Treatment FAQ

what is the best ethanol fuel treatment for outboards

by Prof. Don Mitchell Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Top 10 Ethanol Fuel Treatment Reviews.

  • 1. STA-BIL 22240 Marine Ethanol Treatment. STA-BIL 360 is a top boat fuel treatment because it anticipates the average boater’s habits and addresses ...
  • 2. STAR BRITE Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment.
  • 3. Sea Foam SF-16 Motor Treatment.
  • 4. STA-BIL 22275 Ethanol Treatment.
  • 5. Lucas Oil 10576 Ethanol Fuel Conditioner.

Top 10 Ethanol Fuel Treatment for Boat Reviews
  • STA-BIL 22240 360 Marine Ethanol Treatment. ...
  • Sea Foam SF-16 Motor Treatment. ...
  • STAR BRITE Star Tron Fuel Treatment. ...
  • Lucas LUC10013 Fuel Treatment. ...
  • STA-BIL 22275 360 Protection Ethanol Treatment. ...
  • STAR BRITE Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment Concentrate.
Jun 2, 2022

Full Answer

What is the best ethanol treatment for boat fuel?

STA-BIL 22240 Marine Ethanol Treatment STA-BIL 360 is a top boat fuel treatment because it anticipates the average boater’s habits and addresses plenty of ethanol problems at the same time. Despite its obvious strengths, I can’t back the brand’s claim that it makes fuel last up to a year.

What does ethanol do to an outboard engine?

Ethanol is a solvent, according to outboard engine mechanics, and it dissolves seals, gaskets, hoses and even fiberglass boat fuel tanks.

How to choose the best ethanol gas treatment for small engines?

You should aim, for example, to choose products marketed as an ethanol gas treatment for small engines then read the user feedback about it. Key signs of good ethanol treatments include excellent fuel system cleaning and notable engine performance boosts.

Can you use ethanol gas treatment on a jet ski?

Apart from being the admirable ethanol gas treatment for boats, you can use it on other water vessels and jet skis. It’s also fine to use it with other things like snowmobiles, ATVs, and power sports equipment.

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Does seafoam protect against ethanol?

Remember, Sea Foam Motor Treatment in your gasoline, ethanol, and diesel fuel works to stabilize petroleum molecules, control moisture, resist evaporation, preserves light ignition vapors, cleans residues and deposits, prevents gum and varnish formation, and lubricates upper cylinders!

Which is better Star Tron or STA-BIL?

Stabil only stabilizes gas for up to 1 year and does nothing to negate the harmful effects of ethanol. On the negative side, StarTron is more expensive than Stabil (about $8 for an 8 ounce bottle), however, you use a lot less of it than Stabil.....an ounce of StarTron (30ml) treats 6 gallons of gasoline.

Does Lucas ethanol treatment work?

0:031:51Lucas Safeguard Ethanol Fuel Conditioner with StabilizersYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe special additives in this product make it the perfect formulation for effectively preventingMoreThe special additives in this product make it the perfect formulation for effectively preventing rust and corrosion as it cleans the injectors valve seats combustion chambers.

Does Lucas fuel Treatment Help with ethanol?

Lucas Safeguard Ethanol Fuel Conditioner with Stabilizers contains effective additives to prevent rust and corrosion associated with the use of ethanol fuels. Safeguard treats up to 80 gallons(302.8) of ethanol fuel. One ounce treats five gallons of ethanol fuel.

Which is better STA-BIL or Seafoam?

Is Sea Foam better than Stabil? Both Sea Foam and Stabil Storage can keep fuel in good condition for up to 24 months. However, Stabil Storage costs half as much as Seafoam and is 2.5 times more potent, so it provides a much better deal overall.

Can you use Star Tron and STA-BIL together?

Both products stabilize fuel and protect it from ethanol damage by removing water. Stabil is better for engine storage in winters, while Star Tron offers engine protection year-round. You can use Star Tron or Stabil in any engine and on any fuel! Can't decide which fuel stabilizer to buy – Star Tron vs Stabil?

