Should I add a stabilizer to my engine and what should I do with the carborator??

[h2ofun]

I just bought a Crestliner Super Hawk 18 I/O with a 4.3 190 HP. I have heard different reports on adding a fogger or stabilzer to my fuel when I fill up. Some guys say, do it no mattter what, and the mechanic that ran me through the engine at the dealership said that I didn't have to as long as the gas pump didn't have a posted ethnol sign which would mean there is over 10% ethnol added to the gas.

Also, the engine is a carborated and I was wondering if anyone has this engine and if I need to do anything special with it (i.e. warm it up, pump the throttle) before going.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Should I add a stabilizer to my engine and what should I do with the carborator??

yep, its just like an old 60's ford or chevy.
you will usually have to pump the throttle twice, then set the throttle so it starts about 1200 RPM and allow it to warm up. unless it has the TKS feature then its simply turn the key, most times
and fuel stabilizer wont hurt, espexcially if ya get busy and forget the boat for a few months.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Should I add a stabilizer to my engine and what should I do with the carborator??

Fogging oil and fuel stabilizer are two different things. Fogging oil is sprayed into the running engine when it comes time to lay it up for winter storage (if that applies to you). Fuel stabilizer keeps fuel from going sour/bad so adding it to every tank is recommended. Now on the ethanol issue. There are two types of ethanol fuel. Gasahol or E-10 is regular gasoline with up to 10% ethanol added and is referred to as ethanol blended fuel. It gets blamed (unjustly) for all sorts of problems from water absorption to carb problems to engine blow ups. E-10 is an excellent fuel system cleaner and can be used in your engine. We in the midwest have used the stuff for over a decade. What you CANNOT use is E-85 which is 85% Ethanol. Many new cars and trucks today can run on E-85 but it's off-limits for boats (at least at this time). Too bad because I use it in my Impala and its only $2.37/gallon here in Minnesota.

 

[h2ofun]

Re: Should I add a stabilizer to my engine and what should I do with the carborator??

Thanks for the info, very helpful!!!

 

[180shabah]

Re: Should I add a stabilizer to my engine and what should I do with the carborator??

Welcome to iboats.

You got some good info above. To answer your question about warm up, in a boat you always need to let the engine warm up before "taking off". Your engine is under a much higher load than your car, and you really want the oil up to temp. We usually just put along while we stow gear, get drinks etc., by then the temp is up and we can give the tach a workout