can I run ethanol gas in my 4 stroke 2.5 hp motor

10% ethanol I've read is okay, but some stations near me sell a higher % ethanol. It damaged my 90 hp motor and I don't want the same to happen to my new kicker.

I would believe the seals and hoses would bot be rated for the higher ethanol content. What ar e the manufacturers recommendations?

For what it’s worth I run recreational fuel in my outboard (2018 Mercury 60hp) and all my mowers and power equipment. It’s more expensive but I believe it’s worth the extra cost.

Here is is an article on outboards and one from Husqvarna about outdoor power equipment.


Fishermen beware: ethanol fuel is deadly for outboard motors - AllOutdoor.com

What is ethanol fuel and why is it bad for your small engine outdoor power equipment? | Husqvarna US

This site lists stations that sell 0 ethanol fuels by state.

Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada

I run 100% gas in the outboard, lawnmowers, any 2 stroke outdoor equipment gets true fuel. Only use a couple of gallons a year.

Thanks for the replies. Guess the least I can do is use Stabil. I'd hate to empty the fuel tank ever few weeks.

But way to empty is to go fishing. :fish

Update:
I called Mercury outboard and this is what I was told:
1. make sure 10% ethanol is max. Higher than that (E15)- no good. Mobil and Exxon always mix no more than 10% ethanol (E10).
2. use Stabil gas treatment to help with water/ gas separation due to ethanol
3. as long as Stabil or some other gas treatment is used, using stored gas shouldn't be a problem - even through the winter
4. a higher octane than regular (81) is not always good or advantageous

Again, thanks for the replies. (Now if I can only follow the 10 steps to get the thing started! )

Stabil makes some good products

They ship in what ever they have so making sure what you are burning is sketchy at best . Had a mercury carb. gassket go bad and was told it was ethanol . When I said it had never had ethanol in it the mechanic laughed . :juggle