reg or prem fuel ?

[jwkoehn]

I have a new 383 crate motor from Merc I am running premium fuel in it because I am uncomfortable w/ethenol in the fuel system merc says reg fuel w/ 87 rating is ok any thoughts

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

This is my thought .......

merc says reg fuel w/ 87 rating is ok

and that's up to 10% ethenol.

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

How do you know that your premium fuel is ethanol free? Have you tested the fuel? Don't buy into the marketing scams that pervade the oil/fuel industry. About the only places left to get reliably ethanol free gasoline is at an airport.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

I say split the difference and go for the medium grade 89. . .

I think you will find ethanol in all grades of gasoline. I tend to use 89, 'cuz that is what is sold at the local fuel dock. (which I try to stay away from - $$$)

 

[Don S]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

Here is Mercruisers thoughts on the subject.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/servic...nd-maintenance/faqs/mercruiser/?category=fuel

 

[jkust]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

Well here in MN, it matters not whether it is premium or not the pump must say that the fuel is ethanol free. I presume then that the pump indicates ethanol free and it happens to be the premium grade?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

To quote from the link that Don posted:

2001 models and newer Mercury MerCruiser engines beginning with serial number 0M300000 will operate satisfactorily when using a major brand of unleaded fuel meeting the following specifications:
...
Have a posted pump Octane Rating of 87 (R+M)/2 minimum. Premium gasoline [92 (R+M)/2 Octane] is also acceptable.

I like that - "Premium... is also acceptable."

Why in the world would anyone use more expensive gasoline than necessary? If Mercruiser says the 87 octane is acceptable, then go for it!

 

[Lakes84]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

Well here in MN, it matters not whether it is premium or not the pump must say that the fuel is ethanol free. I presume then that the pump indicates ethanol free and it happens to be the premium grade?

I'm in Minnesota too (for boating). Most stations (if not all) will tell you if it has ethanol, it won't have a sticker if it is ethanol free.

I also think I read somewhere that premium will give you more power than the 10% blends do.....someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I can't find 87 or 89 octane with out ethanol (especially in WI), so I pay a little bit more to keep the ethanol out of my boat.

 

[jkust]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

I'm in Minnesota too (for boating). Most stations (if not all) will tell you if it has ethanol, it won't have a sticker if it is ethanol free.

I also think I read somewhere that premium will give you more power than the 10% blends do.....someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I can't find 87 or 89 octane with out ethanol (especially in WI), so I pay a little bit more to keep the ethanol out of my boat.

The few stations that have non oxygenated gasoline have a sticker with specific language denoted. Apparently my English skills and eyes plus read of the legislation are incorrect.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

is the crate motor stock? if not, you may need the higher octane rating anyway.

I like the notes related to use of fuel with alcohol.

http://pure-gas.org/

 

[Lakes84]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

The few stations that have non oxygenated gasoline have a sticker with specific language denoted. Apparently my English skills and eyes plus read of the legislation are incorrect.

Well brother, I'm 46 and have never ever seen that at a station....just saying. I'm from Minnesota, I only sleep in Wisconsin lol. Here, there is no stickers for ethanol free gas. I know, because I had to go to every freaking station in Hudson to find ethanol free...and it was 92 octane with no stickers.

ETA. I called the BP station right there in your hometown. They only sticker the E10 gas. The non oxygenated fuel they have there does not denote no ethanol. Your BP right there on Bass Lake Rd...check it out =)

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

Wisconsin has both. stickers on the lower grades that state "may contain up to 10% ethanol" and stickers on the premium pumps that state "ethanol free"

 

[Lakes84]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

Wisconsin has both. stickers on the lower grades that state "may contain up to 10% ethanol" and stickers on the premium pumps that state "ethanol free"

Um, not in Hudson. There seems to be some inconsistencies to this stickering thing, as I just proved....I'm not calling anyone a liar, I just don't like misinformation being put out for the masses (like that never happens lol)

 

[Lakes84]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

THIS pretty much tells the story. Note the caution under the states lettered N-W. Interesting how the states all differ on labeling. Can't find a website that states that there is a requirement to label a pump as ethanol free. Can anyone else? This thread is interesting and a thought I have often.

 

[JimS123]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

I have a new 383 crate motor from Merc I am running premium fuel in it because I am uncomfortable w/ethenol in the fuel system merc says reg fuel w/ 87 rating is ok any thoughts

My thought is that if Merc tells you what to use that should be what you use. Why on earth would you deviate from the manufacturer's recommendations? They know more than we do!

 

[Mousejockey]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

I am running premium fuel in it because I am uncomfortable w/ethenol in the fuel system

Why may I ask? The manufacturer diddnt specify its not recomended ? Also, on the 89 octane issue... there is no such thing. They only have 2 unleaded tanks at the station, 87 and 92, they just mix the two.

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

Why not just run 87 octane ethanol free. Is it not available? It's pretty common in VA. There are at least 6 station I can think of within 45 min. of my house that have all of their grades of gas ethanol free. I fill the boat at those stations and I make sure they know that I just bought 40 gallons from them because it was ethanol free. I want them to realize people notice and buy their product.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

Why not just run 87 octane ethanol free.

Why not just not worry about it and go boating? I've been running E10 in everything I own since it's been available and I've never had a problem.

With the exception of fiberglass fuel tanks, the problems we have now are not all that different from the problems we had before ethanol.

 

[bnicov]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

If it runs fine on 87 octane, have at 'er. You'll be able to afford more fuel. Ethanol is here to stay and will continue to increase in locations selling it. It's a great octane booster and it's also a great solvent to keep your fuel system nice and clean. Keep fresh fuel in the tank and enjoy.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: reg or prem fuel ?

If it runs fine on 87 octane, have at 'er. You'll be able to afford more fuel. Ethanol is here to stay and will continue to increase in locations selling it. It's a great octane booster and it's also a great solvent to keep your fuel system nice and clean. Keep fresh fuel in the tank and enjoy.

I would agree with that except for one thing. Ethanol has a nasty tendancy to attract water. Lets set aside that fact that the boat is operated in the water and just consider the amount of time between fill ups and the storage time vs. a regularly used automobile. I waste a lot of fuel by regularly draining my boat tanks to clear them of accumulated water. You would be suprised how much is sitting in the bottom of a tank after a long lay up. I was always under the assumption that Stabil or a similar product would prevent this but I've found that to not always be the case.

I may be a bit over cautious but the way I figure it, it's easier to fund a new tank of gas than a new motor.