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Just wondering what the majority of you guys do over the winter with the ethanol gas now. Store boat full with Startron or other stabilizer or store as close to empty as possible with stabilizer. Seems like every marina has a different approach. Last year I stored as close to empty as possible but am rethinking it as I have a metal tank and figure condensation could be an issue.
I don't have a metal gas tank but I always store my boat full. The main reason I store it full is because it is a 100 gal tank and if I ever need the gas for the generator I always have 100 galons in that tank.
I try to store with mine as empty as possible that way I start with new fresh fuel in the spring.
completely empty with the motor run dry. havent had a problem that way for ten or so years and my motor is a 91 merc. ive only fogged that motor the first year or two.
If you fill up at west alton marine they have ethenol free gas!!!!!! I store full with stabil-marine formula
Check to make sure they have Ethanol free gas. Last year the state forced all marinas to sell gas with Ethanol.
Some marinas have put in preservatives as Startron in their tanks so the people don't have to.
Louis
I don't think there is any enthanol free gas anywhere around the lake anymore. Last place to have it I know of was the Sunoco in Wolfboro Center. Do they even make it ethanol free anymore?
I think there is a government mandate of 10% now in all gasoline.
Hopefully this article will paste into this message:
It came from Trade Only today
EXCLUSIVE: E15 waiver could cause consumer confusion
The Environmental Protection Agency's expected partial waiver to allow E15 for newer road vehicles will likely lead to boat owners mistakenly filling their tanks with a fuel that could damage their engines, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
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The waiver, which the EPA expects to grant in September, would create confusion among owners of boats and other non-road vehicles and lead to "misfueling," NMMA legislative director Mat Dunn said.
"This waiver will generate an enormous amount of consumer confusion," Dunn told Soundings Trade Only. "A partial waiver is a guarantee that misfueling of boat and other non-road engines will occur and it will push E15 into many markets, which means trouble."
The action will lead to the proliferation of E15 around the country - starting in states where ethanol is readily available, such as Minnesota and Iowa - and will make it difficult for boat owners to find E10, Dunn said.
Dunn said he is hopeful that a strong letter against the waiver sent to the EPA from the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce "will lead to a turn in the opposite direction and slow down EPA's decision on the waiver."
The EPA must review all congressional inquiries, including this one, according to EPA senior press officer Catherine C. Milbourn. She declined to comment about whether the letter would be reviewed before a decision on the partial waiver is handed down.
The federal government set a 10 percent limit on ethanol about three decades ago. Growth Energy, a group representing the nation's ethanol producers, petitioned the EPA early last year for a waiver to allow ethanol blends of up to 15 percent.
The NMMA argues that the EPA should deny the E15 waiver request until independent and comprehensive scientific testing is completed on a full range of marine engines and other products. E10 has led to such problems as the disintegration of fiberglass fuel tanks, the gumming up of fuel lines, and piston and valve failure.
By the end of September, Department of Energy testing on newer vehicles (covering the 2007 and earlier motor vehicle fleet) will be completed, and EPA plans to take action on the waiver request regarding the use of E15 in those vehicles, according to the EPA's latest E15 update posted on its website. If those test results support E15, EPA also will propose a labeling rule on fuel-dispensing equipment at that time, according to the website.
The letter - signed by the committee chairman, Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.), and the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) - asks the EPA how it plans to ensure that "increasing the permissible level of ethanol in gasoline is accomplished in a way that does not present any potential harm to ... consumers' investments in cars, trucks and other engines and equipment." It asks the EPA to "protect the investments the American people have made in their cars, trucks, boats."
The letter, dated July 29, also raises the following issues:
If the EPA does indeed grant the partial waiver it should have a "well-thought-out and well-executed plan for avoiding misfueling. Without appropriate safeguards, a partial approval could pose major problems for consumers with vehicles or engines that are not compatible with E15."