Does STA-BIL prevent ethanol damage?

STA-BIL prevents the fuel in the tank from deteriorating and stops the above from happening. It also removes water from the petrol tank and cleans carburettors and fuel injectors. STA-BIL Storage protects against all the dangers of ethanol and E10 petrol (it in fact protects against ethanol blends up to E85).

What additive removes ethanol from gas?

The short answer is no. Any fuel additive that claims to actually remove ethanol from blended gasoline is something you'd want to stay away from, because who knows what other overtly false claims they're making. There's no fuel additive that could do that, nor should any imply that they do.

Is seafoam a good fuel stabilizer?

Sea Foam Motor Treatment works to stabilize stored fuel up to 2 years. Adding Sea Foam to stored tanks helps fuel resist evaporation, preserves ignition vapors, adds protective lubricity, and prevents the formation of gum and varnish in fuel systems.

How can you prevent ethanol damage to small engines?

0:281:43How to Prevent Ethanol Damage - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can get fuel stabilizers that not only help prevent corrosion caused by ethanol damage. But canMoreYou can get fuel stabilizers that not only help prevent corrosion caused by ethanol damage. But can also help clean fuel injectors and intake valves as well as improve the engines efficiency.How to Prevent Ethanol Damage - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › watchhttps://www.youtube.com › watchSearch for: How can you prevent ethanol damage to small engines?

What fuel treatment is best?

Editor's Pick: Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner. ... Red Line Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner (60103) ... Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer (11722) ... Liqui Moly Jectron Fuel Injection Cleaner. ... Sea Foam Motor Treatment (SF-16) ... Lucas Oil Deep Clean Fuel System Cleaner (10512)More items...•Aug 20, 2021The Best Fuel Injector Cleaners, 2022 - AutoGuide.comhttps://www.autoguide.com › best-fuel-injector-cleanershttps://www.autoguide.com › best-fuel-injector-cleanersSearch for: What fuel treatment is best?

Which fuel stabilizer is best?

BEST OVERALL: STA-BIL (22214) Storage Fuel Stabilizer, 32 fl. ... RUNNER-UP: Lucas Oil 10303 Fuel Stabilizer – 1 Quart.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment Concentrate.BEST FOR YARD EQUIPMENT: Yamaha ACC-FSTAB-PL-32 Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner.More items...•Jun 18, 2021The Best Fuel Stabilizers of 2022 - Top Picks from Bob Vilahttps://www.bobvila.com › articles › best-fuel-stabilizerhttps://www.bobvila.com › articles › best-fuel-stabilizerSearch for: Which fuel stabilizer is best?

Top 10 Ethanol Fuel Treatment for Boat Reviews

After reading the Stabil ethanol treatment review, I was determined to get this product. It’s not a wrong move as my boat runs more smoothly after using it. I was thrilled to find that it can deliver a lot of benefits. Hindering water-related issues in injectors is one of them.

Is Ethanol Gas Bad For Boats

Marine engines are designed to handle ethanol gas or E-10 bears 10% ethanol. It’s recognized as a superior marine fuel because it can maintain low levels of water and keep the system dry. However, it’s necessary to treat it if not used within a few weeks. It’s a must if an engine is set aside for winterization or long-term storage.

Does Fuel Stabilizer Prevent Ethanol Damage

Yes, it does. As mentioned, damages on the boat engine are from phase separation. But fuel stabilizers can counter them by prolonging their life span and functions. It also protects against sludge, corrosion, rust, and other contaminants that impede engine performance.

How Much Additive Do I Need To Remove Ethanol From Gas

An excess amount of additives doesn’t pose harm in most cases. But it’s best to follow the recommendation of the manufacturer on the label or product description. If the suggestion is to use an ounce, there’s no difference in the effects if you add more.

