The ethanol gas in big cities.

[kevlar3000]

I saw this question asked on an old thread, and thought it was worth " expert opinions"<br />I live in Minneapolis where gas is oxygenated<br />due to state law. There are a few places that sell non oxygenated 91 octane, but they are few and far between, there is no 87 or 89 that is alcohol free. What are the best options to do for my older Merc outboard? Any thoughts would be of great appreciation!!

 

[ODDD1]

Re: The ethanol gas in big cities.

Kevlar, yuor motor will live a long life on this stuff if you mind a couple of things...<br />1..if you have the stock main jetting in the carbs, increase them .002" why? this is oxygenated fuel..it carries its own extra oxygen into the combustion chamber, making the motor run leaner[higher combustion temps] increase in the mains counteracts this and keeps things as they were.....<br />2..NEVER NEVER store this fuel...fill it up on the way to the lake and put her away empty....I'll hear all kinds of crap on this, but its the better of 2 evils...the other side of the coin is condensate[water] in the tanks from being empty during storage...guess what? i bet theres water in your tanks right now....if you are worried invest in a canister style water separating fuel filter...

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: The ethanol gas in big cities.

Hey Oddd,<br /><br />Would you say the best of all scenerios is to get the non oxygenated 91 octane? There is a place a couple miles from me....<br /><br />Thanks for the help!!

 

[ODDD1]

Re: The ethanol gas in big cities.

TO answer the question, YES.....if you dont want to change the motor and you gotta run the stuff, stay out of the throttle......

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: The ethanol gas in big cities.

Hey Oddd, <br /><br />could you give just a bit more info, I did not quite understand your last post. Want to make sure I do it right....<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Kev

 

[ODDD1]

Re: The ethanol gas in big cities.

KEV, what i was trying to say is if you have to run reformulated fuel, you should avoid maximum power output [WOT]......if you are gonna do any damage to the engine, it will happen at WOT, generally lesser throttle openings are not a problem...

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: The ethanol gas in big cities.

gotcha!!! Thanks, I will get the non oxygenated gas until the jets are re sized. I just got a new 74 CV 16 in great shape from a father son Merc shop in Skanni, came with a 78 V6 150 Merc, which was the sons boat and engine, it is plenty fast and I usually don't have to open her up as she chine walks<br />over 63 or so. I tend to like the 55 - 60 range with that hull.