The authors liken the misfueling scenario of E15 to the switch from leaded to unleaded gasoline. "Based on the experience with the transition from leaded to unleaded gasoline, a significant amount of accidental or intentional misfueling would be likely," the letter states. "If such misfueling led to operability or durability problems, or increased repair costs, a significant number of consumers could be adversely affected."
The committee members argue that the Clean Air Act prevents the sale of E15 unless the EPA determines that the fuel would be compatible with "existing cars and trucks, and with non-road equipment (such as boats, lawn mowers, chain saws, etc.)."
The letter is accompanied by a list of 16 questions covering such topics as whether the EPA can assure consumers that E15 will not adversely affect boat engines and whether warranties would be voided if consumers mistakenly use E15 in engines not designed for this fuel.
"We hope EPA gets the message," Dunn said, pointing out that the letter has bipartisan support.
The letter was also signed by Joe Barton (R-Texas), ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Fred Upton (R-Mich.) ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
While the marine industry and supporters fight the partial waiver, engine manufacturers Mercury Marine and Volvo Penta are weeks, maybe days, from beginning testing of marine engines with E15.
"They finally got the contract to us," said Mark Riechers, Mercury Marine director of regulatory development. "The government doesn't always move so fast. We only got the contract finalized a couple weeks ago. We've ordered the engines, and we've ordered the fuel. We're going to be testing for emissions and durability."
Mercury will test a 9.9-hp 4-stroke, a 300-hp 4-stroke Verado, and a 200- or 225-hp 2-stroke EFI. "There are thousands and thousands of them out there," Riechers said of the 200- and 225-hp EFI outboards. The engines will be tested for 300 hours at wide-open throttle.
Volvo Penta will test a 4.3 GL (190 hp) carbureted sterndrive engine, said Rich Kolb, Volvo Penta manager of emissions and regulations. "It's a pretty common engine in a lot of your entry-level boats," he said.
The two engine manufacturers will be reporting the results to the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Click here for the full text of the letter.
— Chris Landry
Well I hate to be lax in this area but I guess I am, each fall I have the boat tuned up, all oils changed and stabilzer added, engine run dry and gas lines disconnected and new water seprator filter installed. Also whatever Honda recomends at the hours on my motor, water pump, etc..
Only time I have ever had problems in the spring is when I forget to re-connect the gas line, and I have done that a couple of times.
I NEVER had any problems and I use whatever gas I can buy cheap, all season, no stabilzer added at all. Not sure how low the tank is each fall, each year would be different I suppose as I don't pay any attention to it, most likely about 1/2 full (or empty).
I have a 4 stoke Honda (115 hp)as many of you do, allways run fresh gas as I use a full tank or more each week, tank is plastic. The only old gas is what is in there in the spring and it has stabilizer.
Is the new gas a problem for 2 strokes or both 2 and 4 strokes and if it's bad for 4 strokes, why isnt it bad for my wife's Honda 4 stroke car, a 4 stroke is a 4 stroke.
Maybe my luck will run out, but I don't think it's luck.
Big John
Best thing is they have everything you might need, ha,ha. Print it out and see what applies to your boat.
HOW TO WINTERTIZE YOUR BOAT
There’s a good reason many animals hibernate during the winter. Preparing for long periods of inactivity and seeking protection against extreme climatic conditions are necessary steps for survival. It’s no different when it comes to your boat and motor. Proper “winterization” is a must for protecting your craft, and ensuring that it’s in ship-shape condition when spring rolls around. Here are some valuable tips for safeguarding your valuable recreational asset during the “off season.”
Fill ‘Er Up
Be sure to fill your boat’s fuel tank to capacity (allowing just a little bit of room for expansion) and add stabilizer, prior to stowing it away for the winter. Failing to do so will allow air into the tank, which can condense on the sides as the temperature changes causing corrosion and clogging over time. Turn off all fuel valves, and use duct tape to seal off any through-hull exhaust ports. This will also help prevent potentially harmful internal condensation. In addition to these steps, remember to replace your boat’s fuel filter and water separator.
