Alcohol % in Gasoline

[EdBB]

Looking for some insight into a potential problem. I have a 1991 Suzuki DT65 and a 1963 Johnson 9.5 as a kicker on my boat. <br />I read in the paper today that Ontario is planning to make 5% ethanol mandatory in all gasoline in 2007.<br />I understand that ethanol will be highly detrimental to the gaskets and fuel system of both of these engines.<br />Is there some sort of additive that I can use to offset the effect of the ethanol or do I have to make a choice between rebuilding the affected parts and scrapping one or both of these reliable engines?<br />Any and all suggestions welcomed.<br /><br />Ed

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Alcohol % in Gasoline

really isn't much of an issue with 10% or less ethanol. Minnesota's had 10% a requirement for MANY years now and I haven't had any issues with it in my boat motor, lawnmowers, chainsaw, snowmobiles, weed eater, or ATV. ONE thing to watch out for with 2 stroke engines and 10% is you should go up one jet size if your really worried about running lean since Ethanol requires a richer fuel mixture. Just do the WOT test on you engine and kill engine while leaving the throttle at WOT and pull a spark plug check the color. If its a nice medium brownish color you are plenty rich, if its getting to be a tan color you are spot on, and White is BAD.

 

[EdBB]

Re: Alcohol % in Gasoline

Rancherlee:<br /><br />Thanks for the tip about spark plugs. I'll try it.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Alcohol % in Gasoline

Originally posted by EdBB:<br /> Rancherlee:<br /><br />Thanks for the tip about spark plugs. I'll try it.

You need to use a NEW PLUG for this, run up for a while at operating temp, wide open under load, then kill the motor with ignition for this to work.