gas additive question

diggs

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 8, 2005
Messages
37
Im a little confused about how often and if at all I should use additives in my gas. I have a 200hp 1996 johnson and have been told many things about which gas and which additive to use. For the most part I use 89 octane and put in 2+4 additive, a little less then what the say on the bottle every time I fill up, also every third tank I put in carbon guard as the bottle says. I have been told by different mechanics different things<br />Use 87 and switch off every tank with 2+4 and carbon guard.<br />Use 93 and no additives.<br />Use 89 and once every 5 tanks or so use additives.<br />The reason I ask is the engine does not always run that great-but just had it checked and every thing was fine except for a loading problem, and was told probably the gas causing it. I was hoping someone could recommend what is working good for them or have some input to what may help. Thanks again in advance for any help
 

bubbakat

Captain
Joined
Oct 29, 2002
Messages
3,110
Re: gas additive question

I use a half can of sea foam every other tank of gas. 12gal tank.<br />It has a fuel stablizer in it and will cut carbon off the pistons and won't harm the engine.<br />I use this every year and it keeps it clean and carbs running good.<br />I would do a compression ck and spark check and if all is well and the carbs haven't been rebuilt in a few years I would rebuild them
 

diggs

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 8, 2005
Messages
37
Re: gas additive question

Thanks bubbakat, I had the compression checked and it was good, spark was good, thinking about changing the standard QL78 plugs to something equilavant, and the carbs were just cleaned and seemed to be fine. I will though try that sea foam stuff, and see what happens
 

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: gas additive question

What is it about us wanting to dump stuff into our gas tanks?? I maintain a boat for a nieghbor, Every spring I have to pump out his gas tank, dump it into my truck and fill his up again on his dime. He insists on pouring fuel drier, stable, and every other thing he can get his hands on. Putting in the proper amount of stabil, or seafoam, in a different tank of gas is fine, but dont put three or four different things in there, That just may be why you are having the loading problem. Myself, I use nothing and never have a problem. If I had to use something it would be seafoam.
 

diggs

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 8, 2005
Messages
37
Re: gas additive question

Thanks for the info. Its tough to make a decision since different mechanics and other boaters all have told me different things. I have heard of seafoam but I thought it was for storage use like stabil. Im pretty new at this forum but the advice I have received from it has been great. Since more than one mechanic told me they think my problem is gas related I wanted to get some feedback from this forum about it. I will try running strait gas for awhile and if that does not help I will for sure try the seafoam.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: gas additive question

Your engine calls for 87 octane unleaded and TC-W3 outboard oil in a 50:1 mix or with the oil in the VRO tank, Diggs.<br /><br />That is all that it needs, period.<br /><br />Periodic use of a decarbing agent can help keep carbon buildup down and Stabil can help the fuel survive the winter.<br /><br />Anything else is a waste of bux.<br /><br />My grandma used to dose me with castor oil daily and kept charts on my bathroom habits. I hated it and it did me no good at all. I did bad things to distort her records and punish her for the torture.<br /><br />Don't pour all that "castor oil" junk into your engine. It may punish you for it.
 

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: gas additive question

I didnt want to come accross too strong, Im not the most tactfull person here at Iboats. I didnt mean that you were that kind of a person, but there are those that are. I just wanted to say that it isnt bad to use additives, its just not a good Idea to use them one on top of the other.<br /><br />As to the SeaFoam, Im looking at a can right here on the desk. It says:<br /><br />"Injector cleaner"<br /><br />"Carb cleaner"<br /><br />"Carbon Cleaner"<br /><br />"Fuel stablizer"<br /><br />Frees lifters - rings"<br /><br />Deicer anti Gel"<br /><br />"Upper cylinder Lube"<br /><br />"Dries oil and fuel"<br /><br />Use through carburator or vacume line, use in oil, or in gas or diesel.
 

khc1970

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 19, 2004
Messages
109
Re: gas additive question

Sorry for bugging in, can I use seafoam in DI engines? Would it do it any harm?
 

diggs

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 8, 2005
Messages
37
Re: gas additive question

LubeDube you did not come across too strong at all. I really appreciate the feedback, its what makes people learn. And thanks for the info on the can I was just trying to look it up on the web to get the reading off the can. I going to burn a couple tanks of strait 87 like JB suggested and then see if that helps my loading/carb problem, then if it does not I will use the seafoam to see it that helps. Im really wondering if that stuff I was running through my gas was causing my problems. If I find out anything I will post it. But no matter what Im going to stop with the 2+4 and carbon guard all the time. Thanks
 

KCLOST

Commander
Joined
Jun 22, 2002
Messages
2,095
Re: gas additive question

I don't think seafoam will cure a loading problem...At all!!!<br /><br />Please correct me if I'm wrong...
 

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: gas additive question

Originally posted by KCLOST:<br /> I don't think seafoam will cure a loading problem...At all!!!<br /><br />Please correct me if I'm wrong...
Yes KC, I have to agree, he did mention that he had the carbs gone through though.<br /><br />I think I would try and do a decarb as per instructions in the FAQ. Let it set overnight before you start it up. Maybe you have excess carbon build up. If you do, all the seafoam in the world, just running it as you are will not do you any good.
 

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: gas additive question

Originally posted by myoutboards:<br /> I use baby oil in my VRO tank, runs reaalll niiiccceeee
If its Johnson & Johnson you will be sorry, dont buy on name brand alone. :D
 

kirkland

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 2, 2003
Messages
195
Re: gas additive question

OKAY I have to ask on this one.....BABY OIL...IN VRO...What does this do...i can't believe it to be good for the engine.. and where did you find TC-W3 baby oil ??? :) and LD that was a great comeback... J&J :) ....you guys make me cry around here sometimes...I needed a laugh....
 

Nos4r2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 12, 2004
Messages
1,533
Re: gas additive question

Makes your motor run as smooth as a baby's bottom. :)
 

Perfidiajoe

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 1, 2005
Messages
378
Re: gas additive question

Baby oil in VRO, Smooth as a baby's bottom. I guess your trouble will be behind you!
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: gas additive question

Ya know, guys. This kind of stupid joking around might be taken seriously by some newbie and destroy his brand new 250 DFI engine.<br /><br />Let's keep the silliness in DC.
 
Top