Protect Your Engine
Oil tends to settle on the bottom of the engine block when a boat is not being used, exposing the pistons and valves to air, humidity and other corrosive materials. To guard against this situation, remove the spark plugs and spray ”fogging oil” inside the carburetor and down the spark plug holes. Then replace the plugs without reconnecting the wires. This will provide a long-lasting protective coating for these essential engine parts.
It’s also important to replace your engine’s old gear oil with fresh oil. Dispose of any used oil at an authorized recycling center. The lower unit gear case lubricant on outboards and inboard/outdrive engines should also be flushed and changed. This will eliminate water from the system and provide better overall protection for key internal parts. Also replace oil filters on inboard and outdrive engines.
Use the Right AntiFreeze
If your engine uses coolant, drain the existing fluid from the engine block and manifolds and replace with a non-toxic, propylene glycol base antifreeze. Despite pressure from the EPA and other environmental organizations, many antifreeze products still feature an ethylene glycol base, which is known to release toxins into the water. Not only is the propylene glycol variety better for the environment, most manufacturers say this type of antifreeze is better for your engine as well.
Remove Your Battery, Electronics, and Safety Devices
If you are planning on storing your boat out of the water, disconnect your the battery and store it at home for easier maintenance and better protection against theft. Removing your battery is not recommended, however, if your boat will be remaining in the water during the winter period. Boats left in the water should have the battery onboard and functioning so the bilge pump will continue to function if needed. If you will be taking your battery off the boat, make sure it is fully charged prior to stowing it away. Be sure to maintain the charge throughout the storage period (to avoid freezing), and replenish the water level periodically. It’s also wise to remove all of your sensitive and valuable marine electronics from the boat for the winter, and to store this equipment in a safe place at home. This will help prevent theft and possible damage caused by shifts in temperature and humidity. Winterization also presents a perfect opportunity to remove items like dock lines, floatation devices, flares, fire extinguishers from the boat for inspection and possible replacement.
Check Your Prop
Take this opportunity to check your boat’s propeller and hub. Your prop blades may have become bent or nicked over the course of the boating season, which can diminish overall performance. The hub may also be have sustained extensive wear and may even be close to being stripped. If this kind of damage has occurred, you should replace the propeller and make any necessary repairs during the winterization process. This way, you won’t have to worry about these things come springtime.
Clean, Clean, Clean Your Boat
Before putting your boat to bed for the winter, be sure to give it a good cleaning inside and out. If you store your boat with dirt, scum, barnacles and the like on the exterior, these impurities will be even harder to remove in the spring. Once the exterior of your boat is sparkly clean, apply a quality polish to create a protective barrier against dirt and dust. When cleaning the interior, don’t forget the teak, vinyl and carpet. These are areas where dirt, combined with moisture can breed mildew, especially in the dark environment of a covered boat with little or no ventilation. To help keep your boat free of mildew, you may want to install a dehumidifier or use one of the odor/moisture “absorbers” offered by various manufacturers. Turn any cushions up on edge so that air can circulate around them, or better yet, remove them from the boat for storage in a climate controlled area. Also remember to clean any bilges and drain any existing water. Remove all drain plugs and put them in a place where they’ll be easy to find when you’re ready to bring your boat out of winter hibernation. Clean any bilges on your boat too, and protect them with a coating of moisture displacing lubricant and a little antifreeze.
Empty Your Head
If your boat is equipped with a marine head, make sure you pump out the holding tank at an approved facility prior to winter storage. Add fresh water to the bowl and flush several times. Use a cleaner approved for your type of system, and let the solution sit for a few minutes before adding more fresh water and pumping it out again. Follow this process by adding antifreeze (alcohol-based if this type of solution won’t damage the system) and pump the coolant through the hoses, holding tank, Y-valve, macerator and discharge hose.