What Is The Most Trusted Ethanol Fuel Treatment For Small Engines

The most trusted ethanol fuel treatments for small engines are STA-BIL, Sea Foam, STAR BRITE, Lucas, B3C, and CRC.

Summary

Your boat engine is the reason why you have a wonderful sailing experience. So, buying the best ethanol fuel treatment for boat is necessary. Spending on this solution saves you from spending more money for repairs of broken engines. It’s a must when your boat engine is placed in winterization or long-term storage.

What is the only product designed to react with water and ethanol at the bottom of a fuel tank?

MDR says E-Zorb is the only product designed to react with water and ethanol at the bottom of a fuel tank and absorb it back into fuel. Thick and amber in color, E-Zorb stands out because it is slightly heavier than gas and can seek out the phase-separated water at the bottom of the tank.

How does phase separation affect octane?

A side effect of phase separation is that it lowers octane by removing ethanol. However, because the octane stripping is incomplete, the fuels octane level has been documented to drop only 1-1.5 units. (About 2.8 units of the E-10 octane rating is due to 10-percent ethanol addition.)

What is Sta Bil?

A well-recognized name in the fuel-treatment field, Sta-bil offers a wide range of fuel storage and treatment products. Its Marine Ethanol treatment is a medium-green liquid that mixes easily with gasoline. It recommends 1 ounce per 5 gallons of fuel for storage protection, or 1 ounce per 10 gallons of fuel during the season. The high levels of additives in this product suggest that Sta-bils recommended doses are conservative. The product comes in 16- or 32-ounce bottles with built-in measuring dispensers. This product delivered exceptionally clean fuel/water separation.

What temperature does E-10 boil?

In fact, E-10 begins to boil at a mere 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. (MTBE gasoline, by comparison has a far more stable vapor pressure.) These rapid changes in vapor pressure effectively act as a pump, drawing more humid air into the tank every night. In addition, E-10 is an active absorbent.

What is the solubility of water in E-10?

In E-10, the solubility of water decreases with temperature-0.6 percent is soluble at 85 degrees, but only 0.4 percent at 32 degrees-and when the solubility drops due to cooling, a portion of the water drops out of suspension, along with six times its volume in ethanol.

Why are chemicals banned in ships?

Emulsifying chemicals and absorbents are strictly forbidden by International Organization for Standards (ISO) marine fuel standards, mostly due to the risk of contamination from sea water.

Can Practical Sailor prove ethanol additives?

As with many of the existing fuel additives, the claims of these newer product are often difficult to prove. In fact, Practical Sailor was not able to confirm one of the key claims (either inferred or explicit) in most ethanol additives: They will prevent phase separation.

What is the maximum ethanol content for Mercury engines?

“ Fuels containing up to 10 percent ethanol are considered acceptable for use in Mercury engines. Fuels containing higher levels of ethanol are not considered acceptable for use, and the use of fuels containing ethanol higher than 10 percent can void the warranty.”

How long does fuel last in a carburetor?

“ Modern fuels have a shelf life of only a few months, especially when mixed with two-stroke oil, with the fuel leaving a black varnish or gum on the inside of the carburetor when it evaporates. A build-up of this will gradually restrict the size of the carb’s main jet, which means the motor won’t receive all the fuel as it needs. The classic symptom of this problem is a motor that misfires and runs roughly, with loss of power even when warm, but improving when given choke. Even with choke it will not be capable of delivering full power, but it should serve to get you home… Adding fuel stabilizer will prolong the life of the fuel, and reduce the tendency to produce varnish.”

Can you replace ethanol fuel injectors?

“ Outboard fuel injectors commonly foul, and must be replaced if contaminated with water or debris from ethanol fuel. Once you have an ethanol-fuel problem in a motor or boat, it can be very difficult solving it for good. It’s very common during the warm-weather fishing season to spend many weeks getting a boat and motor back to running to peak efficiency once ethanol problems have occurred.”

