'89 Force motor and Ethanol gas

[RCamburn]

Being an older motor made before ethanol gas is it ok to run with just the gas/oil mix or should I add something else because of the ethanol? If so what and how much? Also, been reading that 89 octane is best to use. Agree? Thanks.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: '89 Force motor and Ethanol gas

Install a water separator filter and keep on truckin, er boatin. And yes on the 89 octane.

 

[SkiDad]

Re: '89 Force motor and Ethanol gas

i use 87 with no issues - if you are worried about ethenal use Marine Stabil. I put that in sometimes but b/c I boat every week i don't usually worry about it.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: '89 Force motor and Ethanol gas

Ethanol will ruin older hoses and possibly delaminate the inside of them.
They make a blue additive for Ethanol.
Available at any place that sells oil or marine parts?
I don't usually add anything as the gas isin't in there that long.
If it's gonna set any length of time? Use Stabil and the blue stuff.
87/89 either one.
Check the fuel pump diaphragm.Ethanol can hurt it.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: '89 Force motor and Ethanol gas

Why spend extra for 89 when it will do nothing except reduce the amount of money in your wallet? 87 is fine, the engine will be perfectly content and ethanol will not be a problem. The hoses and primer bulb will harden after a while but that happens with age anyway. The fuel pump diaphragm will also harden and wrinkle a bit but again, that happens with age anyway.

HOWEVER: DO install a cheap plastic fuel filter BETWEEN the fuel pump and carbs, whether or not you install a water separator. It will save headaches down the road (river).

 

[Jiggz]

Re: '89 Force motor and Ethanol gas

That clear plastic fuel filter Frank mentioned is probably the best less than $5 addition I ever made on my 89-125HP!

 

[RCamburn]

Re: '89 Force motor and Ethanol gas

Thanks so much for the input. Huge help. Wouldn't have thought to install filter.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: '89 Force motor and Ethanol gas

Install it under the cowl in the line between the cowl and the fuel pump.
Installed outside,it can get snagged and hooked on stuff?