Hello All, Back in the hunt for a solution to the ethanol problem in small 4 stroke outboards. I prepared my new 2008 Yamaha 20 hp 4 stroke last week for the summer, and when I went to start it I had no problem at all. I did winterize the motor as per instructed from Yamaha, and I did use ethanol gas in it last year. With all I have heard about the problems other boaters are having with their ding motors I figured I just dodged the bullet for not, but need to take other actions to prevent the problems others are experiencing. My questions to the list is can I use ethanol free 91 octane gas in the above ob ? Thanks in advance for all help, Ken Tucknott Trista Gray

Sure. Octane is just a measure of tendency not to pre-ignite. Higher octane is harder to make and more expensive (and profitable). Never hurts to run a higher octane, just costs more. OTOH, running anything on a lower octane than recommended can be an expensive mistake over the long run. Keith _____ -----Original Message----- My questions to the list is can I use ethanol free 91 octane gas in the above ob ? Thanks in advance for all help, Ken Tucknott Trista Gray _______________________________________________

Keith wrote: > Sure. Octane is just a measure of tendency not to pre-ignite. Higher octane > is harder to make and more expensive (and profitable). Never hurts to run a > higher octane, just costs more. OTOH, running anything on a lower octane > than recommended can be an expensive mistake over the long run. > > Perhaps, but with one caveat that all the information that I've been able to find on the E10 problem warns against co-mingling ethanol and non-ethanol (MTBE additive) gas. I can speak from experience that it makes the phase separation problem even worse. It is purported not to be a problem as long as one is run out before using the other. I posted about my Yamaha problems back in January. After installing the Racor 10 micron filter, and using the Pri-G stabilizer, mine has been running MUCH much better. Starts quick, idles smooth, and no more hesitation when accelerating. I have also observed some orange snot in the bowl of the filter, so the phase separation is still taking place, it's just not happening in the carb where it will really cause problems. Steve Sipe Solo 4303 "Maerin" Cape Marina, Canaveral