Is it OK to use ethanol gas in a boat?
You can run ethanol fuel in a boat. Though it is strongly recommended that non-ethanol fuel be used. There can be damaging and costly effects done to the engine due to using ethanol fuel. Here are all of the reasons why it is not recommended to use ethanol.
Is ethanol free fuel better for my Boat?
Yes! You can run ethanol fuel in a boat. Though it is strongly recommended that non-ethanol fuel be used. There can be damaging and costly effects done to the engine due to using ethanol fuel. Here are all of the reasons why it is not recommended to use ethanol. As well as what you need to know if you are going to use ethanol in your boat.
Can you buy gas without ethanol?
You can simply pull it up on your smartphone to look at before you put your car in drive, and then head toward the closest ethanol-free gas station on the map! Considering that so many gas stations don’t offer ethanol-free gas, this map should make it possible for you to get the gas you want for your car no matter where you are.
Is ethanol better than gas?
Why is ethanol fuel better than gasoline? Fuel Economy and Performance A gallon of ethanol contains less energy than a gallon of gasoline, resulting in lower fuel economy when operating your vehicle. Ethanol also has a higher octane number than gasoline, which provides increased power and performance.
What are the pros and cons of ethanol free gas?
Why is gasoline so good?
Why do high compression engines run on ethanol?
Does ethanol affect the engine?
Is regular gasoline better than ethanol?
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What kind of gas should I put in my boat?
What Type of Gas Should I Use in My Boat? All current outboard, sterndrive and inboard gasoline engines are designed to operate safely on fuel with no more than 10 percent ethanol (known as E10), and under no circumstance should fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol (such as E15 or E85) be used in a marine engine.
How long does ethanol free gas last in a boat?
6 monthsPetroleum-based gasoline that does not contain ethanol will still succumb to oxidation and volatile compound evaporation in a sealed container or tank, but these processes usually occur more slowly in pure gasoline. Expect non-ethanol gas to last at least 6 months if it's properly stored.
Is it OK to put regular gas in a boat?
Can You Use Regular Gas in Boats? The answer to this question is both yes and no: Yes, you can use the same gasoline as a car in your boat engines; however, this fuel must be E10 or ethanol-free gasoline. E15 or gasoline with higher levels of ethanol is not recommended.
Does non ethanol gas run better?
Corn can be used as a food source instead of mixing some amount with gasoline. Ethanol-free gas offers better mileage than fuel with an ethanol mix. Even if mileage efficiency is reduced by 3%, ethanol-free gas is better for the engine. There have been reports of ethanol mixed gas leading to rusting engine parts.
Should I add fuel stabilizer to ethanol-free gas?
Adding a stabilizer to the fuel can extend its shelf life to up to 2 years. Ethanol-free fuel doesn't suffer from the moisture issues that pump gas does so it is unlikely that you'll benefit from adding stabilizer unless you are storing it for more than six months.
Does ethanol-free gas burn slower?
Ethanol contains roughly one third less energy than ethanol-free (also known as non-ethanol) gasoline does, which means you will get slightly fewer miles per gallon if you use E10 or E15. The fewer miles per gallon you get is small, but measurable.
What is the best fuel for outboard motors?
Ethanol-free fuel is the best way to go for most outboard motors. In many cases, you can use the same fuel in your boat as you do in your personal vehicle. Be sure to check with the local marina or wherever you typically fill up your boat to see what type of ethanol-blended fuels they offer.
What octane is best for outboard motors?
87 octaneCurrent recommendations are to use a minimum of 87 octane, 89 octane is preferred. There is no additional benefit from using higher-octane fuels, in fact they may cause hard starting conditions in hot weather.
What octane gas should I use in my Mercury outboard?
98 unleaded gasoline is the best choice for a Mercury 4-stroke boat engine.
What is the advantage of ethanol free gas?
Benefits of Using Our Ethanol Free Gas: More energy = More power. Improved gas mileage (around 3-4%) No dependence on ethanol crops. Significantly much less harm to engines as ethanol attracts water, which can lead to rust on the interior parts of an engine.
Is ethanol free better than 93?
It depends whether you want more power or better mileage. I've used 90 ethanol-free, and 93 w/ethanol in our '08 R55S and mileage is similar, but it runs better on the 93. I had a chance to top up with 93 ethanol free once and it made a big difference in mileage and performance, even though it was just a 1/4 tank.
Does ethanol free gas produce more horsepower?
The more ethanol content the more fuel it takes to make a given hp over gas. e85 is around 28-30 but can be as high as 40% more fuel over gas to make the same amount of power on gasoline race fuel.
