Is adding a fuel additive worth the time?

[DBenja4148]

I'm a new boater and own a 2003 Chaparral 260 Cruiser w/ 320 hp Volvo 5.7 GXi. Would it be wise from time to time to ad a carb./fuel additive to keep the engine running smoothly or are these additives a waste of money. Does anybody have a favorite brand if you have found them worthwhile. Thanks for the help.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Is adding a fuel additive worth the time?

IMHO it's a waste of money.<br /><br />It is, however, a good idea to a use an additive to keep the fuel fresh in the tank during storage.<br /><br />Remember to fill her up before the storage - a full tank won't develop as much condensated water

 

[notinbig]

Re: Is adding a fuel additive worth the time?

i LIKE TO USE A CAN OF "SEA FOAM" EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. BECAREFUL IF YOU ARE INJECTED. SOME INJECTORS DO NOT LIKE ADDITIVES AND THEIR CHEMICALS CAN AND WILL EAT THRU THEM

 

[boaterntexas]

Re: Is adding a fuel additive worth the time?

if I could afford it, I would use sea foam on every tank, since the budget is tight, and gas prices are high, I tenp to pic a favorite gas company like shell or exxon, and stick with them then I will add the occasional bottle of sea foam. good stuff for two stroke outboards as well..

 

[Snailman]

Re: Is adding a fuel additive worth the time?

Has anyone every tried BG-44K? I've heard talk that it's the miracle cure for everything! I can't even find it but when I do I'm assuming that it's going to cost me an arm and a leg.... so..... same question.... worth it?

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Is adding a fuel additive worth the time?

Can't you just add regular carb/injector cleaner additives from your local Walmart? It does clean dirty carbs and injectors on cars.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Is adding a fuel additive worth the time?

With a brand new boat there won't be anything to clean out. Make sure you keep it that way by always maintaining a good, clean procedure when filling her up, and add some storage additive before season ends to prevetnfuel from turning sour.<br /><br />If you wan't extra precautions fit a fuel filter or filter/separator combo.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Is adding a fuel additive worth the time?

I ran a 1976 Cobalt with the in-line chevy six cylinder nearly all of it's life (over 840 hours and would that be 27 years?) with no carb problems. I also used ethanol fuel for at least the last 10 years.<br /><br />Leave it 3/4 full at end of season and run Stabil through it as you winterize (10 minutesor so) so it works through the entire fuel system.<br /><br />Fill up at the beginning of the season next year and put in a can of Heet. Change and clean fuel filters every 100 hours.<br /><br />My experience in the midwest has been that gas is a lot more consistent in octane and quality than it used to be, at least from the reputable suppliers.