Gas going bad in outboard fuel line

[jackganssle]

Folks,

I bought a new 4 cycle Tohatsu 9.9 last year. From the very beginning I found that after about 8 hours the fuel that is in the gas line between the tank and the motor turns bright yellow, and the engine can't burn it. The gas in the tank is OK, so if I drain the hose, all is well. Except that getting rid of that bad gas is tough when off cruising for a few weeks.

I thought maybe the hose needed to shed some stuff as it was new. But after a year the same problem persists. And Stabil in the gas tank doesn't cure it. I've tried gas from three different sources.

Any ideas? It's very puzzling.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Gas going bad in outboard fuel line

All of today's gasolines turn yellow over time when exposed to air. I've even seen it turn yellow in clear fuel filter bowls. If you mix Stabil Marine in the proper quantities with your fuel it will help to preserve the fuel. I have 20 gals that's been in my boat since last October and it's fine. I have about 10 gals left out of 20 gals that I drained from another boat 2 years ago and it's still burning in my lawmower and various other gas operated yard tools I have. All of the motors made in the past few years can easily handle 10 pct Ethanol and the other additives in fuel these days. Those are what is turning the fuel yellow.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Gas going bad in outboard fuel line

Have you replaced the fuel line? Some cheap fuel line isn't all that resistant to E-10.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Gas going bad in outboard fuel line

Replace that fuel line with some specified "Marine Fuel Line"....My Yamaha fuel lines have been there since new in 1999 and no deterioration or discoloration of lines or fuel. The Marine fuel lines cost more than the Automotive/Autozone lines, but for your outboard motor and the ethanol fuels, they're the only way to go. Good Luck!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Gas going bad in outboard fuel line

After doing some recent carb rebuilds on small engines..... I ahve now become a fan of Startron for additional fuel additive.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Gas going bad in outboard fuel line

Fuel does not turn "unburnable" in 8 hours -- even if it is sitting in an open container. You have another issue.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Gas going bad in outboard fuel line

If it's a Tohatsu original fuel line no problem. How do you know is not burning, does engine shuts down when gas tank hose is removed ? To burn all gas leftovers in bulb and line, maintain white needle inside tank connector pressed untill all remains are carried to carb to be burned properly.

Happy Boating

 

[robert graham]

Re: Gas going bad in outboard fuel line

Fuel does not turn "unburnable" in 8 hours -- even if it is sitting in an open container. You have another issue.

I agree...you have an issue with your fuel delivery system...probably in those hoses!...

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Gas going bad in outboard fuel line

After doing some recent carb rebuilds on small engines..... I ahve now become a fan of Startron for additional fuel additive.

Hi Bob,

I have been using Startron enzyme treatment for my diesel for at least 5 years. I buy diesel 150 gallons at a time and put it into 3ea 55 gallon drums I have on a trailer that I tow to the farm diesel pumps in a local town.

The other day I was transferring my fuel pump from one tank to the other and took a flashlight and looked down into the tank at the 1" or so remaining in the bottom of the tank.

Absolutely crystal clear with the red tint that comes with dye put in farm diesel.

I know the MSDS shows a solvent in the chemical mix, but that solvent is in most all fuel additives. The thing that works is the enzymes and I am a firm believer.

Mark