Fuel Stabilizers Help with Ethanol

Kevin Falvey, with Boating Magazine, had this quick tip: Ethanol-enhanced fuels create problems for marine engines. E-10 fuel attracts and holds water, loses octane quickly, and while
it ostensibly burns cleaner, it's less efficient. To combat the
potential for engine corrosion, carbon buildup and reduced
performance of my boat's Suzuki DF 250 outboard, I dosed the
fuel supply with Sta-Bil Marine Formula.

Marine Formula offers double the corrosion protection and four times the fuel system cleaning of standard Sta-Bil. I treated 105 gallons of fuel before winter storage last year and
had no issues in the spring. It did clean my fuel lines, as
evidenced by the sludge in my fuel filter's collection bowl. Key
to any ethanol-treatment formula is the ability to dissolve this
cleaned sludge enough to pass the filter media. Both Sta-Bil
Marine Formula and Star Brite's Startron do this, and neither
creates harm if over applied.

Change Fuel Filters Regularly

If you've decided it is time to change or clean the fuel filter, there are a couple of basic types which are all easily serviced or replaced. Most motors utilize some form of an inline
filter either between the fuel tank and pump or between the pump
and carburetor(s) or fuel injection vapor separator tank.

Some inline filters are solid metal or clear plastic housings which are clamped in the middle of two fuel supply hoses. This style is easily removed and replaced by undoing the clamps and
carefully pulling the hoses free of the filter inlet and outlet
nipples.

Other inline filters consist of a 2 piece plastic or metal housing where a fuel filter bowl can be removed from a filter cap. The bowl often threads into position or is secured by a
knurled knob which can be loosened by hand in order to remove
the bowl. Inside the bowl or cap of this style filter you'll
find a removable filter screen. If the screen is not damaged it
can be rinsed in solvent and air dried (or VERY carefully blown
dry using low-pressure compressed air). When in doubt, this type
of filter screen is easily and inexpensively replaced.

Before checking the fuel pump, make sure you've got clean fuel
filter/water separators. Finally, many boats and some motors are
rigged using a disposable spin-on fuel filter or fuel filter and
water separator. These filters resemble automotive oil filters
and are removed or installed in exactly the same fashion. Often
you'll want a strap or cap wrench for removal, as they tend to
get stuck in place after a season's use. Once unthreaded, you'll
normally find a small rubber gasket which again looks just like
the gasket on an oil filter. Before installing a replacement
spin-on fuel filter, be sure to lubricate the rubber gasket with
a small dab of engine oil (again, just like with a spin-on oil
filter) to ensure a good seal and to help make sure the filter
comes off with ease next time you need to replace it.