On Tue, 21 Sep 2004 17:36:59 GMT, Larry Weiss
wrote:

Both of my power boats have developed severe engine hesitation
problems. They run okay at idle but sputter and stall when revved. My
mechanics have complained that they are seeing this problem left and
right - and are blaming it on the gasoline, which around here (Long
Island, NY) now contains 10% ethanol. I know ethanol is not good for
rubberized fuel lines, but did not know it caused running problems
(unless the fuel lines are deteriorating and clogging). The gas in each
boat was purchased at a different fuel dock.

If my mechanics are correct, this is a serious regional (national?)
problem. Anyone else experiencing difficulty? Any comments or
suggestions? How can we get gasoline without ethanol in it? How is the
marine industry addressing this?

I wasn't aware it was ten percent, but recently some of the mechanics
I know have been running into filter problems. When they drain off
the fuel, it smells like alcohol - which would lead me to believe that
the combination of ethanol and the alcohol in Dry Gas or it's
equivilent is causing most of the problems.

In CT, I haven't had a problem with my Ranger, but the I've have to
change my water seperation filters twice this year. Got a feeling
that it's the ethanol in the gas I get at Brewers.

I can only speak Johnson/Evinrude, but they are really anti-ethanol
for two stroke systems. I'm not sure why.

Take care.

Tom

"The beatings will stop when morale improves."
E. Teach, 1717