HaHa: 0
Crappie Wall Hanger II
Ethanol Fuel
This may save someone some motor issues down the road. Recently got a used boat for crappie fishing that set during the winter months and was used very little through the summer. It had very low hours. It had a 2 stroke carbureted mercury on it that looked new. The boat ran great on plane and had a good holeshot but had to choke it everytime to start it.Basically it was losing fuel prime when it set for an hour or so. First thing I replaced was the primer bulb and fuel line but still had the same issue. I knew the prior owner used ethanol fuel in the past soI took the fuel pump off and the pictures tell the story. It was full of varnish particles so it couldn't hold fuel pressure. I purchased a fuel pump re-build kit for 15.00, cleaned it out, re-built it and also replaced the fuel filter and now it starts and idles great. I still run ethanol fuel because that's all we have available in our area but the boat will be on the water 12 months a year and not setting for any length of time. After running ethanol fuel for awhile now, I honestly think I get better performance vs non-ethanol fuel but if you plan on winterizing your engine or not using it for an extended period of time, I would be sure to add a quality fuel conditioner such as seafoam and make sure it's circulated through the fuel system. Even the newest engines that say E87 octane compatible needs a fuel conditioner if it sets long. Hope this saves folks some issues down the road.
Keeper
Be careful. Those varnish chunks may well be from the lining of the fuel lines and more to come. Been there done that with supposedly good lines coming apart inside. Silverado 4000 is a decent one to replace with which remains pliable ...for 5 yrs any and counting.
Crappie Wall Hanger II
Most newer model engines are supposed to be E87 compatible so the fuel lines should meet the standards. I know this one has the tag.
Trophy King
That is most definitely the lining from the fuel hose ,, exactly what mine looked like when the fuel broke it down
hdhntr LIKED above post
Crappie Wall Hanger II
My merc is a 2005. No ethenol in that engine.
Crappie.com Legend
my buddy has similar problem with his motor as we rarely use it and when we do it loses prime while we are running it. replaced bulb and line but still happens. So thanks for the tip and will check it out. Another great article on CDC about something was just talking about with my bud.
TimY thanked you for this post
Crappie.com 3K Star General
Originally Posted by crappie crazy
Yes it is; if you look close you can see the curvature of the flakes which match the diameter of line.
Crappie Wall Hanger II
The reason it was shaped like that was due to the fuel setting in the lines for a long time and turning to varnish. All lines were taken off and checked. There was no issue with the lines. When the fuel set up in the lines and became hard, it just held that shape.
Trophy King II
Crappie Wall Hanger II
Me either even though the manufacturer says it’s ok to use in current engines.
Reply With Quote