Is E-10 Fuel Acceptable Early in the Season?

[isaacs]

When I put my boat to bed at the end of the season, I try to make sure it has no ethanol in the fuel.

Early in the following season I will put E-10 into it for two reasons: First, I save a few bucks. I figure the ethanol will will be quickly burned up before it can cause any problems. Second, I figure if I always use non-ethanol fuel any water that may find its way into my tank will never be dissolved and allowed to pass through the engine; maybe a bit of ethanol is a good thing?

In July I switch over to non-ethanol fuel; I've done this for years and have never had any problems. Does this make sense? Comments?

 

[Alumarine]

I've always run E10 all year long.
If I think of it I put in non ethanol for the last tank of the year.
Often the season ends and I still have E10 in it.
Never had any issues. I do put stabilizer in the last tank for good luck.

 

[nola mike]

Second, I figure if I always use non-ethanol fuel any water that may find its way into my tank will never be dissolved and allowed to pass through the engine; maybe a bit of ethanol is a good thing?

Yes, ethanol will dissolve a bit of water and keep it from accumulating on the bottom of the tank. Even merc has said e10 is fine to use since the 80s.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I use E10 all season. I think any concern about 10% ethanol causing problems in an engine manufactured in the last two decades is misplaced.

 

[todhunter]

I do put stabilizer in the last tank for good luck.

What's the preferred stabilizer you use?

 

[Alumarine]

What's the preferred stabilizer you use?

I buy whatever is on sale.
Last time it was Walmart Supertech.

 

[dingbat]

Add stabilizer to the fuel (~40 gal) the last trip of the season, change the fuel filter and call it good.

Top off the tank (94 gal) with E10 in the Spring and go fishing.