Hi there, Been running 93 in my 2003 boat since new. It calls for 92. In Ohio we have 93 ethanol and 90 non-ethanol.

I had a hesitation that I fixed 4 years ago with getting the injectors ultrasonically cleaned. It worked for 3 year but last year was doing it again. Going to send my injectors away again soon. I think the cause is the ethanol fuel and the 5 month layover every year.

what do you think is the best plan for my fuel - trying to keep the injectors from clogging again

• 93 octane most of the year, run 90 non-ethanol the last month of the season? (non-ethanol at the end for storage)
• 90 non-ethanol all year with some VP Octanium added each fuel stop to bump up to 92?
• 90 non-ethanol all year (no booster) and don't worry about the slightly less power (this is the easiest but wonder if it would harm my engine long term?)

thank you!
Skier

 

*if* it was the E85 causing problems the sticky tar like goo that it leaves in the injector can be cleaned very easily. You don’t need to send them out. You can almost always take them off and run some brake clean thorugh them yourself. Back feed them and reinstall. Lots of youtube videos and adapters for this.

Generally 10% isn’t going to cause issues with an injector or fuel unless it sits a long time. I run starigh tE85 and have this issue occasionallt. If I run E50 fuel through my system it clears it up.

Marine stabil works great if your fuel sits for long periods. Should also block off the tank vent if it sits. Depending on the size of your tank and how often you take it out you can also use the 90 octane and rune boostane in it. Its a great fuel additive and octane booster. I use it on my boosted EFI waverunner. But I woudlnt’ want to be treating 100+ gallons.

 

it's a 35 gallon tank but never more than 24 in the tank to keep the weight down - I only use 20 gallons in a month. I use about 3-4 gallons each time we ski. I also ski other friends boats or I would be using a lot more gas in a month. I have used Marine Stabil in the past it didn't prevent the injector issue.

How do I back feed them?

 

I doubt this is caused by the exact type of fuel you chose, more by some other source of gunk, like a piece of rubber degrading.

If fuel "goes bad" it still flows and burns, but it's less volitile and doesn't perform well, which is why gasoline that has gone off runs better when the engine is hot.

 

i replaced all the fuel lines and fuel filler hose 5 years ago and i do the inline filter about every 3 years. Any other source of rubber ?

 

If that is all square, I would guess you might have a little water in your fuel, not surprising as this is a boat.

Also, you don't need to send injectors out, a can of cleaner, a 9V battery to actuate the injector, and an appropriate piece of tube will work. You just need to backflow some cleaner through the injector, any gunk will come out the top.

 

good point on the water