Put it on the Block
If you own a trailer boat, it’s a good idea to put the boat and trailer up on a block for winter to take the pressure off the tires. You may even want to remove the trailer tires to help discourage theft while the boat is in long-term storage. Take the opportunity to inspect the trailer tires for wear and tear. Also grease the wheel bearings, replacing them if necessary.
Go Undercover
Whether you’ll be storing your boat outside, or inside a garage or structure, your craft should be covered. If it will be outdoors and exposed to elements, you’ll need a storage cover to protect the interior of the boat from the harsh winter environment. Even if your boat will be kept in dry storage, a cover of some kind is recommended to guard the interior against dirt, dust, pests and bird droppings. For outdoor storage, a quality 8- to 10-ounce cotton canvas boat cover is ideal. Make sure that the cover properly sized and fitted for your particular boat model. It should also be supported so water will run off the cover and not accumulate in pockets. If your boat will be kept in dry storage for the winter, the waterproof quality and strength of the cover will not be important factors. In this situation, the main concern is keeping dust and other particulate matter from gathering on your boat, so nearly any type of tarp or cover will get the job done. A fitted cover is preferred however, because it will also keep mice, rats and other undesirables from seeking refuge in your boat and damaging the interior.
If conditions will be extreme, you may want to consider “shrink-wrapping” your boat instead of using a standard cover. Only a shrink-wrap cover provides 100 percent waterproof protection, is impossible to blow off, and can withstand heavy loads of snow or rain. Shrink-wrapping your boat can be a do it yourself job, but it requires proper tools, materials and instructions. Complete shrink-wrap kits are available through BoatersWorld.com (Dr. Shrink “Wrap-it-Up” Shrink-Wrap System).
Additional miscellaneous winterization tasks:
•Inspect steering systems, including tiller-steering friction fittings on outboards, and tighten them if necessary.
•Grease all external fittings on stern drives.
•Check bulbs and electrical contacts on the plugs, as well as sockets where the bulbs screw in. Use a moisture displacing lubricant to spray the contact points, and wrap keep the plugs dry by wrapping them with electrical tape.
Less is best....K100 or startron that is capable of reversing phase seperaton of the ethanol in the gas.In its seperated form 2 stroke oil will not bind to it causing unlubricated engines(bad,bad,bad)....ethanol is a solvent and absolutely distroys fuel lines and unsuitable storage containers that dissolve when used with it like most boat gas tanks used in the 80's.Corn gas is crappy fuel in the 10% form and will only be worse in the 15% form.anyone that has experienced fuel system problems like disolved fuel filters and lines plugged injectors or carburaters is most likely a victem of corn gas.Corn gas produces less energy when burned in the cylinder and cost more to make.....no wonder i'm so confused.polebreaker
Last year (my first year with ethanol gas in the boat) I stored as close to empty as I could and used Stabilizer. With a metal tank I was rethinking this because of condensation. My mechanic say's empty irregardless so I typically rely on his opinion but I have seen other marina's contradict this approach this year. Supposedly a little in there cuase havoc as the ethanol will separate from the gas settling on the bottom and be the first thing sucked into the engine in Spring. Mine is a 190 hsp I/O and I fog it and pull the plugs putting some fog oil in there too. It is just so odd there is no consensus on this. 5 guys say full and 4 say empty.
condensation in a properly vented system is nothing compared with the e-10 fuel....old school non ethanol fuel as full as possible....new e-10 fuel....less fuel less possible seperation and don't be afraid of putting in to much k100....more the better....Gus(gray ghost)had posted in the past an interesting article on e10 fuel and the tests done with the different stabalizers by an independant lab.It is a very good read if you can still find it.polebreaker
Found it....punch in e-10 fuel in the search box and go down to gray ghost post from march 16,2008 at 12:54 pm....it tells you everything you could possibly want to know about this....thanks again Gus...polebreaker
Thanks. I recall reading those. I didnt know the search engine would go that far back.