Ethanol. Yamaha Motors. Yamaha Performance.
Yesterday a customer called very unhappy about an annual service he had performed almost two months ago. The issue: ETHANOL fuel.
In June, we informed our customers that Ethanol blends even blended with ratios as little as 10 percent are causing problems. This is such an important issue that I want to reiterate this to our customers.
Ethanol fuel will:
Attracts and absorbs moisture from the air. Boaters will likely face more fuel contamination issues from water absorbed through their fuel tank vents.
Dissolves some solid materials (and can loosen any corrosion), e.g., varnish or even oxidation in steel and aluminum tanks, commonly found in fuel tanks, thereby contaminating the fuel.
Here’s what you can do to prevent some of these Ethanol issues:
- Use fuel that has 10 percent or less ethanol
- Use specific stabilizers that were designed for Ethanol in outboard engines: Stratton or Stabil Ethanol Stabilizer.
- Install a Yamaha mini-10™ filter or 10-Micron filter (the smaller mini-10 is designed for smaller boats with engines 115hp and under). Both Yamaha products filter out contaminants and separate water from fuel.
- Carry spare filter cartridges in the event the filter element becomes clogged with contaminants while the outboard is in use.
NOTE: All Yamaha products, rigging, accessories and parts, including Yamalube lubricants and fuel stabilizers are compatible with fuel blends using up to 10 percent ethanol.
We want you to enjoy your day out on the water. Boating is fun for the whole family, but make sure you are doing what you can to mitigate the potential impact of ethanol fuel! Call me if you want to discuss further.
Article by LucyLu
I was born a commercial fisherman's daughter in Cortez, an old fishing village off the west coast of Florida where you can still experience "Old Florida" and get a really good grouper sandwich. I went to school and became an anesthetist, after privileged years of practice, I jumped ship to work in the family business - Cannons Marina. I love my job and the view. I am crazy about my dog. Being out on the water is magical. I still get giddy every time I see a dolphin. Often I brag that I had the opportunity to swim alongside a humpback whale - it was freaky and pretty amazing. Fishing for tarpon and marlin make me happy. My life is no doubt boating, but I also love paddle-boarding cooking and travel.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the update Cannons! We love knowing that you care about boats AND the environment. We also love the post-purchase services you offer.
My 2 year old Yamaha engines as well as other similar Yamaha engines in my marina in Nantucket are having major filter problems, has Yamaha Motors offered any assistance or advice in addressing this problem?
Hi John-
My best advice is that you take your engine to a certified Yamaha motor dealer there in Nantucket. There are several potential issues that could be possible and without looking at your engines I would just be guessing. I am uncomfortable giving you anything but solid advice.
Best of luck.
I have a new flats boat with a new 2007 Yamaha 90 2 stroke. The gas tank is fiberglass. I am a guide and use the boat frequently and service every 100 hrs. The fuel is always new as the boat is used often. Should I expect problems with the tank or motor?
Hi Captain Mike,
I cannot honestly tell you that you will or will not have problems with your engine. There are several factors like fiberglass tank compatibility. I need to know more information about your boat like the name of the manufacturer and whether it really has fiberglass tanks verses plastic ones. The new plastic tanks can look like fiberglass ones. I strongly suggest that you USE StarTron® Gasoline Additive as directed on the label. This additional step will help in resolving some of the ethanol issues with your Yamaha motor
Good Luck and Tight Lines!
Fuel with 10% ethanol in plastic tank on Bennington 205L 20′ pontoon rigged with Yamaha 50HP Outboard 2002 or 2003 model. This boat sat idle on a Hi-Tide lift for two summers with no stablizer in the fuel. Yamaha used to rev to 5000+ RPM and now will only turn 3600 RPM max. Any help on how to rid contamination that may be in the motors interior? Thanks
Hi Joe,
I must disclose that you take your boat to a Five Star Yamaha Dealer for repairs. A certified dealer will have the tools and knowledge to get the job done correctly and efficiently.
Okay to address your question – Below are some things that that will need to be done to correct your issues.
1) Make sure that there are no underlining problems with the motor other then the fuel issues such as low compression or high leak down if it is a four stroke. Once you have confirmed the motor is sound then proceed to the fuel issues.
2) Remove all the fuel from the fuel tank. If the tank is a white Plastic tank and exposed to the sun then you should replace it with a red fuel tank, there has been concerns in the industry about the white tanks, sun and ethanol.
3) Pump all the fuel from the hoses on the boat to the motor also check to make sure the fuel lines on the boat are ethanol resistance if not replace them all. You will need to install a fuel water separator in line I suggest the Yamaha 10 micron filter and then check this filter through out your boating season.
4) I am not sure if this motor is a four stroke or two stroke but either way someone will need to go through the carburetors, clean then and replace any and all filters related to the fuel system. If you have a four stroke this maybe more difficult because of the special tools need to setup the carbs after you have removed and clean them.
5) Once the system has been completely gone through fill with gas and treat the fuel with a ethanol fuel additive every time you get gas.
From this point on you should never let the boat sit for long periods of time without topping off the tank and treating the fuel. Also a point to know is that ethanol fuel only has a shelf life of around 90 days without treatment and closer to 9 months (give or take) when treated. What happens to the ethanol after 90 days is that the octane levels drop below the recommended rating and becomes a product that can damage your boat motor if run through the engine.
If you are going to let a boat sit for long periods you should have the boat flush and fogged before storage and either remove the fuel on top off depending on how long it will be in storage. If you have the option to purchase non-ethanol fuel would recommend that but you should still always treat any fuel with a stabilizer.
I hope this helps you and again I highly recommend this be done by a 5-Star Yamaha Dealer.
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