Will S. Posted March 28, 2016 Posted March 28, 2016 Confused by my fuel findings. On the left, jar with green lid, is the "water/gas" I drained from my boats fuel/water separator (premium gas from Holiday Island Marina). I thought the water would be clear. The clear jar on the right is straight unleaded gas w/ethanol. Why was my drainage on the left this yellow. Any ideas ? Thanks, Bill
MSUFisherBear Posted March 30, 2016 Posted March 30, 2016 At the risk of sounding dumb... I saw your post and became intrigued to say the least. So, like for most questions of this nature I turned to Google. From what I could find searching about it, it looks as though some suppliers of fuel can have different shades (how true this is may be a little suspect). There was also a color comparison on another site for 87 octane vs 91 that looked very similar to your picture (http://www.corvair1.com/dont-be-cheap-pump-the-right-gas-avoid-a-trip-to-a-mechanic). All I know is what I pump in the vehicles (as I' stuck in the Yak or Canoe) and that of which I pump in to the tanks for the mower. That's all 87 and it's mostly clear from what I can tell. Hopefully someone who has more marine motor experience can be of more help. There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind. ~Washington Irving
fishinwrench Posted March 30, 2016 Posted March 30, 2016 The jar on the left looks like aged fuel. How old is it ? Stabil, SeaFoam, Carbon guard, and other "magic" additives can turn fuel a sick yellow/green color after awhile.
Will S. Posted March 30, 2016 Author Posted March 30, 2016 The jar on the left looks like aged fuel. How old is it ? Stabil, SeaFoam, Carbon guard, and other "magic" additives can turn fuel a sick yellow/green color after awhile. I filled with Holiday Islands PREMIUM. Been running rough at low rpms since I got this tank full about a month ago. I installed a water separator & always run Seafoam, but it isn't helping. Maybe I got last seasons gas... My plan is to burn up the tank I have now & fill up with Premium at Eagle Rock Marina in late April. It should be fresh by then.
terryj1024 Posted April 3, 2016 Posted April 3, 2016 Eagle Rock has premium and I've never gotten bad gas there
Will S. Posted May 9, 2016 Author Posted May 9, 2016 I installed a water separator, and will be trying to run all the old fuel out & will fill up at Eagle Rock THEN change my regular fuel filter.
jdmidwest Posted May 9, 2016 Posted May 9, 2016 I just bought a boat with unknown fuel in it. He said it was ethanol free, but I drained it anyway. Filled up all my jugs and cars, all 21 gallons of it. Its nice and clear like the right side. Filled up with fresh ethanol free from a land based supplier. Been running fine without any problems. "Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously." — Hunter S. Thompson
Will S. Posted June 12, 2016 Author Posted June 12, 2016 FOLLOW UP ! Ran out the gas in tank. No water in separator. Filled with "better gas". Have not added any additive (seafoam) runs fine. Still dies occasionally when idling in gear when going to dock (which is a very bad place for the motor to spit & die). Other than that it runs just great ! Probably needs a tune up. (dock side would be great so I wouldn't have to pull out the boat & trailer it to a shop and be without it for 3 weeks)
dave potts Posted June 12, 2016 Posted June 12, 2016 Bill, I had a similar problem with my 115 HP Merc motor years ago. It would die when you idled down like approaching a dock. Several mechanics couldn't find anything wrong with it but then I found a mechanic who said the float in one of the carbs was sticking. He fixed it and I've never had a problem since. You might want to check out that. Dave
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now