How long does gas stay good in a boat?
three to six monthsHeat, oxygen and humidity all have an impact on the condition of stored fuel. In general, pure gas begins to degrade and lose its combustibility as a result of oxidation and evaporation in three to six months, if stored in a sealed and labeled metal or plastic container.
How long will non ethanol gas keep?
One of the areas ethanol-free gas is more superior to regular gas is its longer lifespan. Ethanol-free gas lasts up to 6 months without compromising its freshness. For those asking, “How long does gasoline last?” Generally, gasoline lasts between 3 to 6 months.
Is ethanol free gas better for two-stroke engines?
Non Ethanol Gas is the best fuel for older four-stroke, and any two-stroke engine.
How long will gas last with seafoam in it?
2 yearsSea Foam Motor Treatment works to stabilize stored fuel up to 2 years. Adding Sea Foam to stored tanks helps fuel resist evaporation, preserves ignition vapors, adds protective lubricity, and prevents the formation of gum and varnish in fuel systems.
Will ethanol free gas make my car run better? - Quora
Answer (1 of 7): >> Will ethanol free gas make my car run better? It will make it run with more power, yes. And more efficient because gasoline has more energy per unit than ethanol. It also is more “green” to run pure gasoline. Ethanol is a scam and more energy/emissions goes into making a gal...
Gas mileage with ethanol free vs 10% ethanol - Car Talk Community
I have read that gasoline without ethanol has more but energy than gas with ethanol and will deliver higher gas mileage. So does that mean that the miles per gallon indicator ( either average or instantaneous) will show higher miles per gallon? It does not seem to change with gasoline type. Ethanol free gasoline costs about 25 cents more per gallon here in South Carolina- $3.72 per gal ...
11 Important Ethanol Pros and Cons You Need to Know - Green Coast
11 Important Ethanol Pros And Cons You Need to Know. With the increased awareness of the dangers posed by some fuels to the environment, as well as the fact that most of them are depletable, more focus is now on alternative sources of energy.. The world is now shifting to the use of renewable sources of energy, which are more friendly to the environment and do not face depletion risk.
Learning How to Handle Emergency Car Problems
Nothing is more frustrating than being stranded on the side of the freeway with a broken car. Unfortunately, if you don't know how to change a tire or check your oil, this might be the reality you are faced with.
How long does a boat fuel last?
We talked about it a little bit earlier, but the fuel only has a shelf life of 90-100 days. Making it not something that you want to let sit. (Here’s an article about how to start an outboard that has been sitting.)
Why is ethanol bad for engines?
Because it does not have the same combustible qualities as it once did. The engine might not be able to run!
What does it mean when a boat fuel tank is vented?
Boat fuel tanks are vented. Which means that they are always open to the outside air conditions. Unlike our cars which have a closed fuel system. So once the mixture has separated, it means that the gas is no longer burnable by your boats engine. Depending on the conditions.
How much water does it take to separate fuel from the tank?
Water will always get into places you don’t want it to! Fuel Testes state that it only takes one tablespoon of water per one gallon to contaminate and separate the fuel. Regardless of whether or not it sucks the water from the air or absorbs the condensation from the sides of the tank. Boat fuel tanks are vented.
What happens if you run on low octane?
Then this is hard on the fuel pumps and can eventually burn up a pump. Then when you turn off the engine and let it sit. It can become a problem.
Does ethanol draw water from the air?
The idea is that ethanol will basically suck in water from the air. Which in turn adds water to the fuel and then creates what is called “phase separation.”. We’ll talk about that in a minute. There are two sides to this story. Most people believe that ethanol can draw in the moisture from the air.
Can you use ethanol in a boat?
Yes! You can run ethanol fuel in a boat. Though it is strongly recommended that non-ethanol fuel be used. There can be damaging and costly effects done to the engine due to using ethanol fuel. Here are all of the reasons why it is not recommended to use ethanol. As well as what you need to know if you are going to use ethanol in your boat.
beauhunter41031 12 pointer
First time boat owner here, just acquired my grandfathers bass boat. 70 hp Johnson not running the best taking it to a local mechanic Monday.
BigPete 10 pointer
I worked on small engines for years, I’m also a boat owner and tinkerer, so I have a small amount of knowledge about the workings of these types of engines.
Meatstick 12 pointer
It's more gooder, but not completely necessary. Has never been worth the inconvenience for me, but my boats never get to rest for long. Boats run fine on ethanol gas, they just don't store with it worth a damn.
beauhunter41031 12 pointer
It's more gooder, but not completely necessary. Has never been worth the inconvenience for me, but my boats never get to rest for long. Boats run fine on ethanol gas, they just don't store with it worth a damn.