What is the best fuel additive for a 4 stroke outboard?

What is the Best Fuel Additive for 4-Stroke Outboard. Sea Foam is the most popular, safest, and what I would recommend for anyone who’s still trying out fuel additives for this type of engine. More or less, it delivers every major benefit your 4-stroke outboard can gain from a fuel additive.

Is sea foam safe for outboards?

Is Sea Foam Safe for 4-Stroke Outboard. It’s not only very safe but easy to use and recommended for most 4-stroke outboard engines. The brand itself has confirmed this on its main website. You can always pour directly into the tank without any issues.

Can you use ethanol in boating?

Any boater having perennial problems with ethanol gasoline, not least of which are costly engine repairs and low fuel storage life, should know that a trusty partner can be found with this additive. It delivers a plethora of advantages seldom enjoyed by boaters who rely on fuel additives.

What is fuel oxy?

The Fuel Ox Complete Fuel Treatment and Combustion Catalyst is a high quality boat engine fuel additive designed to improve the health of an engine. This product cuts regenerations and emissions. It provides an earlier ignition and through burn of fuel.

What are boat additives?

Boat engine additives are compatible with different engine types. Some will be suited to certain types of engines. Other additives will be compatible specifically with 2-Stroke while others will be universal.

What is viscosity of boat fuel additive?

The viscosity of boat engine fuel additive is the measurement of how easily additive pours at specific temperature. The lower the viscosity number is, the thinner the additive. This will result in easier pouring than a boat engine fuel additive which has a high viscosity number; however these additives are more effective at maintaining strength of film and pressure at higher temperatures.

Why is maintenance important on a boat?

Maintenance of a boat engine is an important part of keeping a boat running smoothly. Regular checks and services prevent the engine from seizing up or breaking, resulting in potentially expensive and time consuming repairs.

Is boat fuel additive good?

Choosing high quality boat engine fuel additive is a wise investment for a boat owner. A relatively low priced-item, engine additive could be mistaken as not being important. In terms of maintaining the good condition of the engine, it is actually a very important item. The wear and tear of a functioning boat engine and the metals rubbing together will inevitable cause damage over time. Engine additive prevents this damage from happening.

How long does ethanol stay in an outboard motor?

Hence, if you are currently searching for a stuff that could help you keep your fuel fresh for up to a total of 90 days, then this could be your savior.

What is fuel stabilizer?

This fuel stabilizer helps ward off winter-freeze-ups and phase separation in E-10 fuel as it efficiently gets rid of water. It also repairs rough engines. What makes this stuff a highly recommended brand is that it aids in bolstering fuel performance and this is done through changing the burn chemistry for more exhaustive combustion, improving the octane and minimizing faulty burned fuel fumes and harmful emissions.

Why do gas stabilizers work?

Ensures satisfying performance. Since gas stabilizers have the capability to clean the entire fuel system, this considerably aids in boosting the engine’s performance and fuel economy. Thus, you can be elated knowing that your engine runs a lot exceptionally and bolster its fuel economy. Tidies your fuel system.

Why is a fuel stabilizer important?

Having a good fuel stabilizer will significantly help you save more on repair costs and only less maintenance is needed.

Does a maximum stabilizer corrode?

In the same way, it won’t corrode or rust any fuel system components and once it is burned in the combustion chamber, it would diminish carbon deposits on pistons, injectors as well as valves.

Is gas stabilizer alcohol free?

Others contain petroleum-based components that are risk-free for all components of the entire fuel system and engines. Some types of gas stabilizers are alcohol-free, aids in blocking separation and breakdown. There are those that are designed to keep carburetors, fuel lines, injectors and tanks tidy.

When will fuel tanks be full in 2021?

July 4, 2021. July 1, 2021 by William Hart. Whether you prefer it or not, there would be seasons when you will necessitate to temporarily storing your most cherished watercraft. And, to do so, you commonly leave your fuel tanks full rather than emptying them. For a fact, there is nothing wrong with this so long as you add ...

