The stuff I've seen this year Long post

[Maritime Matt]

This ethanol is freakin horrible stuff. Here's a few just recent;
Mid 2000 Suzuki 40/Carolina skiff- Customer took the boat to the dealer where he bought it. Motor would not start. They told him it needed a VST tank. They told him they see it all the time and that was what needed replacement. Never even took it apart.
He slips the boat at the marina I'm located in and called me to let me know he's taking it out of the dealership and wants us to diagnose/repair it. What we found:
Low pressure fuel pump had bad diaphram and was leaking fuel into crankcase.
High pressure pump in VST tank not operating
Boat had no water seperator on it. It does now.
Fuel tank stunk like varnish. Empty/dispose old fuel. Flush tank/New fuel w/additive.
Flush all fuel lines
Primer bulb installed wrong and kinked at one end
Replaced with New one.
The VST TANK DID NOT need replacement.

03 15hp Yam 4 stroke/ older Starcraft 14ft tin boat
Customer stated it will not stay running and has to shoot ether in it for its first start-up every time he uses it.
Removed carb. Ugly Ugly. The coating inside the floatbowl was etched by the ethanol. I could clean it and rebuild it but never guarantee it. Let's replace the float bowl. $244.00 Thats right. $244.00 for a float bowl. WOW!! How about the whole carb for $326.00? Much better deal for the customer. On it went.
Emptied the 6 gals from his portable tank, flushed and added fresh fuel w/additive.
Flushed all fuel lines/pumps
Started on the 2nd pull
Water tested it today.
 More to come.

[Reckless]

Interesting read! Seems like fuel is creating its share of problems. Knock on wood I haven't had any fuel issues since I purchased the boat 4 years ago. I think sucking out 1 or 2 gallons in the spring before starting has helped prevent some issues. The ethanol will probably cause a problem down the road no matter what I do.

[Maritime Matt]

I pull the fuel line off my motor and take a sample every spring. Clear glass jars are great for this. We recommend this to our customers as well.

[Bucktail]

Very informative post Matt.  You mentioned a fuel additive.  Will adding these prevent any damage the ethanol might cause?  Is there a particular kind or brand you recommend?

[Maritime Matt]

bucktail,
Regarding your first question,I always hope it prevents damage. Its what the manufacturers of the additives say it does. I use CRC Phaseguard 4 or Marine Formula Stabil. And I use either of them all the time, everytime I put gas in my tank.

[Hunter 2]

I always add addative too, 1 bottle last around 360 gallons, I feel better safe then sorry. I think after the first treatment, 1 ounce will treat 16 gallons, I run a 1988 350 crusader with a carb. The only problem Im having in warm temperatures is vapor lock on starting after a nice run to the grounds. Im thinking of cutting some vents in the engine box so it can breath better. If Im ever in a "no start" situation a spritz of engine starter fluid gets it going. But that has not been happening this season. I let the engine run for a while before I shut her down and the temp drops to 180 deg. Im learning as I go,,

[Fishin Dude]

 The dreaded "E" word ! I replaced the high pressure fuel pump located in the vst on my yami last year,diaphram shot to hell. I replaced the filter while i was in there as well. Luckly, it did not fail completely, I was able to limp back in.

This problem is not just limited to watercraft, but it is effecting older cars & trucks as well. I replaced the fuel pump in my truck (02) a few months ago, tore the old one apart. Motor worked, rubber shot. Could be age or common wear, but maybe not. 

The government tells us that newer vehicles use different compounds to prevent Ethanol damage, but apparenty they do not care about people who own older stuff. I now use fuel treatment in both the boat & tow vehicle. <'((((>< 

[ped579]

I've been using Sea Foam in my 2000 Expedition about every 2 to 3 tank fulls and it has been a big help and I think I am getting much better millage as well as it keeps the engine parts running smoother. Wal-Mart has it for a good price so it is affordable.