1wildcatfan 12 pointer
I was hoping you would chime in. This boat probably won’t see the water once a month if that so I’ll go with the e free gas, thanks
slobear 12 pointer
For the past 8 months I have ran 87 octane corn fuel. Without a doubt my motor runs better on it than it does pure gas. I add startron if I’m not going to use it in a few weeks and upgraded all my fuel lines. I doubt if I ever run ethanol free gas again.
00noturkey 12 pointer
Lucky, i can get in in spencer, shelby, an bullet county. blue turbo, in spencer, plus affgas, not spelled correct, but for airplanes. i used to have a location map, perhaps its on my windows drive..
Pile-Up At The Blend Wall
"When Congress wrote what's known as the Renewable Fuel Standard into law in 2005, it assumed that gasoline use in this country would continue to rise as it had been doing for years," reports BoatUS Government Affairs Senior Program Manager David Kennedy.
Reform the Renewable Fuel Standard Now!
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is the regulatory tool that mandates specific amounts of "renewable fuel" or "biofuels" that must be blended into the domestic gasoline supply each year.
To "E" Or Not To "E"?
Under current law, the EPA already has authority to adjust the ethanol volume that it requires gasoline refiners to meet. With the blend wall still looming, as part of its legal rule-making process over this past summer, the EPA proposed a complicated formula for lowering the targets that would cut E0 production a whopping 98.5 percent.
Author
Ryck Lydecker is a fisherman and formerly part of our BoatUS Government Affairs team.
What is the maximum amount of ethanol in a pontoon boat?
You also want to keep the ethanol content of the fuel in mind when you are filling up your pontoon boat. E10 (ten percent ethanol) is the maximum amount of ethanol that you will want to use in your motor. Higher ethanol content is available, but it is not approved for use in boat motors.
What type of fuel is used in a boat?
Two major types of fuel can be used in a large commercial boat: marine gas oil (MGO) and marine diesel oil (MDO): Both of these fuels are considered to be distillate fuels, used primarily in high and medium powered ships. Marine gas oil is comprised of a blend of light cycle gas oil and aromatics.
When Should I Add Oil to the Fuel?
Older two-stroke outboard motors on your smaller personal boat may require you to mix the fuel and oil on your own. Sometimes there is a smaller tank located near the engine for you to pour two-stroke oil into.
What Is The Best Gas for Outboard Motors?
The best gas for outboard motors will depend on the specific make and model that you purchase. Identify your manufacturer’s specific instructions in the owner’s manual before you make a final decision about what to put in your boat.
What About Smaller Personal Boats?
Smaller personal boats offer you more selections when it comes to what type of fuel should be used. This is an important question to consider when you are first weighing the decision to purchase a small boat for your personal use. Once you make the purchase, you should stick with using the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer. However, you do have some choices, including gasoline, diesel, and even red diesel.
What Kind of Gas do Pontoon Boats Use?
Most of the boats that fall into this category have an outboard motor to propel them through the water. The larger the pontoon is, the more powerful this outboard motor is required to be.
What fuel do you use for a gas pump?
Ensure that the pump you use has either ethanol-free gasoline or E10 fuel. This is relatively common, but there may be times when you encounter a gas station that sells only E15.
What are the pros and cons of ethanol free gas?
List of Cons of Ethanol Free Gas. 1. It has more harmful emissions. This is one of the major reasons why people are turning to alternative energy and mixing ethanol in gas. It cannot be denied that pure oil has more harmful e missions that are contributing to global warming and pollution. 2.
Why is gasoline so good?
Energy-rich pure gasoline has higher energy content so it delivers more power when burned. And because your engine is able to convert the fuel into more kinetic energy, you get to use less fuel but achieve more mileage. 2. There is less harm to the engine. Gas mixed with ethanol has a negative effect on engines, ...
Why do high compression engines run on ethanol?
This is because a high compression ratio usually requires high octane levels in order to avoid putting high levels of stress on an engine (what is otherwise known as a condition called pre-ignition).
Does ethanol affect the engine?
There is less harm to the engine. Gas mixed with ethanol has a negative effect on engines, particularly those of older models since these weren’t designed to run on ethanol-mixed fuel. Some of the problems reported are the breakdown of old rubber seals and an increase in vapor pressure which may cause a vapor lock in the carburetor.
Is regular gasoline better than ethanol?
Regular gasoline has a lower octane rating than ethanol, so it is not ideal for these kinds of engines. As technology is figuring out more ways to make machines and the world less dependent on fossil fuels and run more efficiently on alternative energy, the tide could be turning for pure oil users.
What are the benefits of ethanol free gas?
