Fuel Additive Opinions?

[dthayerppr]

My '89 Larson has started to run rough and idles like crap. Talked to my mechanic and he tells me he is seeing all kinds of fuel system problems because of the ethanol now mandated in our gas. I don't think my Mercruiser has gunked up too much yet and I'm considering trying one of these additives that I've been reading about before I have the card rebuilt. Any opinions or experiences, bad or good, anyone want to share about Star Tron or Seafoam. I've see pros and cons to both. Going to pull and clean the fuel filter tomorrow and then put some fresh gas and a treatment of whatever majority tells me to use. Thanks guys.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Fuel Additive Opinions?

All I can add is that the Sea Foam seems to be pretty good stuff. It's sort of like WD40 or duct tape - gotta' have em'.

 

[freak007]

Re: Fuel Additive Opinions?

I use Marvel Mystery Oil in every tank on my motorcycle and my snowmobile... I also used it in the first (and only) tank I have run through the boat... SeaFoam is good stuff... but kinda overpriced for what it is (mostly kerosene)

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Fuel Additive Opinions?

SeaFoam is a mixture of napta, isopropyl alcohol and pale oil...no kerosene in it. And yes it is pretty expensive for what is in the can. I wouldn't waste my money on it.

 

[freak007]

Re: Fuel Additive Opinions?

SeaFoam is a mixture of napta, isopropyl alcohol and pale oil...no kerosene in it. And yes it is pretty expensive for what is in the can. I wouldn't waste my money on it.

I just had to go look at my MSDS book... you are absolutely right... I was thinking of another brand of carb cleaner...

 

[danond]

Re: Fuel Additive Opinions?

All snake oil. I can't imagine why you'd need it. If you treat the fuel in your engine with StaBil or similar, you don't need it. If you think you do need SeaFoam or Marvel, your engine needs a tune-up. It was never designed to have anything but gasoline, motor oil and coolant running through it.

I've done all my own maintenance for 20+ years on just about every kind of gasoline-powered engine there is and I have *never* seen any problems "fixed" with additives.

Engine oil has detergents in it, gasoline does, too. If what's in them isn't enough, something's wrong with your engine.

 

[cooter2506]

Re: Fuel Additive Opinions?

Stabil has a marine formula with ethanol treatment in it. Seems to work pretty good.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Fuel Additive Opinions?

Howdy,

(this could be as good as an oil thread!!!)

Fuel (and oil) additives are usually very good for the people that market them and sell them. They make money because people buy the stuff.

They're mainly placebos....they make some people "feel" better.

If they make you feel better then by all means use them.

Cheers,



Rick