exactly is “the ethanol conditioner?” Quickleen is an anti-carbon concoction sold by mercury marine. I think quickstor is their equivalent to Stabil (I use stable in a few things, like our emergency generator.) If you are using quickstor, you really want to add the quickleen as well, that has been a merc recommendation for years.The conditioner is a Mercury product called Quickare. Recomended 1 oz per 10 gal in every tank.

June 15, 2018 at 4:51 pm #346993

oldtimer57
Participant

OK, think that is also another form of “stabil” which is what you need with ethanol, unless you take my approach and burn it pretty quickly and then re-fill. :)Quickleen is an important one, however, as it helps avoid the blocked exhaust plate problem and such that Pro XS motors are known to have due to carbon build-up when you dont run them hard…

June 18, 2018 at 2:07 pm #347011

cadmoving
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Thanks everyone!!
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