Ethanol-free has several benefits for your outdoor power tools: 1 If sealed properly, ethanol-free gas lasts longer. This means less waste of product and money. 2 Ethanol-free gas increases the performance of the engine and reduces the risk of power loss and engine failure. 3 There is a lower chance of the Ethanol in the premix to create damage to the tank, engine, and gum parts a 2-stroke engine.
Why is ethanol free gas better than other gas?
Ethanol-free gas increases the performance of the engine and reduces the risk of power loss and engine failure. There is a lower chance of the Ethanol in the premix to create damage to the tank, engine, and gum parts a 2-stroke engine.
What Is The Difference In Shelf Life Between Ethanol-Free and Ethanol-Based Gas?
If your weed eater or leaf blower runs on a two-stroke engine, you have a choice between mixing your own gas/oil solution or buying a commercial premix! With the DIY approach, your fuel mix will have an incredibly short lifespan without stabilizers, and a wrong mix can easily damage the engine.
What Does Ethanol Do To Gasoline?
In fact, chances are that when you pump gasoline at your local convenience store, it contains around 10% ethanol.
What is the best octane for ethanol?
While picking the best ethanol-based gas, avoid using any fuel that has an alcohol content higher than 10%. Alongside it, for your premix, use only fuel with an octane rating higher than 89 and synthetic “ashless” (residue-free) oil.
How long does gas last in a non-spill container?
As we have seen, water and moisture make up the most common cause of fuel spoilage. Yet, if you are not storing the gas properly, several other factors can affect the quality of your premix. To ensure a shelf life of at least six months, you should: Store the gas in a non-spill, approved fuel storage container.
How long does ethanol free gas last?
Ethanol-free gas is suitable for use for around six months if correctly stored and sealed. It lasts longer than gas with ethanol in it can still degrade, especially if it’s been exposed to atmospheric conditions. Although ethanol-free gas does go bad, you can mitigate the risk of degradation by storing it correctly.
Why is ethanol added to gas?
Basically, ethanol is frequently added to gas because it can make the fuel burn cleaner and more efficiently. As a result, adding ethanol to gas can reduce a vehicle’s greenhouse gas emissions , which is a good thing.
What to use to remove water from gas tank?
For example, if you suspect there is water in your gas tank, you can use HEET Gas-Line Antifreeze & Water Remover to remove it. And if you have a diesel engine, you can use Diesel Formula STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer to prevent water from building up in your tank and protect against corrosion.
Do gas stations have ethanol free gas?
Considering that so many gas stations don’t offer ethanol-free gas , this map should make it possible for you to get the gas you want for your car no matter where you are. So even if you’re traveling and don’t have access to the ethanol-free gas station you regularly go to, you don’t have to go back to regular fuel if you don’t want to.
Can ethanol cause engine damage?
But if you have a car or other vehicle you rarely use—such as a motorcycle, ATV, boat, or outdoor power equipment—there is a chance that ethanol could lead to engine damage over time. If this is your situation, you might consider switching to ethanol-free gas.
Is ethanol safe to use in a car?
Now that you know the possible negative effects of ethanol, it’s important to note that gas that contains ethanol is considered safe for most cars that are used regularly. This is because when you’re frequently refilling the gas tank with fuel, there’s less of a chance for water to settle at the bottom of the tank and cause corrosion.
What are the pros and cons of ethanol free gas?
List of Cons of Ethanol Free Gas. 1. It has more harmful emissions. This is one of the major reasons why people are turning to alternative energy and mixing ethanol in gas. It cannot be denied that pure oil has more harmful e missions that are contributing to global warming and pollution. 2.
Why is gasoline so good?
Energy-rich pure gasoline has higher energy content so it delivers more power when burned. And because your engine is able to convert the fuel into more kinetic energy, you get to use less fuel but achieve more mileage. 2. There is less harm to the engine. Gas mixed with ethanol has a negative effect on engines, ...
Why do high compression engines run on ethanol?
This is because a high compression ratio usually requires high octane levels in order to avoid putting high levels of stress on an engine (what is otherwise known as a condition called pre-ignition).
Does ethanol affect the engine?
There is less harm to the engine. Gas mixed with ethanol has a negative effect on engines, particularly those of older models since these weren’t designed to run on ethanol-mixed fuel. Some of the problems reported are the breakdown of old rubber seals and an increase in vapor pressure which may cause a vapor lock in the carburetor.
Is regular gasoline better than ethanol?
Regular gasoline has a lower octane rating than ethanol, so it is not ideal for these kinds of engines. As technology is figuring out more ways to make machines and the world less dependent on fossil fuels and run more efficiently on alternative energy, the tide could be turning for pure oil users.
