Can your outboard motor run on todays fuels? With 10% Alcohol content the answer is maybe. Four stroke engines only need alcohol resistant fuel systems while two stroke engines need a prayer. The problem lies in the fact that two stroke engines require lubricant to be mixed with the fuel and alcohol doesn't adequately allow this. It is unclear if the newer synthetic blends of outboard lubricant, mix in the fuel any better. What alcohol in the fuel causes in reality is simple. It washes all metal parts, inside the engine, clean of the oil film required to provide adequate lubrication. A simple test can be performed by the boat owner to determine the quality of the lubricant you use in your engine and what effect the alcohol in the fuel will have on your engine. Place a small amount of your lubricant on your hands and see if you can completely remove it with rubbing alcohol. If the rubbing alcohol removes all traces of oil from your hand, then you need another type of outboard oil in your fuel, preferrably one that resists being rinsed away by the alcohol in todays fuel.

Engine manufacturers began introducing alcohol resistant fuel components back in the early 1990's. This solved the issue of alcohol deteriorated fuel components at the engine. It did not handle the issue of fuel components between the tank and engine however. This must be done by the boat owner, or fuel problems will arise from disolved rubber from the interior walls of the fuel line collecting or clogging the carbs or injectors resulting in poor performance or even engine damage from a lean out condition.

Another major issue which cannot be addressed is the fact that alcohol will emulsify water in the fuel which will then enter the engine and cause internal corosion of ferous iron internal components like the crankshaft, connecting rods and piston rings. The only solution is a high quality water seperator and frequent use of the engine.

Other issues facing two stroke outboard owners are fuel quality, waterpump life cycles and gearcase oil condition. For fuel quality, always use a fuel conditioner such as 2+4 fuel stabalizer from the makers of Johnson/Evinrude outboards, as it will keep fuel from going bad for up to two years. Octane boosters and other additives are not recommended. Waterpumps should be changed every 50 to 100 hours of use or annually, whichever comes first. It is a good practice to service the gearoil at the same time.

Submit your questions to: service@marinesurveysplus.com

We service all makes and models from Johnson, Evinrude, Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki as well as inboards and I/O's from major manufacturers. Our service area is from the Palm Beaches to the Florida keys and we would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. We perform all services at your home or marina with no additional service call charges or travel fees. We also offer monthly service contracts for your vessel in which we will come to the vessel every month and run the engines, test the systems and look for potential problems before they become a problem, all at affordable rates. We also install marine electronics, washdown systems, live bait wells, electrical repairs and many other custom needs. Give us a call at 954-592-1344 or local 239-369-2061 to schedule an appointment.

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