Why don't boats use ethanol?

Ethanol fuel’s usable life span may be less than the normal length of off-season boat storage. One of the biggest reasons why ethanol fuel and boats don’t go together is that ethanol has the unhappy ability to attract water. And as almost everyone knows, water in gas engines is a serious problem.

How much water is needed to make ethanol?

Yet producing a gallon of ethanol from corn requires about 35 gallons of water during refining. Gasoline requires only 1.25 gallons of water. Agri-businesses, ethanol refiners, and their political allies tout the value of this “bio-fuel” for America’s “green” and environmental well-being.

How much less energy is in ethanol?

Go to the drug store or the liquor store and it comes in plastic bottles. Some ethanol transfer and storage tanks are built out of fiberglass. Ethanol has 80% of the energy content of "pure" gasoline, so 10% ethanol blended gas has 2% less energy than gas, and 15% will have 3% less.

Is ethanol bad for engines?

Recently ethanol fuel has been getting bad press, at least on the internet, for destroying small engines of the type used for lawn and garden maintenance. So ethanol is taking an even bigger toll than on just outboard motors.

Is ethanol corrosive to drag racing?

Methanol, another alcohol used for drag racing IS highly corrosive (and people often confuse the two). Racers typically empty the fuel tank (usually a small 2-5 gallon tank) and purge the fuel lines after each track day. But ethanol is not corrosive to most fuel system parts. see more.

Does ethanol affect boat fuel?

Here’s why ethanol contributes to boat fuel system problems, according to a marine retail bulletin: Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning it has a strong attraction to moisture. Ethanol increases the amount of water accumulating in fuel tanks. Ethanol produces less energy (BTUs) than an equivalent unit of gasoline.

Does UL test fiberglass tanks?

In fact, UL laboratories tested fiberglass tanks for fuels with ethanol (including up to 100%) and approves them, and they have a long history - some tanks in use for over 30 years. Here's a quick reference: http://www.fiberglasstankan...

What is the best marine fuel stabilizer?

Our honorable mention is often marketed as the best marine fuel stabilizer, but this additive is capable of much more. Sea Foam is a highly effective gasoline preservative stabilizer that both protects your vehicle while it's sitting and cleans the fuel system when it's running.

What is Starbrite fuel treatment?

This company is behind the top-rated Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment. Starbrite got its start in 1973 as an auto polish company. In the 80s, the company expanded its line to include the boat care and appearance market. Today, it makes treatments and additives for a vehicle, aircraft, home care, aviation, lawn mowers, motorsports, and motorcycle markets.

What happens if you don't put fuel stabilizer in your car?

And as these fuels age, they can leave behind gummy, gunked-up deposited throughout your engine. But if you use a fuel stabilizer, you can keep your fuel fresh, properly balanced, and perfectly stable with no evaporation — and no left-behind deposits in your engine.

How much does a fuel stabilizer cost?

$15 to $20: Most fuel stabilizers are priced between $15 and $20, making it an affordable investment whether you’re buying a basic or premium product. You’ll find all different kinds of fuel stabilizers from a wide array of brands within this price range, all in 8-ounce or 16-ounce containers.

What is Star Tron's enzyme fuel treatment?

This additive has unique enzyme technology that is specially designed to work great for both your daily driver or a vehicle you keep stored for months at a time. It's used to stop ethanol fuel problems and prevent phase separation.

Why use fuel stabilizer?

Using fuel stabilizer will clean out the impurities and protect your vehicle from corrosive condensation build-up. Performance. The buildup in your engine causes your motor to work harder to run. This hinders your engine's abilities and takes away from its performance and fuel economy.

Does fuel stabilizer help with cold starts?

Instead of draining it or letting it sit and go bad, fuel stabilizer will keep your fuel fresh for the duration of storage. Eliminate cold starts.

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